Assistant Professor Sinclair Ogaga Emoghene is a dancer and researcher whose work investigates the body as a performance surface while reconstructing the ways that historical data in dance are structured, presented and archived. His work borders performance creation, place situating, cultural studies, experimental practice and dance technology. Most recently, he taught theory, creative research and dance technique as an assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. He has created works for the Nollywood audience in Nigeria/Africa, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. and other prestigious institutions. His focus is in African and contemporary dance practices, multiracial engagement in academic and community spaces of confluence, and the production of new literature for African dance in world contexts. He holds an M.F.A. from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Tell us about the classes you’ll be teaching this year.
I will be teaching the Advanced Contemporary Dance class for juniors and seniors this fall. This class is typically high-energy, fun, yet demanding. We will explore new techniques of dance hybridization and the amalgamation of traditional forms, including ritual, social, occupational and ceremonial dances from Nigeria and the broader West/Central African region. This process of hybridization informs my definition and use of the term “contemporary dance practices” from an African perspective.
What attracted you to the Department of Theatre and Dance and The University of Texas at Austin?
The Department of Theatre and Dance is globally renowned, and I have long admired it since my days as a young theatre student in Nigeria. This job opening was a perfect opportunity for me to engage with the department that I have always aspired to be part of. The world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, groundbreaking research and talented student body are just a few of the many aspects that drew me to this program.
How did your professional pathway lead to your research and artistic focus?
I have been practicing dance from an African perspective for over two decades, and throughout this time, I noticed the absence of a robust intellectual framework that ethically archives the dances of Africa and their histories. Now, I can conduct significant research to help make this vision a reality. I have dedicated my entire life to dance, and I am confident that I am on the right path.
What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?
I love social dancing, but I also like to pretend I'm an incredible interior designer. The truth is, I won’t say I’m that good at interior designing! Haha.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching/researching/working?
I genuinely enjoy conducting research, especially when I can compile situations and events that inspire me to create dance works. You’ll be able to see more of this on my website once it’s completed.