In its first 10 years, Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts has proven itself to be an important venue to showcase the cultural offerings of the University to the campus, as well as the greater community. Recently, the College of Arts + Architecture held a special celebration to commemorate Robinson Hall’s 10th anniversary.
Named for Russell and Sally Dalton Robinson, the three-story, 118,000-square-foot facility contains classrooms, offices and performance and rehearsal spaces for the departments of dance, music and theatre.
Approximately 900 performances by students and faculty from the college’s departments have been staged in the facility since it opened Nov. 3, 2004. One of its key features is the Anne R. Belk Theater; its namesake was known for her passion and support of music and the arts.
“With the opening of Robinson Hall, UNC Charlotte was able to realize a dream for many – to bring the cultural work of this institution to a more prominent place in the lives of our students and the identity of this wonderful University,” said Dean Ken Lambla. “Robinson Hall has become a lively setting for arts-based research and scholarship and has created a strong base for pursuing national accreditation of our programs in all arts units.”
As part of the 10th anniversary celebration, performances by students from the College of Arts + Architecture were presented. The program included:
- Taiko drumming by the UNC Charlotte Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Lecturer Rick Dior
- Martha Graham’s “Steps in the Street,” staged by Assistant Professor of Dance Kim Jones
- Excerpts from Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives,” directed by Lecturer Kelly Ryan
- “Flight to Jordan,” performed by the Student Jazz Trio, coached by Assistant Professor of Music Michael Hackett
- “Zapateado,” performed by violinist Idunne Lohne and pianist Austin Philemon, coached by the Anne Belk Distinguished Professor of Music David Russell
- “It’s Only Love,” choreographed by Associate Professor of Dance E.E. Balcos
- Excerpt from “Spring Awakening,” directed by Chair of the Department of Theatre James Vesce
- Renaissance Commedia, directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Carlos Cruz
- “Pas de Quatre,” staged by Associate Professor of Dance Delia Neil
- “Verduron, Verduronet’o,” performed by the University Chorale under the direction of Associate Professor of Music Randy Haldeman
University benefactors Russell and Sally Dalton Robinson were presented an original, commissioned ceramic sculpture by Janet Williams, associate professor of ceramics, during the anniversary observance.