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Friends, administrators and alumni of Sam Houston State University (SHSU) marked the establishment of a new scholarship and naming of the atrium in the James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center (GPAC) after Dana Nicolay on Monday, Feb. 12.
Nicolay inspired generations of dancers by teaching, performing and choreographing countless productions at SHSU and around the world.
“It is such an honor to have my life recognized in this way,” said Nicolay. “I would love to claim this as an accomplishment, but it has brought blessings into my life that I never thought possible.”
Nicolay was a major influence on the architectural design of the $38.5 million project. Working with Architect Marie Hoke and SHSU President Emeritus Dr. James Gaertner to enhance the schools of dance, theater and music, the 91,976-square foot facility was named one of the top 25 most amazing arts centers in America by College Degree Research in 2015.
“Dana shared a concept called ‘Art Outside the Box’ to explain how the space could be given form and connection. Flow and movement were essential, as well as addressing individual spaces with individual needs. There were challenges to solve that required a pragmatic approach. Dana helped create a space where all parts of the performance come together,” said Hoke.
Dr. Ronald Shields, Dean of the SHSU College of Arts and Media, shared words from former students and fellow professors that described their appreciation for Nicolay and the impact of the facility’s thoughtful design.
“The atrium tells the tale of a space opening up to the sky. The stairs themselves point upward toward the light of inspiration. Providing an active space that promotes the study, sharing and creation of the arts. Connecting to the stage, where the audience and performers meet, in a building that will serve generations to come,” said Shields.
SHSU President Alisa White applauded Nicolay and the long-range effects of his efforts.
“It’s a treat to be in this phenomenal building,” said White. “Dana didn’t just build his career here at SHSU. He built careers for his students. He has instilled a culture of dedication to commitment and service that will impact generations. Hats off to you, sir.”
Dr. Gaertner described Nicolay as a Renaissance man with a remarkable teaching career.
“Dance is where it all came together for Dana. To actively believe in the embedded knowledge that exists not only in the mind but throughout the body is in harmony with what a university is all about. I appointed him to the Programming and Design Committee for this project because I knew he would give 110%. He also took pictures every day from start to finish, creating an archive for posterity,” said Dr. Gaertner, who secured funding and guided the planning of the center.
“Dr. Gaertner was the right guy at the right time,” said Nicolay. “Huntsville was no longer an outpost. It was joining Houston as part of the metropolitan area. Gaertner’s idea to create the performing arts center allowed me to bring the performing departments together. He sent us to a Construction Manager at Risk class, enabling us to work with the construction manager from the beginning of the project.”
Nicolay gave tremendous credit to Principal Architect Hoke for making his wishes come to life.
Hoke has played a vital role in many public and private sector projects in the Houston area, including the NASA Neutral Buoyancy Lab, the remodel of the George R. Brown Convention Center and student centers for the University of Houston and Rice University.
“Marie was wonderful at listening to what we needed,’’ said Nicolay. “I asked for a clear story with natural light and a staircase that connects all the elements of the performing arts. She made the concert hall an extension of the music building. She also configured a large hallway that allows pieces from the scene shop to be easily rolled to their stage locations. This building is designed for the people who work in it, from the faculty offices to the costume design room.”
Nicolay acknowledged the late Mary Ella “Monty” Montague for laying the groundwork for the department. Professor Montague founded SHSU’s Department of Modern Dance, serving the university for 39 years as Chairperson of the Department of Physical Education for Women, Chairperson and Program Coordinator of the Department of Dance and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Nicolay earned his Master’s in Dance from Texas Christian University and has performed throughout North America, Europe and the Middle East with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Houston Ballet, Contemporary Dancers Canada and Positive Space Dance Company. He was a member of the Huntsville Arts Commission for a decade, serving as Chairman for three years.
He served on the faculty of the SHSU Dance Department for 33 years. Beginning as an Associate Professor, he moved up the ranks, to become Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He was later named Interim Dean for the College of Mass Communication, fostering collaborations, defining culture and setting budget guidelines for the departments that would constitute the new GPAC.
“My architecture experience allowed me to play a role in the design. My father was a technical illustrator for Boeing who wanted me to become an engineer,” said Nicolay. “After a near death experience, he had a change of heart that set me free.”
Nicolay explored six majors in seven semesters. He was a record breaking member of the swim team at William Jewell College, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He tried Math, Psychology, Physical Education and Political Science, but these were not challenging enough for his mind.
While studying architecture at the University of Kansas he took a semester off and attended a class called Know Your Body Through Rhythmic Movement. The instructor recognized his athletic skills and encouraged him to take dance classes.
“Dance made all of those majors make sense,” said Nicolay.
As he progressed, the techniques and mechanics all came together. After completing his graduate degree and serving 15 years at SHSU, his inner voice told him to stop and build. He took a developmental leave to obtain a certification in Laban Movement Analysis and Integrated Movement Studies. That experience was deeply rewarding and recharged his interest in dance.
He also took a deep dive into learning and applying the concept of Whole Person Education.
“Many disciplines train your brain, but there is more to a liberal arts education. I asked myself how I could get the biggest point of view in relation to the functions and operations of the world. Using Howard Gardner’s Eight Intelligences, I wanted to address the whole being; mind and body. Rhythmic sense is rational and emotional,” Nicolay said. “Intuitive thinking about contracting muscles is a really important aspect of full mobility. Like a seasoned piano player knows the keys, this form of teaching allows a better range of awareness in bodily motions that also guard against injury.”
Nicolay also studied with Bill Evans, a major force in contemporary dance, who approached everything from an anatomical perspective. This full body approach still informs the work of Nicolay’s former students, who are cultivating future dancers with the same methods.
Cinnamon Balkman, formerly Parsons, is an SHSU Dance alumna and award-winning choreographer at Premiere Dance Center in Dripping Springs, Texas, who studied under Nicolay, Dan Phillips and Cindy Gratz in the early 90s.
“This form of hands-on correction for posture and body alignment made me more interested in human anatomy and is still a major part of my teaching,” said Balkman, who has fostered two generations of dancers inspired by Nicolay and the SHSU Dance Department.
She choreographed for her co-worker Eva Gonzales when she was in high school. Gonzales went on to study under Nicolay and graduate from SHSU and now they have a Bearkat who is following in their footsteps.
“When I saw the new studios in the GPAC for the first time, I cried because it was so big and beautiful. It made me proud of our generation, who danced in AB3, and for the faculty and future students who will use this facility,” said Balkman.
The GPAC is located at 815 17th St. For more info, visit www.shsu.edu.
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