Kevan Sullivan has been selected as the “Outstanding Graduate” by the University of Arizona College of Fine Arts and the School of Dance for the 2025 spring semester.
Here’s a summary of Associate Professor Tammy Dyke Compton’s nomination letter:
Kevan exemplifies excellence as a performer, choreographer, educator, and researcher, with exceptional contributions to the School of Dance and the broader dance community. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, Kevan has excelled in teaching ballet, jazz, modern, improvisation, and theory—connecting with students and fostering inclusive learning environments. He mentors students with thoughtfulness and rigor, preparing them for professional and academic success.
Kevan’s performance achievements are equally commendable. He performed a lead role in Martha Graham’s “Diversion of Angels,” a testament to his technical prowess, artistic depth, and stage presence. Kevan also served as Rehearsal Director for Alvin Ailey’s “Streams” and Assistant Rehearsal Director for Graham’s “Chronicle.” He assisted with our Traveling Ensemble, which performed “Steps in the Street” alongside the Martha Graham Dance Company at Centennial Hall and at The Joyce Theatre in NYC.
A former company member with Koresh Dance Company, Kevan brings over a decade of professional experience and a strong record of community outreach. While in graduate school, he continued to choreograph and teach as a guest artist. His choreography has been showcased at the Stevie Eller Theatre and Breaking Ground Dance Festival, and his research was presented at the National Dance Education Organization Conference.
- Spring 2025 Graduation Convocation | May 18 | 2p | Centennial Hall
How would you describe your experience at the College of Fine Arts?
My time at the College of Fine Arts was transformative, educational, and deeply rewarding. I had the opportunity to delve into performing arts education, choreography, and research while sharing my professional experience and passion with undergraduate students. Supporting their artistic and personal growth was both humbling and inspiring. The department created an environment that challenged me technically and intellectually, while also nurturing my artistic voice. Faculty members served as invaluable mentors, guiding me through their professional insights to become a stronger educator and artist. Collaborating with past and present cohorts created a sense of community and artistic camaraderie that will extend far beyond graduation.
What’s your favorite memory or experience?
A defining memory was being cast as the Man in White in Martha Graham’s “Diversion of Angels” during my first semester. Having recently retired from a decade-long professional dance career in Philadelphia, I believed my performing days were behind me. This unexpected opportunity not only reignited my passion for performance but also laid the foundation for my research and leadership in the studio and classroom.
Dancing alongside undergraduates fostered a strong sense of community. What began as a performance opportunity evolved into a mentorship role—deepening my investment in preserving legacy modern dance works and highlighting their cultural significance.
What experiences of leadership were impactful?
My leadership experiences within the School of Dance have been deeply rewarding, both in and beyond the classroom. In my roles as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, Rehearsal Director, Rehearsal Assistant, and Choreographer, I worked with students from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and levels of experience. These roles challenged me to cultivate spaces that were not only technically rigorous but also safe, inclusive, and empowering … spaces where students felt free to challenge themselves and explore their most authentic artistic voices.
Witnessing students grow in confidence, creativity, and self-awareness affirmed the power of student-centered leadership. I saw firsthand how connecting dance to the broader human experience transformed not only how students learned, but how they saw themselves. That transformation—of both the individual and the group—has been one of the most meaningful outcomes of my leadership journey at the University.
How did you get involved in community service?
In January 2025, my choreographic work, “Seeing You” was selected for presentation at the Breaking Ground Dance Festival in Tempe, Arizona—a nationally recognized platform. I brought three undergraduate dancers to perform, offering them the chance to connect with other artists from across the country, including students from Arizona State University and members of CONDER/dance. This experience not only celebrated their artistry but strengthened connections within Arizona’s wider dancescene.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in education, where I can share my experience as a professional dancer, researcher, and educator with the next generation of artists. In addition, I intend to continue developing my choreographic voice. Through opportunities at and beyond the University of Arizona, I’ve discovered a passion for creating work that explores the human condition through a surrealist lens. I aspire to build a career as a freelance choreographer, contributing nationally and internationally to a dance landscape that values innovation, reflection, and emotional depth.
Spring 2025 Graduation Awards
- Aracely Rodriguez | School of Art | Outstanding Senior
- Ricardo Chavez | School of Art | Outstanding Graduate
- Nikki Martin | School of Dance | Outstanding Senior
- Kevan Sullivan | CFA / School of Dance | Outstanding Graduate
- Gloria Orozco Dorado | School of Music | Outstanding Graduate
- Dylan Cook | CFA / School of Music | Outstanding Senior
- Julia Franco | School of Theatre, Film & Television | Outstanding Senior