Senior dance major Sydni Lee's choreographic work Polyphonies was selected for the Gala Concert at the 2026 American College Dance Association (ACDA) Central Regional Conference. The original work was chosen by a panel of nationally recognized dance artists, placing it among the most distinguished collegiate choreographic works in the region.
The ACDA Gala Concert features only a small number of adjudicated pieces each year. Works are evaluated anonymously and selected solely on artistic merit, making a Gala invitation one of the highest honors available to student and faculty choreographers.
Lee’s achievement marks the third consecutive year that UH Dance has earned a Gala selection. In 2024, a work by Professor Travis Prokop was featured in the Gala, followed by student choreographer Trinity Grays in 2025. The 2026 selection continues this pattern of excellence and reflects the program’s growing national visibility.
The 2026 ACDA Central Regional Conference took place March 13–16, 2026, jointly hosted by Illinois State University and Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, bringing together institutions from across the Central region for adjudications, classes, and performances.
Three consecutive Gala selections demonstrate the strength and consistency of the UH Dance program. The recognition highlights the program’s commitment to rigorous training, cultural engagement, and creative innovation. It also reinforces UH’s position as a rising national presence in collegiate dance, attracting prospective students, collaborators, and emerging choreographers who seek a program defined by artistic ambition and high standards.
The School of Theatre and Dance acknowledges the work of Sydni Lee and the broader UH Dance community whose dedication and collaborative spirit contributed to this accomplishment.