Michael Medcalf
Associate Professor, Department of Theatre & Dance
About Michael Medcalf
Michael Medcalf, MFA
A Multifaceted Journey in the World of Dance: Weaving Artistry, Scholarship, and Leadership
With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, he has embraced opportunities to shape the arts landscape through leadership, artistic expression, and educational excellence. His passion for creating engaging, transformative experiences and his commitment to fostering growth within the arts community has been the driving force throughout his journey. From his early days as a dancer to his current role as an Associate Professor of Dance at the University of Memphis, every step he has taken has contributed to a multidimensional narrative that encapsulates the essence of artistry, academia, and leadership.
A Dancer's Odyssey: Expressing Through Movement
Embarking on his dance journey was like setting out on a vibrant exploration of movement—an endeavor that kindled his passion for expressing himself through the captivating art of motion. He took his first formal steps into the world of dance at the Cleveland School of the Arts. Following his graduation, he pursued his dance education at the University of the Arts.
As a professional dancer, he has been fortunate to grace stages around the globe. He has had the privilege of being both a member and a guest artist with prestigious companies like Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Verb Ballets, Dancing Wheels, and Ballethnic. Beyond that, he has delved into his own creative undertakings, founding projects like the Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre, Greene/Medcalf Movement Project, and Michael Medcalf/Inventions, to name a few.
Furthermore, he has had the good fortune to work directly with renowned choreographers, including Gary Abbott, Talley Beatty, Trisha Brown, Ronald K. Brown, Kevin (Iega) Jeff, Donald McKayle, Cleo Parker Robinson, Dwight Rhoden, David Rousseve, and countless others. These collaborations have molded his perception of artistic expression, honed his technical prowess, and fostered his capacity to convey emotions through each nuanced gesture and step.
Shaping Stories Through Movement
Choreography has been his canvas for storytelling, a space where he has harnessed the power of movement to convey narratives that captivate hearts and minds. Each piece he has crafted is a unique narrative, an embodiment of emotions and concepts expressed through fluid movements, intricate patterns, and dynamic energy. From the tender beauty of "Meditations for a Solo Mover" to the riveting action of “Hearthside," his creations have been windows into the human experience.
Artistic Direction: Navigating Creative Ventures
As a founder and artistic director, he has navigated the intricate terrain of leading organizations that shape the dance landscape. His leadership role in institutions such as the Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre and the Greene/Medcalf Movement Project has provided him with a platform to curate artistic visions, champion diverse voices, and spearhead initiatives that push the envelope of dance innovation.
Education
2014 Ailey School (Summer)
New York, New York
Lester Horton Pedagogy Workshop I and II2011-2013 The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa Arts Fellow
Master of Fine Arts Degree in Dance1991-1992 Ailey School
New York, New York
Scholarship Student1986-1989 The University of the Arts
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Talent Scholarship RecipientExperience
Professional
PERFORMING EXPERIENCE
2013-Present Michael Medcalf/Inventions, Director, Choreographer, Performer Montgomery
2014 Summer Grown Women's Dance Collective, Performer San Francisco
2011-2012 The Greene/Medcalf Movement Project, Director/Company Member Cleveland
2008-2009 Verb Ballets, Company Member Cleveland
2008 Dianne McIntyre's, In the Groove and Over the Top, Performer Cleveland
2008 Cain Park's The Wiz, Ensemble Member/Dance Captain Cleveland Heights
2004-2006 Karamu House's Black Nativity, Joseph Cleveland
2001-2002 Groundworks Dance Theater, Guest Artist Cleveland
1999-2001 Dancing Wheels, Company Member Cleveland
1998-2007 Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre
Founding Artistic/Executive Director/Company Member Cleveland
1998-1999 Ohio Dance Theater, Company Member Oberlin
1996-2008 Kim Robards Dance, Company Member/Guest Artist Denver
1996-1997 David Taylor Dance Theater, Guest Artist Denver
1993-1996 Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Company Member Denver
1992-1993 Ballethnic Dance Company, Company Member Atlanta
1992-1993 Several Dancers Core, Company Member Atlanta
1990-1992 Alfred Gallman's Newark Dance Theater, Company Member NewarkCHOREOGRAPHY: CONCERT STAGE
2017:
Sleeping/Beauty, Alabama State University
Meditations for a Solo Mover Michael Medcalf/Inventions2016:
Today (Dance for the Camera), Michael Medcalf/Inventions
Re: Rosas!, Alabama State University
Detroit 67, Alabama State University2015:
Til the End of Time, Quartet Michael Medcalf/Inventions
Brownian Movement, Variation #2, Group Work Alabama State University2014:
Love Letters, 17 minutes, Group Work, Alabama State University
The Creation, 4 minutes, Duet, Alabama State University
Rhinoceros Skin, 4 minutes, Solo, Michael Medcalf/Inventions
The Chosen, 6 minutes, Group Work, Alabama State University
Hearthside, 8 minutes, Group Work (Re-Staged), Alabama State University
A Place of Heaven, 17 minutes, Group Work, Alabama State University2013:
Emma, 7 minutes, Solo (Dance for the Camera), University of Iowa
rainbows weren't meant for little black boys like me but i kept them in my pocket anyway,
(Thesis), 24 minutes, Group Work, University of Iowa2012:
Ne Me Quitte Pas, 4 minutes, Duet, University of Iowa
Once There Was Space, 8 minutes, Trio, University of Iowa
Things I Have Not Forgotten, 5 minutes, Solo, University of Iowa
Breathe of Life, 2 minutes, Group Work, Linn Mar High School2011:
Hearthside, 8 minutes, Group Work (Selected for 2013 ACDFA Gala Concert-Mankato), University of Iowa
(Un)Done, 6 minutes, Solo, University of Iowa
Embryo, 8 minutes, Group Work, University of Iowa
Yes, 5 minutes, Solo Greene/Medcalf Movement Project
2008 Carol of the Bells, 5 minutes, Group Work All-City Dance Ensemble,
Cleveland Metropolitan School District2006:
Hymn by the Water, 7 minutes, Duet, Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre2005:
Long Story Short, 25 minutes, Group Work, Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre
If, 7 minutes, Solo, 2004 (Re-Staged) Dancing Wheels2004:
If, 7 minutes, Solo Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre
Timespent, 12 minutes, Group Work, Dancing Wheels2003:
Brasilliance, 22 minutes, Group Work, Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre
Spiritual Suite, 12 minutes, Group Work2002:
Night Before Christmas, 75 minutes, Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre
Love Suite, Love, 17 minutes, Group Work, Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre2001:
Aria, 32 minutes, Group Work, Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre2000:
Ceremonies, 35 minutes, Group Work, Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre
Ostinato, 6 minutes, Sextet, Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre
Lovejoy Lane, 22 minutes, Group Work (Re-Staged), Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre
1999:
Lovejoy Lane, 22 minutes, Group Work, Ohio Dance Theater1998:
Joy, 4 minutes, Solo, Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre1997:
Heading into Valhalla, 10 minutes, Duet, Dancespace at St. Mark's ChurchCHOREOGRAPHY: OPERA AND THEATRE
2017:
Dauphin Island, Alabama Shakespeare Festival
The Tempest, Alabama Shakespeare Festival2016:
Detroit 67, Alabama State University
Cinderella, Alabama Shakespeare Festival
Ain't Misbehavin, Alabama Shakespeare Festival
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Alabama Shakespeare Festival2013:
The Meeting, Alabama State University2010:
Fame, The Musical!, Cleveland Metropolitan School District/Great Lakes Theater Festival2009:
Little Shop of Horrors, Beck Center for the Arts
A Decade of Dreams, Cleveland Metropolitan School District/Great Lakes Theater Festival2008:
Caroline, Or Change, Karamu House/Dobama Theater
Dreamgirls, Cleveland Metropolitan School District/Great Lakes Theater Festival
Hansel and Gretel, Opera Cleveland2007:
Guys and Dolls, Cleveland Metropolitan School District/Great Lakes Theater Festival
A Little Night Music, Opera Cleveland
La Traviata, Opera Cleveland2006:
The Wild Party, Kalliope Stage
Urinetown, Firestone High School
South Pacific, Cleveland Metropolitan School District/Great Lakes Theater Festival
2005:
The Hot Mikado, Cleveland Metropolitan School District/Great Lakes Theater Festival
Crowns, Weathervane Playhouse2004:
Carmen Jones, Cleveland Metropolitan School District/Great Lakes Theater Festival2003:
Westside Story, Cleveland Metropolitan School District/Great Lakes Theater Festival2002:
The Wiz, Cleveland Metropolitan School District/Great Lakes Theater Festival2001:
The Bacchae of Euripides, Cleveland Public Theater1999:
South Pacific, East Cleveland Community TheaterCHOREOGRAPHY: CORPORATE EVENTS
2017 Martin Luther King, Jr Citywide Celebration Davis Theatre
2016 Martin Luther King, Jr Citywide Celebration Davis Theatre
2015 Martin Luther King, Jr Citywide Celebration Davis Theatre
Season Opening Football Game Celebration Alabama State University
2005 The Idea Center Opening Gala Playhouse Square Foundation
Fundraising Gala United Black Fund
2004 Fundraising Gala United Black Fund
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Alltel Corporation
2003 Fundraising Gala United Black Fund
Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Eventworks, Inc.
2002 Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Eventworks, Inc.
Honors and Awards
2016 Alabama State Council on the Arts
Dance FellowshipDance/USA
Dance Institute for Leadership Training, Mentee2014 Alabama State University
Department of Theatre Faculty Appreciation AwardAiley School
Lester Horton Pedagogy Workshop Participant Certificate (Sessions I and II)Alabama State University
Professional Development Award2011 University of Iowa
Iowa Arts Fellow2007 Northern Ohio Live Magazine
Award of Achievement in DanceOhio National Dance Week
Outstanding Contributions to Youth in Northeast Ohio2006 Time Theatre Tribute,
Choreography Award: The Wild Party, Kaliope StageThe George Gund Foundation
Emerging Leader in the Arts2005 Cuyahoga County Commissioners
Outstanding Commitment and Contributions2004 Cuyahoga County Commissioners
The Cleveland Dance ConnectionCleveland School of the Arts
Wall of Fame Alumni Award2003 The Taskforce of Greater Cleveland
Leadership and Service to the Community Award2002 BlackOut Unlimited
Brother Circle Vanguard AwardCity of Cleveland
Mayor Jane Campbell, ProclamationKaleidoscope Magazine
40/40 Club Inductee2001 Young Audiences of Greater Cleveland
Sunshine Award2000 The Brother Circle of Cleveland
Certificate of AppreciationPANELS
2017 International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference, Moderator
Panels: Men in Dance2017 Artistic Competition for Excellent Students
Dance Judge2016 Alabama State Council on the Arts, Grant Reviewer
Dance CategoryDance/USA (National Conference), Panelist
Dance in Academia in the 21st Century: Training Beyond Ballet and Modern Dance.Battle of the Dancelines, Judge
2015 Battle of the Dancelines, Judge
International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference, Moderator
Panels: Men in Dance; College: To Go or Not to Go2014 African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Judge
Mount Zion's Got Talent2013 Alabama State Council on the Arts, Grant Reviewer
Dance Category2013 Alabama State University, Panelist
Theater and Dance Symposium2007 Ohio Arts Council, Grant Reviewer
Southwest Region2007 Dynamite Dance Competitions, Judge
2006 Dynamite Dance Competitions, Judge
2006 Ohio Arts Presenters Network, Panelist
Demystifying Dance2005 Dance Cleveland, Moderator
Talkback with Ronald K. Brown/Evidence
Research and Scholarly Activities
Research Interests
Teaching interests: Dance
RESIDENCIES, MASTER CLASSES, AND GUEST POSITIONS
2018 – Performing Arts Studio, Lester Horton Workshops – Munich, Germany
2017 – Tri-C Creative Arts Academy, Guest Instructor – Cleveland
2017 – International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference, Master Class Dallas
2015 – International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference, Master Class Cleveland
2014 – Alabama Dance Festival, Master Classes Montgomery
2014 – American College Dance Festival – South Region Little Rock
2014 – Booker T. Washington High School, Master Class Montgomery
2014 – Alabama Arts Institute, Guest Speaker Montgomery
2010-2012 – Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio: Artworks, Master Teaching Artist Cleveland
2010-2011 – Cleveland School of the Arts, Artist in Residence Cleveland
2009 – Virginia School of the Arts, Guest Artist Lynchburg
2009 – Youngstown State University, Guest Artist Youngstown
2008 – Longwood University, Artist in Residence Longwood
2007 – Firestone High School, Artist in Residence Akron
2006 – Oberlin College, Master Class Oberlin
2004 – Ohio Northern University, Artist in Residence Ada
2002 – Ohio Dance Festival, Master Class Cincinnati
2002 – Ohio Northern University, Artist in Residence Ada
2002 – The Dance Place, Master Class Washington, D.C.
2001 – Elmira College, Master Class Elmira
2001 – Cleveland School of the Arts, Artist in Residence Cleveland
2001 – University of Missouri-Kansas City, Artist in Residence Kansas City
1997 – University of Northern Colorado, Artist in Residence Greely
Fellowships and Grants
State Fellowships
For artistic achievements in dance, I have received fellowships awards from both the State of Ohio (2001) and Alabama (2016) totaling in amount of $10,000.Alabama State University/Alabama State Council on the Arts
For the 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 school years secured a total of $27,500 in funding to develop several educational and artistic programs that benefitted the dance program, University community, and the region.Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre/Various Foundations
Successfully procured over $750,000 in funding as an individual artist and on behalf of Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre between 1998-2007 for operating and program support from individuals and foundations such as The Ohio Arts Council, The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, The Nord Family Foundation, The United Black Fund, The Kulas Foundation and The John P. Murphy Foundation.Resources
Service
2017-Present International Association of Blacks in Dance, Inc.
Next Generation Board Member2013-Present Alabama Dance Council, Vice President/President Elect
Committees: Guest Faculty Selection, Chair; Audition2013-Present Cleveland Dance Movement, Board Member
2004-2007 Ohio Dance, Board Member
2002-2003 Young Audiences of Greater Cleveland, Artist Representative to the Board Member