Daryl Gray (kneeling), an internationally acclaimed director and choreographer, was at UMSL last week working with dance students. (Photo by

Under the watchful eye of Broadway professional Daryl Gray, a group of University of Missouri–St. Louis dance students was put through the paces recently.

Gray, an internationally acclaimed director and choreographer, was at UMSL last week, helping prepare the dance students for a number they’ll perform at the spring dance concert, “Sum of Motion.” It’s a jazzy, big band-period piece.

“It’s interesting to present them with theater dance and period dance, and make them understand how important it is to be able to turn oneself into somebody from another era and dance the way they danced,” said Gray, a St. Louis native.

Gray was trained in a full theatre and dance curriculum in New York City and appeared in Broadway shows and as a soloist and guest artist with dance companies in the United States and abroad, touring worldwide.

Having Gray on campus was an enormous honor for the students as well as a fantastic experience for them.

“Daryl has gone to the top of the field. He’s an excellent choreographer,” said Rob Scoggins, assistant professor of dance at UMSL. “He’s a really quality artist for the students to work with. He can serve as an inspiration for the students.”