Arts: Dance program highlights collaboration, creative exploration, movement
By Jack Reyes
Bridge contributing writer
Published Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Their motion presents a message of impact in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. The Texas A&M International University contemporary dance program continues to characterize its growth in terms of collaboration, creative exploration and movement.
Assistant Professor of dance Timothy Rubel, who directs contemporary dance, offered insight on how the program plans to grow and improve.
Junior Yewon Cho, left, senior Victoria Franyutti, center, and Junior Jasmine Gomez practice ballet in Assistant Professor of dance Timothy Rubel’s contemporary dance class on March 2, 2026, in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.
As an example, last semester, Rubel’s students performed as part of the Bloom art installation. He said the performance was not typical of the program’s usual stage work.
“Most of the work we do here happens on the stage,” Rubel said. “This is unique in that it [was] in the art gallery.”
He also said the dancers performed close to an audience, which allowed viewers to observe the movement as “an embodied layer of meaning to the installation.”
Senior multidisciplinary studies major Carolina Ramirez said she joined the contemporary program after wanting to return to dance. “I’ve been a part of the TAMIU dance program since fall of 2023,” Ramirez said. “I really liked it, and I got more involved. I started taking more classes, and I found myself growing in the program.”
Ramirez said working with Rubel helped her develop technique and artistic perspective.
“Professor Tim has really opened my eyes to dance in higher education,” she said. “I’ve been exposed to a variety of techniques and just different movement studies, and it’s allowed me to expand my knowledge and repertoire.”
She said the program also shaped her identity as an artist.
“It helped us become better advocates for the arts,” Ramirez said. “Dance connects people through movement and nonverbal communication, and I think it complements the other arts programs on campus.”
Even while recovering from a back injury, Ramirez continued taking part in rehearsals and performances throughout last semester.
“I am limited by my doctors, but I was still able to dance,” she said. “I’ve been participating in performances, and then we [had] the Fall dance concert …”
Reflecting on her personal growth, Ramirez said the program helped her improve her movement.
“It’s made me more open, and it’s really empowered me to do what I want and have agency over my movement,” she said.
Rubel said he remains inspired with the commitment of the dancers as each semester continues.
“When a student really becomes involved in the process, that’s where the magic happens,” he said.
He also said the department is working toward increasing campus dance opportunities.
“We are hoping to eventually develop a dance major with concentrations in contemporary dance and Ballet Folklorico,” Rubel said.
The contemporary dance program continues to develop through student collaboration and performance to provide dancers with an opportunity to experiment, reflect and grow.
