How a SouthCoast Native Is Shaping the Next Generation of Modern Dance

A handful of local students are working hard at a New Bedford dance studio, preparing for a performance at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center on November 7 prior to the famed Parsons Dance Company show that same night.

The man producing the show is Steven Vaughn, a Mattapoisett native and former member of the Parsons Dance Company who operates a dance studio on Pope's Island.

He spoke with Townsquare Sunday about the performance and the future of modern dance here on the SouthCoast.

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From Mattapoisett to 10 Years Touring with Parsons Dance

"I moved to Mattapoisett when I was about 11 years old and attended the Kathy Medina School of Dance in Rochester," he said. "It opened up my eyes to modern dance."

Vaughn attended an arts college in Pennsylvania and started to learn more about the David Parsons Dance Company. When the company performed in Philadelphia, Vaughn took in a show.

"It really blew me away," Vaughn said. "The athleticism, the artistry they displayed piqued my interest as a young dancer. So from that point on, I focused on Parsons Dance and was fortunate to make it in."

During his senior year in college, he was accepted by Parsons as an apprentice, and the following year became a full-time member. He spent 10 years touring the world with the dance company. "It was a lot of fun, performing and teaching. I was very fortunate," Vaughn said.

Mike Roberts/Townsquare Media

SoCo Movement Arts Bridges the Gap for SouthCoast Youth

Now Vaughn is teaching others what he learned during his professional career. He operates a dance studio on Pope's Island called SoCo Movement Arts, where he is working with a group of young dancers who will perform prior to the world-renowned Parsons Dance Company on November 7 at the Zeiterion.

"It will be a student dance tribute to Parsons," Vaughn said. "We're bridging the gap between students and professionals."

Showcase Details and Ticket Information for November 7

The student dancers range in age from 13 to 19 and come from dance studios in Brockton and Middleboro. "The students are doing an amazing job," Vaughn said. "They're all learning the craft and are very dedicated to it."

"I've been impressed with the Parsons Dance Company since I first saw them," he said. "They continue to impress with feats of artistry and athleticism. I hope their performance, and my student dancers, will help inspire the next generation of modern dancers here on the SouthCoast."

Tickets are available at Zeiterion.org.

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