EPC Howard E. Woodin Environmental Studies Colloquium Series

Singer and Composer, Moira Smiley and Associate Professor and Chair of Dance, Laurel Jenkins collaboratively present at the Woodin Colloquium Series. Part-lecture, part-performance this event integrates music and movement to evoke presence and connection - an essential starting place for social action.

Laurel Jenkins is an Associate Professor and Chair of Dance. She danced with the Trisha Brown Dance Company from 2007-2012 and created original roles in many of Brown’s final works. She continues to teach and restage works with TBDC. In addition, Jenkins has danced for Vicky Shick, Sara Rudner, and performed in the Night of 100 Solos: A Centennial Event celebrating Merce Cunningham, as well as in Stravinsky’s Oedipus Rex/Symphony of Psalms directed by Peter Sellars. She choreographed Bernstein’s MASS, directed by Elkhanah Pulitzer, with the LA Phil at Disney Hall and the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra at Lincoln Center and choreographed Sarah Kirkland Snider’s new opera, Hildegard. Jenkins choreography has been presented by REDCAT, Automata, the Getty Center, Show Box LA, The Lied Center for Performing Arts, and Danspace. She is the recipient of a Vermont Arts Council Grant, an Asian Cultural Council Grant, and a French Institute Fellowship. Jenkins is certified in the Skinner Releasing Technique.

Singer, composer, and song-collector Moira Smiley has sung in arenas, cathedrals, kitchens, back porches, sound stages, and on glaciers. She’s performed with the likes of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Tune-Yards, Tim O’Brien, Eric Whitacre, Los Angeles Master Chorale, New World Symphony, Solas, and The Lyris String Quartet. Moira’s original compositions, choral arrangements, and folk music are being sung by millions of voices around the world today. Original sheet music for more than 170 pieces are available through this website, and Moira’s sheet music library.