Faculty Advisor
Rebecca Salzer Rebecca Salzer, Associate Professor of Dance and Director of the Collaborative Arts Research Initiative at The University of Alabama, is an intermedia dance artist and educator. Her work for the stage has been seen in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, where she directed Rebecca Salzer Dance Theater for a decade. Her award-winning films and videos have been programmed in national and international venues and on public affiliate television stations KQED, KPBS, and WTTW. Salzer is a Jacob K. Javits Fellow. She holds a B.A. in Humanities from Yale University and an M.F.A. in Dance Theatre from the University of California, San Diego. Ms. Salzer also serves as Project Director for the Dancing Digital Project, supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities (dancingdigital.org). |
Co-Director
Ally LeBlanc
Ally LeBlanc is originally from Dallas Texas and is a senior at The University studying Dance and Kinesiology with a minor in Biology on the Pre-Medical Track. She plans on attending medical school to become a pediatric physician in the future.
During her time at Alabama Ally has been a part of Dance Alabama!, DAFF, ARDT, and Kappa Delta. She has spent her summers as an Intern with the Joffrey Ballet School as well as the Children’s Hospital of Alabama.
Ally is very honored and excited to serve as one of the Directors of the Dance Alabama Film Festival this year and cannot wait to participate in the cultivation of young artists.
Ally LeBlanc
Ally LeBlanc is originally from Dallas Texas and is a senior at The University studying Dance and Kinesiology with a minor in Biology on the Pre-Medical Track. She plans on attending medical school to become a pediatric physician in the future.
During her time at Alabama Ally has been a part of Dance Alabama!, DAFF, ARDT, and Kappa Delta. She has spent her summers as an Intern with the Joffrey Ballet School as well as the Children’s Hospital of Alabama.
Ally is very honored and excited to serve as one of the Directors of the Dance Alabama Film Festival this year and cannot wait to participate in the cultivation of young artists.
Co-Director
Liz Pack
Liz Pack is from Albertville, Alabama. Here at the University of Alabama, Liz is studying Dance with a minor in Health Sciences Integration. Beyond her academic endeavors, Liz is an integral member of the Yonder Contemporary Dance Company. This dynamic troupe has graced stages across the southeastern United States and even made international appearances at the esteemed Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. Her contributions encompass grant writing, fundraising, organizational leadership, and the promotion of the company's captivating performances.
In addition to her diverse range of activities and talents, Liz's journey has been enriched by a transformative two-year internship with the prestigious Joffrey Ballet in the heart of New York City. This experience has further deepened her love for dance and added a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her impressive resume.
Liz is deeply honored and filled with excitement to assume the role of one of the Directors for this year's Dance Alabama Film Festival. She eagerly anticipates her involvement in nurturing the talents of aspiring young artists.
Liz Pack
Liz Pack is from Albertville, Alabama. Here at the University of Alabama, Liz is studying Dance with a minor in Health Sciences Integration. Beyond her academic endeavors, Liz is an integral member of the Yonder Contemporary Dance Company. This dynamic troupe has graced stages across the southeastern United States and even made international appearances at the esteemed Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. Her contributions encompass grant writing, fundraising, organizational leadership, and the promotion of the company's captivating performances.
In addition to her diverse range of activities and talents, Liz's journey has been enriched by a transformative two-year internship with the prestigious Joffrey Ballet in the heart of New York City. This experience has further deepened her love for dance and added a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her impressive resume.
Liz is deeply honored and filled with excitement to assume the role of one of the Directors for this year's Dance Alabama Film Festival. She eagerly anticipates her involvement in nurturing the talents of aspiring young artists.
Assistant Director
Jocelyn Claborn
Jocelyn Claborn is the Assistant Director of the Dance Alabama Film Festival. This is her third year being a part of DAFF, where last year she served as the Film Liaison. Jocelyn's passion lies in storytelling -- whether that be in narrative films, documentaries, or screen dances. She desires to share the stories in her community and create shared experiences through different forms of media.
As assistant director, she is responsible for assisting the festival directors in planning and executing the various aspects of the festival.
When Jocelyn isn't working with DAFF, she is an Ambassador at the College of Communication and Information Sciences. She also interns at the Center for Public Television.
But outside of her extracurriculars, you can find Jocelyn making dinner for all of her friends, or enjoying a nice afternoon iced latte.
She's excited to continue her time at DAFF this upcoming year!
Jocelyn Claborn
Jocelyn Claborn is the Assistant Director of the Dance Alabama Film Festival. This is her third year being a part of DAFF, where last year she served as the Film Liaison. Jocelyn's passion lies in storytelling -- whether that be in narrative films, documentaries, or screen dances. She desires to share the stories in her community and create shared experiences through different forms of media.
As assistant director, she is responsible for assisting the festival directors in planning and executing the various aspects of the festival.
When Jocelyn isn't working with DAFF, she is an Ambassador at the College of Communication and Information Sciences. She also interns at the Center for Public Television.
But outside of her extracurriculars, you can find Jocelyn making dinner for all of her friends, or enjoying a nice afternoon iced latte.
She's excited to continue her time at DAFF this upcoming year!
Treasurer
Gwynevere Deterding
Gwynevere Deterding is a junior at the University of Alabama majoring in Dance and Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. Passionate about the art of dance and sharing it with the community, she has performed with Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre, Yonder Contemporary Dance Company, and Dance Alabama, as well as appearing in screendances for the Dance Alabama Film Festival.
She has served as treasurer for Yonder Contemporary Dance Company and as an ambassador for the dance program. Gwynevere is also a member of the Dance Honor Society of Alabama, and volunteers with Unity Dance Tuscaloosa. Recently, Gwynevere was awarded a scholarship to train at The Ailey School Summer Intensive in NYC in Horton, Graham, and ballet technique. She is honored to be serving as the treasurer for Dance Alabama Film Festival this year.
Gwynevere Deterding
Gwynevere Deterding is a junior at the University of Alabama majoring in Dance and Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. Passionate about the art of dance and sharing it with the community, she has performed with Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre, Yonder Contemporary Dance Company, and Dance Alabama, as well as appearing in screendances for the Dance Alabama Film Festival.
She has served as treasurer for Yonder Contemporary Dance Company and as an ambassador for the dance program. Gwynevere is also a member of the Dance Honor Society of Alabama, and volunteers with Unity Dance Tuscaloosa. Recently, Gwynevere was awarded a scholarship to train at The Ailey School Summer Intensive in NYC in Horton, Graham, and ballet technique. She is honored to be serving as the treasurer for Dance Alabama Film Festival this year.
Promotional Director
Abby McCaughan
Abby is a senior majoring in Dance with a Biology minor on the pre-med track. She is from Ridgeland, Mississippi which is where her love for dancing began.
Since coming to UA, Abby has participated as a dancer and choreographer in many performances, including Dance Alabama!, Dance Collection, and Sick Moves. She has has performed in the Alabama Repertoire Dance Theater and been a member of DHSA since her sophomore year.
With interests in the medical field, Abby is apart of the Emerging Scholars Program for research at UA, and presented the research at the Spring 2023 URCA Conference. She works at a medical clinic during her summers, and has been apart Druid City Hospital's volunteer program, where she assisted in the Cardiac Rehab Center and the Infusion Center.
Apart from the dancing and studying, one of her favorite hobbies is to read. This is Abby's second year as Promotional Director.
Abby McCaughan
Abby is a senior majoring in Dance with a Biology minor on the pre-med track. She is from Ridgeland, Mississippi which is where her love for dancing began.
Since coming to UA, Abby has participated as a dancer and choreographer in many performances, including Dance Alabama!, Dance Collection, and Sick Moves. She has has performed in the Alabama Repertoire Dance Theater and been a member of DHSA since her sophomore year.
With interests in the medical field, Abby is apart of the Emerging Scholars Program for research at UA, and presented the research at the Spring 2023 URCA Conference. She works at a medical clinic during her summers, and has been apart Druid City Hospital's volunteer program, where she assisted in the Cardiac Rehab Center and the Infusion Center.
Apart from the dancing and studying, one of her favorite hobbies is to read. This is Abby's second year as Promotional Director.
Outreach Liasion
Mary Payne
Mary Payne has a passion for dance, but more importantly, a passion for facilitating the things that keep dance - and the arts in general - alive and accessible. With a specific interest in how various disciplines interact, Mary has been on the administrative and performative side of many artistic collaborations.
As a choreographer, dancer, and President of Yonder Contemporary Dance Company, Mary has seen firsthand the significance of sharing artistic projects with local and global communities. Providing access to creative interaction through teaching, performing, screenings, and other forms of connection allows our work to impact and foster further exploration in these communities. Outreach, furthermore, is essential to Mary’s objectives. In her other administrative roles, Mary has gained a knack for grant writing and fundraising, promoting events, communication, and forming meaningful relationships. Her passions and experience have given Mary the confidence to grow engagement opportunities for DAFF’s significant contributions to our communities.
Outside of her performing arts pursuits, Mary is a self-proclaimed history nerd who is always willing to visit an art museum. She recognizes the value in pursuing multiple interests and finding how they intersect, believing this is where the most valuable creations emerge.
Mary Payne
Mary Payne has a passion for dance, but more importantly, a passion for facilitating the things that keep dance - and the arts in general - alive and accessible. With a specific interest in how various disciplines interact, Mary has been on the administrative and performative side of many artistic collaborations.
As a choreographer, dancer, and President of Yonder Contemporary Dance Company, Mary has seen firsthand the significance of sharing artistic projects with local and global communities. Providing access to creative interaction through teaching, performing, screenings, and other forms of connection allows our work to impact and foster further exploration in these communities. Outreach, furthermore, is essential to Mary’s objectives. In her other administrative roles, Mary has gained a knack for grant writing and fundraising, promoting events, communication, and forming meaningful relationships. Her passions and experience have given Mary the confidence to grow engagement opportunities for DAFF’s significant contributions to our communities.
Outside of her performing arts pursuits, Mary is a self-proclaimed history nerd who is always willing to visit an art museum. She recognizes the value in pursuing multiple interests and finding how they intersect, believing this is where the most valuable creations emerge.
Dance Liaison
Caio Godoy
Caio is Dance major with a minor in Creative Media. He was born in São Paulo, Brazil and later moved to Tennessee where his love for dance flourished. After Graduating from Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts and Chattanooga Dance Theater, he moved to continue his studies in dance at UA. Caio has had works presented in Dance Alabama!, Dance Collection, and Sick Moves. Caio performed in these productions as well as Alabama Repertoire Theater.
While at UA he has had the opportunity to do summer intensives at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as well as the Gus Giordano School of Dance where he go to learn and grow from world renowned dance teachers and master faculty.
Caio is currently serving as the 2023-2024 historian for Dance Alabama! He is very excited for his final year at UA and hopes that it can be another successful year for DAFF.
Caio Godoy
Caio is Dance major with a minor in Creative Media. He was born in São Paulo, Brazil and later moved to Tennessee where his love for dance flourished. After Graduating from Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts and Chattanooga Dance Theater, he moved to continue his studies in dance at UA. Caio has had works presented in Dance Alabama!, Dance Collection, and Sick Moves. Caio performed in these productions as well as Alabama Repertoire Theater.
While at UA he has had the opportunity to do summer intensives at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as well as the Gus Giordano School of Dance where he go to learn and grow from world renowned dance teachers and master faculty.
Caio is currently serving as the 2023-2024 historian for Dance Alabama! He is very excited for his final year at UA and hopes that it can be another successful year for DAFF.
Music Liaison
Cameron Frazier
Cameron is from Hoover, Alabama majoring in Music Composition. She is involved in UA choirs and Tune In.
In her free time she likes to play solitaire. This her second year with DAFF!
Cameron Frazier
Cameron is from Hoover, Alabama majoring in Music Composition. She is involved in UA choirs and Tune In.
In her free time she likes to play solitaire. This her second year with DAFF!
Music Liaison
Mason McCool Mason McCool is a senior at the Capstone studying Music Composition and French. As a published composer, he is interested in many different areas of composition, although he most commonly composes for piano and choir. He takes inspiration for his music from various composers such as J.S. Bach, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, César Franck, Edvard Grieg, Pavel Chesnokov, Eric Whitacre, Cody Fry, and Jon McLaughlin. Outside of his compositional pursuits, Mason enjoys being the owner of CrossFit Gordo located in West Alabama; participating in his own competitive CrossFit training; being Music Director of UA’s first co-ed a cappella group, No Strings Attached; singing in the University Singers; leading music at his church, Zion Primitive Baptist Church; and spending time with his nephew, Calihan. |
Music Liaison
Kris Cato
Kris Cato is a composer who focuses on exploring a wide range of sounds!
Outside of composing, Kris enjoys playing video games, reading graphic novels, and learning to play the piano!
Film Liaison
Ryan Cagle
Ryan Cagle is a senior at UA majoring in Creative Media. Ryan is involved with Rising Tide Film Festival and the student radio station 90.7 The capstone.
In his free time, Ryan can be found watching movies, hanging out with friends and coloring. This is his first year on DAFF.
Ryan Cagle
Ryan Cagle is a senior at UA majoring in Creative Media. Ryan is involved with Rising Tide Film Festival and the student radio station 90.7 The capstone.
In his free time, Ryan can be found watching movies, hanging out with friends and coloring. This is his first year on DAFF.
Film Liaison
Zoey Rich
Zoey Rich is a fourth-year creative media student with a passion for both film and dance. After several projects as a producer and director, Zoey has a range of experience planning and creating short films, as well as a background in contemporary and lyrical dance, helping diversify her skills in short films with a focus on dance.
As a Film Liaison for the Dance Alabama Film Festival, Zoey has vigorously gathered resources and other helpful knowledge to assist filmmakers in any facet. Her connections throughout the College of Communications and Information Sciences, as well as her commitment to the representation of dance in short films has allowed her to help represent C&IS within the Dance Alabama Film Festival.
Outside of her work with the Dance Alabama Film Festival, Zoey has been pursuing an internship with the Walt Disney World Company as one of UA’s College Program representatives. Through this experience, Zoey has been able to gain advice and insight from the Walt Disney Company’s film representatives in studios such as Walt Disney Studios, Lucasfilm, Marvel, and Pixar. She also enjoys studying American literature to gain a better insight of American storytelling outside of film so she can broaden her understanding of storytelling in the US.
Zoey Rich
Zoey Rich is a fourth-year creative media student with a passion for both film and dance. After several projects as a producer and director, Zoey has a range of experience planning and creating short films, as well as a background in contemporary and lyrical dance, helping diversify her skills in short films with a focus on dance.
As a Film Liaison for the Dance Alabama Film Festival, Zoey has vigorously gathered resources and other helpful knowledge to assist filmmakers in any facet. Her connections throughout the College of Communications and Information Sciences, as well as her commitment to the representation of dance in short films has allowed her to help represent C&IS within the Dance Alabama Film Festival.
Outside of her work with the Dance Alabama Film Festival, Zoey has been pursuing an internship with the Walt Disney World Company as one of UA’s College Program representatives. Through this experience, Zoey has been able to gain advice and insight from the Walt Disney Company’s film representatives in studios such as Walt Disney Studios, Lucasfilm, Marvel, and Pixar. She also enjoys studying American literature to gain a better insight of American storytelling outside of film so she can broaden her understanding of storytelling in the US.