ERIC BRANDT NIELSEN

4522 Timberbrook Trail, Valdosta, Georgia 31602
Home: (229) 242-5966         Work (229) 333-5820

College Degrees

MFA in Modern Dance, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, 1974
BFA in Theatre, University of Utah, 1972

Additional Education

Taoist Tai Chi instructor certification 2002
Licensed lay and chalice administer, 2002
Education for Ministry certification , 1990

Teaching Experience

Colleges and Universities

Valdosta State University, Georgia, Professor/Dance Director, 1986-Present
University of Florida, Gainesville, Assistant Professor, 1982-1985
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Assistant Professor, 1980-1982
Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, Dance Coordinator/Assistant Professor, 1976-1978
Glassboro State College, New Jersey, Assistant Professor, 1974-1976

Guest Instruction

European Council's Summer Studies Abroad London Program- Summer 2004, 2006 and 2008
Eszterhazy Karoly College, Eger, Hungary , Fall 2006
Georgia GAHPERD Conferences 2001-2005, 2007
University of Yangzhou, China - Summer 2001
Berry College, Mount Berry, GA.. 1974-2000
Southeastern Theatre Conference, 1994-1997, 1999-2003, 2005-2007
College of Arts, Syktyvkar, Russia, Winter 1998 and Spring 2000
Choreographic and Gymnasium Schools, Sytkyvkar, Russia, 1998
Komi Song and Dance Company, Syktyvkar, Russia, Winter 1998 & 2000
Syktyvkar's Ballet Theatre, Syktyvkar, Russia, Winter 1998

Performance Experience

Dance Companies and Guest Performances

Valdosta Ballet School's Cinderella - 2006, 2007 and 2008
DANCE ALIVE! and Gainesville Civic Ballet, Florida, guest performer 1983-1986, 1992-1997
Valdosta Dance Theatre, Georgia 1987-1991
Hello Hollywood Hello, MGM Grand Hotel, Reno, Nevada 1979-1980
Dayton Ballet Company, Ohio, 1977-1978
Dayton Dance Theatre, Ohio 1977-1978
Mercer Ballet and Ballet Concertante, Mercer, New Jersey 1975-1976

Theatre Companies

Jekyll Island Summer Music Theatre Festival, Ga., 1991
Glassboro Summer Theatre, Glassboro, New Jersey 1975-1976
University of Florida Summer Theatre, Gainesville 1984
Mule Barn Summer Theatre, Tarkio, Missouri 1979-1983
Wright State University Summer Theatre, Dayton, Ohio 1977-1978
Pioneer Memorial Theatre Musical Comedy Company, Salt Lake City, Utah 1972-1974

College Companies

Valdosta Sate University Repertory Dancers, GA., 1986-Present
University of Florida Dance Company 1982-1985
University of Southern Mississippi's Bodyworks 1981-1982
Wright State University Dance Ensemble, Ohio 1976-1978
Glassboro State College Dance Ensemble, New Jersey 1974-1976

Choreographic Experience

Professional Dance Companies

Komi Song and Dance Company, Syktyvkar, Russia 1998
Dance Alive! and Gainesville Civic Ballet, Florida 1985
Dayton Ballet Company, Ohio 1979
Dayton and Toledo Opera Companies, Ohio 1976-1978

Professional Summer Stock Companies - Director/Choreographer

Peach State Summer Theatre - 2006-2008
New London Playhouse, N.H.- 2007
Lakes Region Summer Theatre, Meredith, New Hampshire 1996-2006
Northern Lights Playhouse, Wisconsin 1993 and 1999
Jekyll Island Summer Music Theatre Festival, Georgia 1991, 1992, 1996 and 1997
Theatre By the Grove, Indiana, Pennsylvania Summer 1990
Highland Summer Theatre, Mankato State University, Minnesota 1992 and 1995
Glassboro State College Summer Theatre, New Jersey 1975-76, 1985-1989
Florida Players, University of Florida, Gainesville 1982-1985
Wright State University Summer Theatre, Dayton, Ohio 1977-1979

College and University Dance Companies

Valdosta State University Repertory Dancers, Georgia 1986-Present
College of Arts Dance Concert, Skytyvkar Russia Winter 1998 and Spring 2000
Berry College, Georgia 1974-2000
Jacksonville University, Florida 1998
University of Florida Dance Company, Gainesville, 1982-1985
Wright State University Dance Ensemble, Ohio
Glassboro State College Dance Ensemble, New Jersey

Community Dance and Theatre Companies

Choreographic School, Syktyvkar, Russia 1998
Valdosta Ballet School 1998
Valdosta Dance Theatre, Georgia 1987-1991
Valdosta Community Theatre, 1991

Publications

International Exchanges and Studies Abroad: A Pedagogical Approach to Cultural Understanding Dance Proceedings Publication at the National AAHPERD Convention,  Utah 2006
The Musical Theatre Performer of Today
, 2004 Dance Proceedings Publication at the National AAHPERD Convention, Utah 2004
The China Challenge
, Journal of the International Council of Health, Physical Education, Recreation Sports and Dance 2003
Filling Your Dance Card at SETC
, Southern Theatre Magazine Spring 2003
The Dancing Chef, Valdosta Daily Times, Spring 2002
Dancing On a Jeweled Egg: The First American Dance Faculty Exchange in Syktyvkar, Russia, Documentary 1999
Dancing in a Jeweled Egg: Dance-Faculty Exchange in Komi Republic, Russia - Article
International Educator Magazine, Winter 1999
College News: Faculty Dance Exchange in Syktyvkar - Article, Dance Magazine, December issue 1998
Spirituality in Russia, The Episcopal Church in Georgia, Summer 1998
southeastern Theatre Conference Auditions, Southern Theatre Magazine, Fall 1997
Dance Auditions: Preparation, Presentation  and Career Planning, Princeton Book Company, Publisher 1984

Honors and Awards

2008 Service Award, College of Arts, Valdosta State University
2006 Service Award, Southeastern Theatre Conference, 18 years as auditions choreographer
2003 University Dance Educator of the Year Award, Georgia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
2001 Regent's Excellence in Teaching Award. Presented to the theatre/dance faculty in Spring 2001
2001 Awarded the Alpha Psi Omega award for best VSU 2001 theatre production. Production 42nd Street
2000 Awarded a citation from the Minister of Culture for presenting a dance educator's workshop in Syktyvkar, Russia.
2000 Awarded a citation from the Minister of Culture for presenting a concert of original works at Syktyvkar's Philharmonic.
1998 Invited to perform  a solo dance for the President of the Komi Republic's Gala Concert, Skytyvakr, Russia 1998
1998 Awarded a commemorative watch by the President of the Komi Republic for artistic work in Syktyvkar, Russia
1994 Awarded six gold medals at the Arthur Murray Showcase Competitions in Tallahassee, Florida.
1986 Dance Auditions: Preparation, Presentation and Career Planning was recognized as one of the best books for young adults by the New York City Library.

Teaching Skills

Introduction to Dance
Ballet - Beginning through advanced levels
Jazz - Beginning through advanced levels
Tap - Beginning through advanced levels
Modern - Beginning through advanced levels
Social/Folk/Square dancing
Dance Composition
Choreography
Music Analysis for Dancers
Dance History Dance Ensemble
Special Topics in Theatre
Dance Accompaniment
Tai Chi