George Mason 麻豆国产 alumnus Robert Rubama, BFA Dance 鈥18, was on the Fairfax Campus for a guest residency this spring semester. During their time on campus, Rubama worked with students to help stage and rehearse choreographer Yue Yin's "Through the Fracture of Light," which the students will perform at听the听听on March 28 and 29听at 8 p.m. at the Center for the Arts.
Rubama performed a Yin piece as a George Mason student and later worked for and toured with the Yue Yin Dance Company (YYDC), performing 鈥淭hrough the Fracture of Light.鈥 Yin鈥檚 work showcases a technique she created, the听FoCo Technique, which is a contemporary form of dance movement rooted in Chinese classical and folk dance 鈥渕elded with the diverse influences of the immigrant experience.鈥澨
Rubama shared their professional experience with students during the residency. 鈥淲hile assisting [YYDC鈥檚 rehearsal director] Grace Whitworth in restaging the piece, I focused on providing the dancers with tips to navigate a work as physically rigorous as Yin's,鈥 they said. 鈥淚 emphasized the importance of connecting to their breath and managing their energy while performing. Additionally, I wanted to share safe ways to execute the movements that respected the choreographer's intent while honoring the individual needs of the dancers, as everyone is different.鈥

Rubama has worked with the Metropolitan Opera, Haus of Bambi, Groundworks Dance Theater, Orange Grove Dance, Flockworks Dance, and the Mark Morris Dance Group, and was an artist in residence at the National Building Museum, the Floor on Atlantic, and the Homeport Art House.听
As an independent choreographer, Rubama鈥檚 work has been performed by Company E Dance, Spark Movement Collective, Bucknell 麻豆国产, Cleveland Dance Project, Jane Franklin Dance, Luna Dance Company, and Terre Dance Collective.听
During their time at George Mason, Rubama said they valued many of the opportunities at the School of Dance provided, including the chance to choreograph for peers and performing in the annual gala.听鈥淭hese opportunities taught me how to lead rehearsals effectively and ethically, how to articulate my creative vision through both words and movement, and the necessary skills for working in a rehearsal environment,鈥 they said. 鈥淚 also learned the importance of being a cover or understudy for a piece.鈥
Rubama also was candid with the students about working as a professional. 鈥淎s a professional artist, my work encompasses performing, choreographing, arts administration, and teaching, all while balancing a non-dance job,鈥 they said. 鈥淚 maintain balance by being clear about scheduling with those I work with, establishing boundaries about my workload, and making financially sound choices.鈥
When providing advice to current dance students, Rubama encouraged them to be curious. 鈥淒uring your time at George Mason, you will encounter various perspectives on movement,鈥 they said. 鈥淚f certain approaches resonate with you, engage with that professor or guest artist to explore those ideas further. If you have interests outside of dance, pursue those as well (in areas like marketing, arts administration, photography, or videography). These additional skills can intersect with your work in dance.鈥澨
The opportunity to work with guest artists and contemporary choreographers is a critical part of career preparation for dance majors.听Nearly 80% of the class of 2024 received contracts with major dance companies within months of graduation. And as , director of the School of Dance, asserts鈥攖he graduates are also excellent 鈥渄ance citizens鈥 when out there in the professional world.
鈥淭he School of Dance has the most generous alums. They are trained to be excellent dance citizens, and we appreciate that they have represented our values so beautifully in the professional world,鈥 said Shields, herself a George Mason alum. 鈥淲henever they return, they offer more than dance steps. They share insights, connections, and even offer a couch to sleep on if needed. To watch your former student teach a current student, well....any professor knows that is probably one of the most gratifying experiences one can hope for in the profession."
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