Shayla Bott to Succeed Curt Holman As Department of Dance Academic Chair
Ed Adams, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications, has announced the appointment of a new chair for the Department of Dance. Shayla Bott will replace Curt Holman effective July 1, 2023.
In appreciation of Holman’s tenure as chair, Adams said, “I would also like to thank Holman for his service over the past six years. His years as chair have been transformational for the Department of Dance. He established the Leona Holbrook Endowment which will change the trajectory of the department for generations, hired many great faculty members, brought in Young Ambassadors and renovated many spaces in the Richards Building (RB) to accommodate student learning and gathering spaces. We appreciate the work Holman has accomplished.”
Shayla Bott received an MFA in ballet with a focus on music, choreography and pedagogy from the University of Utah. After retiring from a professional career with Utah Metropolitan Ballet, she continued to teach and choreograph for many professional, regional and collegiate venues, winning multiple awards for her choreography. Bott has served as artistic director of UVU’s Repertory Ballet Ensemble, BYU Ballet Showcase Company and BYU Theatre Ballet. During her time at BYU, she has also served as Associate Department Chair and Ballet Area Coordinator. Bott has completed several top dance training programs and certifications including the ABT® National Training Curriculum teacher training, CPYB ballet technique teachers’ workshops, The Royal Ballet School Inspire program, Progressing Ballet Technique and Stott Pilates Matwork and Reformer.
Adams said, “Bott is uniquely positioned to be the next chair. She has extensive knowledge of the rank and status process, a vast understanding of and a deep vision for the department and she is a master scholar and teacher.”