SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — This fall, Penn State Schuylkill is stepping into new territory with the introduction of "Dance 100: Dance Appreciation," a course that invites students to explore the art, history and cultural significance of dance from around the world.
The class, taught by Cathy Fiorillo, teaching professor of theatre and communication arts and sciences, marks the first time "Dance 100" has been offered at the Schuylkill campus. While fine arts courses such as theatre, film, art and music have long been part of the curriculum, this new addition adds an exciting new dimension to the arts at Penn State Schuylkill.
“In 'Dance 100,' we don’t just study steps; we celebrate stories, cultures and creativity, making the art of dance both fun to learn and exciting to share,” Fiorillo said. “It is more than a class — it’s an invitation to not only understand movement throughout the world and beginning of time, but for us to connect as people.”
The course introduces students to the origins of dance and to Rudolf von Laban’s Effort/Shape theory, helping them understand what it means to be a dancer. From there, the class explores dance across different cultures and societies, studying styles such as the Turkish Dervish, Spanish Flamenco and American Foxtrot.
Students can choose to conclude the course by performing a choreographed piece or by researching and presenting the history and background of a dance of their choice.
To deepen the learning experience, Fiorillo has invited guest instructors to teach throughout the semester, each bringing their own expertise and perspective.
The first guest instructors were Leandra Maley and her daughter Lila Maley, who led a ballet session. Lila, an eighth grader at Minersville Area High School, is an accomplished young performer represented by two New York City talent agencies and has appeared in productions such as “Annie,” “Strawberry Week” and “A Christmas Story” at Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theatre. Her mother, Leandra, is a Penn State alumna and co-owner of Crimson Academy for the Performing Arts in Pottsville who has performed professionally and now focuses on dance education.
Next, the class welcomed Colleen Robertson, an Irish step dancer with 12 years of experience, seven of which she has spent teaching at the Heart of Ireland School of Dance in Midlothian, Virginia. A two-time U.S. national champion and 2024 world top-15 ranked dancer, Robertson said she was delighted to share her passion with Penn State Schuylkill students.
“It was very rewarding for me to share my love of Irish dance and culture with the Dance Appreciation class at Penn State Schuylkill,” Robertson said. “The students were so wonderful, trying out a new skill and seeking information. A special thank you to Cathy Fiorillo for inviting me — I had the best time!”
Other guest instructors this semester have included B. Marcel Smith, who taught a high-energy hip-hop session, and Catherine Nadeau Skoposki, who shared her expertise in musical theatre dance. Both instructors introduced students to movement styles that blend storytelling, rhythm and expression, offering insight into how dance continues to evolve as both an art form and cultural practice.
Later this semester, Julie Meyer, instructional designer with Penn State University Libraries and Teaching and Learning with Technologies, will introduce students to Lion Dance. Meyer, a lifelong dancer with experience in line dancing, swing, ballroom, and more, continues to teach and perform throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
Students have embraced the opportunity to experience and learn new styles of movement.
“I’m really enjoying this class, and I think it’s a great thing that we get to see different styles of dance that we aren’t necessarily familiar with,” said Kimberlee Peet, a second-year multidisciplinary studies major. “There are so many dances I didn’t even know existed, and it’s really cool to see them get the spotlight. All the presenters have been great and insightful — it’s also so fun to get up out of our seats and learn a dance.”
With a mix of movement, culture and creativity, "Dance 100" invites students to engage both body and mind. Fiorillo said she hopes the class will continue to inspire students to explore the arts and the ways that dance connects people across time and culture.