The COVID-19 pandemic has halted many longtime traditions this year. But the University of Iowa Department of Dance was not going to let it stop the 39th edition of Dance Gala.

“We felt it was important to be resilient and instead of allowing this pandemic to slow or stop us, to use it as a fuel to become more creative and to think outside the box,” says Eloy Barragán, associate professor and director of this year’s Dance Gala.

Dance Gala will maintain its high level of professionalism and artistry, but it will be a slightly different viewing experience. Instead of watching at Hancher Auditorium or Space Place Theater, audiences will tune in online to watch more than 35 students bring to life works created by six Department of Dance faculty members.

The works were filmed in the Theatre Building’s E.C. Mabie Theatre and outdoors around campus.

“We worked hard to make this happen without jeopardizing the health of our students and faculty or our audience,” Barragán says. “There were so many unknowns, and things continue to change every day. It was beautiful to see creative minds unify to come up with a positive solution.

Barragán says he is grateful that departments across campus came together to make Dance Gala a reality this year, including the efforts of the dancers, choreographers, the Department of Theatre Arts , the Division of Performing Arts, the Performing Arts Production Unit, the Office of Strategic Communication, and UI physician Val Sheffield and his team for testing all performers and choreographers for COVID-19.

“It’s going to be a beautiful experience for the students, faculty, and viewers,” Barragán says.