Lewis Cooke
August 31, 2022
Martha Curtis, Professor Emeritus, served on the Faculty of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Dance from 1988-2017, and as Department Chair from 1996-2006. Curtis is the visionary choreographer and co-director for this project. She uses archetypal journeys to create dances that capture essential human themes. She was inspired by several trips to Hawaii and the volcano Kilauea and has developed a deep interest in Pele and Hawaiian culture. Curtis and Clancy have maintained professional interaction for 30 years since Clancy was Curtis’ student. Professionally, she performed with Pauline Koner, and served as her assistant 1976-82, She is a recipient of numerous awards and choreographer’s fellowships. Her choreography has been selected for showcases throughout the US, and her dance films have been broadcast on PBS and selected for screenings internationally. Her other teaching credits include The Ohio State University, University of California, Santa Cruz.