Diane Newman

Diane Newman is a professional dancer, director, and educator. An MSU alumna, she holds a Bachelor’s degree is in zoology (dance minor) and a Master’s degree in parks and recreation resource administration (communications minor). In 1976 she founded Happendance, Michigan's longest-operating professional contemporary dance company. Additionally, Diane created an outreach component of Happendance that continues to provide dance performances, classroom workshops, and extended teaching residencies throughout mid-Michigan. In 1981 and again in 2007, Diane was honored by the Michigan Dance Council as Michigan Dance Educator of the Year. She is currently the executive director of Happendance and continues to manage, teach, and develop the curriculum for Happendance School. She is a featured presenter and teacher at regional and national education conferences and workshops and has taught at Interlochen Arts Camp and Michigan State University. Most recently, Diane co-authored 101 MOVEntures: Interdisciplinary Learning through Dance, which features lessons for the K-5 classroom teacher who wants to use dance and movement to reinforce core curriculum and the arts. Diane is an adjunct professor in RCAH and teaches lecture/workshop and civic engagement courses.