For Western Illinois University Dance Instructor Donald Laney, investing in the professional lives and summer performances his students are involved in this year is a trait he learned as a young child. Laney has spent much of his time this summer putting many miles on his car, traveling to watch the shows WIU students are performing in across the Midwest. The journey started after Laney spent six weeks this summer teaching at the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts. At about the same time, he began seeing photographs on social media of the shows his students were part of. “I... Read More

A Western Illinois University dance instructor has been invited to dance “Spanish Dance,” in celebration of the life of internationally-known dancer Daniel Nagrin. WIU Dance Instructor Donald Laney was the last dancer Nagrin taught “Spanish Dance” to prior to his death. The performance will be part of “The Daniel Nagrin Celebration: A Concert of Solos by the Rebel of Modern Dance,” April 30 and May 1 in the Dogtown Dance Theatre in Richmond, VA. Nagrin’s interesting career history ranged from gigs at summer resorts and clubs to Broadway musical, acting... Read More