Dance Program — Faculty

Mary Gene McCutchen, Assistant Professor

Ed. D. University of North Carolina, Greensboro
Office: 339 HPER Building
Phone: (865) 974-2104
E-mail: mmccutch@utk.edu

Teaches courses in dance history, dance pedagogy (teaching methodology) and ballroom dance. Coordinator of the Dance Program and Executive Director of the University of Tennessee Dance Company. Advises dance minors and graduate students specializing in dance areas. Extensive teaching experience in other areas of dance: modern dance, tap , folk and square dance, rhythmic analysis, Labanotation, and dance production. Studied at the Dance Notation Bureau and received teacher certification in 1982. Received the Tennessee Association of Dance “Dance Advocate Award” in fall of 2000 and served as a member of the Tennessee Arts Comission panel to review grants for dance organizations. Research interest in historical aspects of dance and methodology in the teaching of dance.

Peggy Burks, Artist in Residence

Office: 209-A Alumni Memorial Building
Phone: (865) 974-2169
E-mail: Peglonova@charter.net

Teaches courses in ballet and point and serves as Artistic Director of the University of Tennessee Dance Company. Previously taught , choreographed and directed the Vanderbilt Dance Group from 1991-1999, created and served as Artistic Director for the Nashville City Ballet and School from 1983-1991, as well as teaching at the University of Memphis from 1979-1982. Studied at the American Ballet Center (school of the Joffery Ballet) and her principal teachers include Ron Colton, Robert Barnett, James Truitt, Mannie Rowe, Conrad Ludlow, Maggie Black, Rachel Cameron and others. Danced with the Cincinnati Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet South in Memphis, TN; Ballet Arkansas and Nashville City Ballet. Received the Outstanding Teacher Award given by the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts in 1998. Presently holds a full time position teaching ballet in the Knoxville Magnet Schools.

Laura Horvath Gagnon, Adjunct

Ph.D. Biomechanics/Sports Medicine, Univ. of Tennessee
Office: 209-A Alumni Memorial Building
Phone: (865) 974-2169
E-mail: dlgagnon @ charter.net

Teaches courses in modern dance (Graham Technique as well as others), Graham Repertoire, Prevention and Care of Dance Injuries, and Conditioning for Dancers and sets Graham works for the UT Dance Company. After receiving a BFA in Dance at Florida State University she studied and performed in New York City with the Peart Lang Dance Co., Anthony Morgan Dance Co. Judy Garay and Dancers and joined the Martha Graham company and faculty of the school in 1989. Toured internationally with the company, performing chorus and solo roles until she left the company in 1994 to study for a degree in physical therapy at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. Has published and given presentations on the “Intertester and Intratester Reliabiliby of the Pelvic Meter” a measuring device which she created and which has now been patented. Current research for her doctoral degree focused on spine rehabilitation and Pilates in which she is matt certified. Also practices physical therapy and teaches modern dance and creative movement at Van Metre School of Dance in in Maryville.

Gwendelyn Johnson Delaney, Adjunct

BA in English (Technical Writting), University of Tennessee
Office: 209-A Alumni Memorial Building
Phone: (865) 974-2169
E-mail: tcfa@comcast.net

Teaches intermediate level technique courses in ballet and works with the UT Dance Company. Began her dance training in Oak Ridge, TN with Anna Marie and David Holmes and continued studying with Christian Addam before coming to the University of Tennessee where she danced with the UT Dance Company . She has performed with Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association, Tennessee Festival Ballet, the University of Tennessee Dance Company, Armfield Dancers, Dance Theater of Knoxville, and Ballet Gloria, among others. Currently owns and directs The Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts, and is Artistic Director of Ballet Gloria, in addition to her classes at the University of Tennessee.

Wayles E.S. Haynes, Instructor

MFA in Dance - University of Hawaii
Office: 209-A Alumni Memorial Building
Phone: (865) 974-2169
E-mail:

Teaches technique courses in modern dance, jazz and choreography, as well as working with the UT Dance Company. As an undergraduate student in the Honors program at the University of Tennessee, majoring in psychology and minoring in dance she performed with the UT Dance Company, also presented her own choreographic work both in the UTDC Concert and for adjudication at the Southeast College Dance Festival. After completing her bachelors degree attended the University of Hawaii, teaching ballet and modern technique as a Graduate Assistant, concentrating her studies in modern dance, classical ballet, choreography, pedagogy, and costume design. While in Hawaii she also co-founded Convergence Dance Theatre and sat on the board of Lizard Loft, a non-profit production company for local artists. Is also a part time instructor at Vine Magnet Middle School and performs and choreographs for Circle Modern Dance.

Michelle M. Paiement, Graduate Teaching Associate

BA in College Scholars, Dance/Business/Child Development
Office: 209-A Alumni Memorial Bldg.
Phone: (865) 974-2169
E-mail: misha5581@yahoo.com

Teaches beginning level classes in ballet, tap, and jazz. While working on her undergraduate degree at UT performed as a member of the Dance Team, competed for national ranking, choreographed routines and served as captain of the group. During her senior year worked with students at Beaumont Magnet School, creating and presenting a dance performance as her College Scholars Project. After completing her degree joined the Atlanta Hawk NBA Dance Team were she performed at home games, work on promotional events, and participated in community service activities. Presently also teaches at the East Tennessee Academy of Performing Arts.

Angela Hill, Adjunct

BFA in Dance Education - Arizona State University Office: 209-A Alumni Memorial Building
Phone: (865) 974-2169
E-mail: venturedance@hotmail.com

Teaches technique classes in ballet, modern dance, and jazz, as well as choreographing work for the UT Dance Company. She has also works with the Appalachian Ballet Company, Circle Modern Dance, Studio Arts for Dancers and the community School of the Arts. In the Spring of 2003, she received funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission for, Art Moves, produced in collaboration with James Carlson and a group of UTDC dancers. She was also awarded the Regional Dance America’s Commissioning Project Fellowship for her piece, When the Dust Settles. Angela has also received commissions to set her works on several university dance companies in the southeast.

Kristi White Boles, Adjunct

BS in Dance - University of Tennessee
Office: 209-A Alumni Memorial Building
Phone: (865) 974-2169
E-mail: kwhiteluv2tap@aol.com

Teaches technique courses in jazz and tap. She has studied with tap legend Al Gilbert, serving as his demonstrator for teacher conferences, and has done extensive training in the Royal Academy of Dancing ballet syllabus. Most recently Ms. Boles received advanced certification from Dance Masters of America Teacher Training School, testing in ballet and tap. Since 1992 she has owned and directed the Academy of Dance Arts in Lenoir City, TN and many of her students have gone on to study and major in college dance programs. Kristi has choreographed for the UT Dance Company, in which she danced for four years; the musicals 42 nd Street and Sophisticated Ladies; and has judged dance competitions throughout the Southeast. Presently, she is serving as secretary for the Mid-South Chapter of Dance Masters of America.