The LIVE Center (The Center for Live Interactive Virtual Education) is a home for innovative virtual education solutions for the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
In 2019, Dance Heritage professor Christopher d’Amboise saw a need for video conferencing that allowed for life-sized, full body interaction. From this was created the flagship initiative of the LIVE Center: the LIVE Center Window Wall™. A teacher in a remote location could be projected live and life-sized onto the wall of a studio, while a live feed of the students are projected for the teacher. Learn more about the Window Wall™.
Mentoring Series
The LIVE Center uses the Window Wall™ system to connect leading artists with students from multiple institutions. In a 90-minute session, the featured artist mentors students through coaching, advising, teaching, or by simply sharing their artistic stories and experiences. In addition to one-on-one instruction, the LIVE Center will invite audiences from diverse communities across the nation to view the session. Students from all backgrounds who are pursuing a life in the arts can receive unique insight, information, and guidance. Artists who have distinguished careers and who wish to pass on their knowledge and expertise can be a supportive and positive influence on the next generation of artists.
The artists livestream the events from the National Dance Institute in New York City to George Mason University School of Dance students, Baltimore School for the Arts students, and Arizona State University School of Dance students, as well as selected students from The Wooden Floor (Los Angeles) and students at COCA (St Louis).
The first artist in the series on April 25, 2022 was Justin Peck, a Tony Award-winning choreographer, director, filmmaker, and dancer and currently acting Resident Choreographer of New York City Ballet.