Music, dance collaborate for Dancing on Steel

San Jacinto College’s music and dance departments collaborated for a unique concert this May — “Dancing on Steel.” The performances were held at the Central Campus Slocomb Auditorium and the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. 

“The steel band and I were thrilled to collaborate with our guest artists and the dance program to stage the world and Houston premiere of ‘Dancing on Steel,’” said Michael Mizma, music professor. “I have wanted to collaborate like this for many years, and I’m so excited we finally made it happen.” 

“Dancing on Steel” featured six steel band pieces inspired by dance movements and the rich cultural traditions of Trinidad and Tobago. The concert reflects the influence of the country’s multiethnic and multicultural heritage, featuring choreographed dance. 

Students from Mizma’s steel band performed for the second year at the Miller Outdoor Theatre as part of their performance grant program, but this was their first time partnering with South Campus dance students and dance professors Jamie Williams and Jennifer Salter.  

“Our dance program is thrilled about this collaboration. It has opened so many opportunities for our dancers,” said Williams. “They learned traditional Trinbagonian dance and performed live music on a huge outdoor stage. We were very fortunate to give them this experience.”