Excerpt from the Dayton Daily News
By Meredith Moss
I’ve interviewed many visual and performing artists over the years and there’s one thing many have in common.
They pay tribute to a special teacher who made a major difference in their lives.
Two Miami Valley teachers who’ve inspired thousands of dance students over decades are being honored for their myriad of contributions to the world of dance. At the Wright State University Spring Dance Concert this weekend, Teressa McWilliams, professor of dance and a choreographer, will mark her retirement from the university. If you’ve been lucky enough to experience one of Wright State’s musical theater productions, you’ve seen Terri’s extraordinary work. Over the years she has choreographed more than 80 musical theater and concert productions.
McWilliams, who began dancing at age three, says she’s always been drawn to the nonverbal nature of dance–the dynamics, rhythm, physicality and visual designs in space.. “There’s such power and passion in the way the body can be crafted moving through space,” she says.
Both women have always relished teaching. “It’s a balance of training the body and encouraging the creative soul,” notes McWilliams, who says she loves the daily connection and interplay with students who are pursuing their dreams. “I not only love teaching them the skills necessary for their own growth as technicians but mentoring them as young artists.”
