Recent ECU graduate places in top 10 in international dance competition

Jessica Wooten, a 2020 East Carolina University graduate, recently placed fifth at the international Hamburg Dance Competition.

This inaugural event was online due to the pandemic. A live competition will be planned for a later date.

Dancers were judged on jazz, modern/contemporary and urban styles by a five-person jury of international dance professionals. The top prize at the competition is the Jules Matberg Dance Award.

Wooten submitted a piece that she choreographed during her senior year in ECU’s School of Theatre and Dance.

Jessica Wooten, a 2020 ECU School of Theatre and Dance alumna, recently competed in the Hamburg Dance Competition. (Contributed photos)

Wooten placed fifth in the competition, which was held online due to the pandemic. A live competition is planned for a later date.

“This demonstrates the readiness of our recent graduates to enter the global profession,” said Jayme Host, director of theatre and dance. “It’s so outstanding that even among the crisis of a pandemic, our graduates continue to shine and succeed.”

Since graduation, Wooten has been teaching at a dance studio in her hometown of Raleigh while finding opportunities to grow as a dancer and artist, she said.

She recently choreographed a solo performance that was selected by the American Dance Festival and will be part of Duke University’s RESIST COVID/TAKE 6! exhibition. The piece will be filmed this month in front of artwork by nationally renowned artist Carrie Mae Weems, who created the outdoor exhibition and public awareness campaign.

“Looking into the future, I am passionate about pursuing my dream of moving to New York City and performing with a professional dance company,” Wooten said.