Dance Instructor, 86, Will Get Back Into the Swing of Things

Although she no longer teaches full time, Santa Monica resident Alma Hawkins remains active in the modern dance scene. This fall, the 86-year-old dance educator returns to the classroom as a distinguished scholar at Santa Monica College.

This will be a homecoming for Hawkins, who taught choreography at Santa Monica College for nine years after retiring from UCLA. During the fall and winter terms, she will teach four sessions focusing on the different aspects of the creative process and the relationship to the development of choreography.

“I’ve kept in touch with SMC, and they have interesting students,” she said. “It’s a multicultural population and I’ve found students to be very enriching by drawing on their ethnic backgrounds.”

Hawkins is an internationally recognized leader in dance education. From 1953 to 1977, she taught dance at UCLA. While at UCLA, she was instrumental in establishing undergraduate and graduate programs.

“My original interest came while studying at Bennington College,” she said. “But my interest and experiences deepened at UCLA.”

She also pioneered the field of dance therapy. She explained it as a way to use creative experiences as a means of intervention in health while building self-esteem. Hawkins is currently working on a book about her thoughts and experiences in dance. “Moving From Within: A New Way of Dance Making” is due out sometime this fall.

UCLA Chancellor Charles Young has made the following staff appointments:

Andrea Rich has been appointed executive vice chancellor of UCLA. Rich, who has been a student, teacher and administrator at UCLA, will have a wide range of responsibilities for academic and administrative planning and policy.

Professor Norman Abrams, a member of the faculty of the UCLA School of Law and associate dean of the school, has been named vice chancellor-academic personnel. He will oversee faculty appointments and promotions on the UCLA campus.

Richard Sisson, formerly vice chancellor for faculty relations, has been named senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. Sisson will be responsible for academic matters concerning the faculty, students and academic programs.

Wes Bush, president of the Airport Marina Counseling Service board of directors, has installed board members.

The new Westside members are: Elena Bove, Daniel Graham, the Rev. William Haldane, Jill Marcellus and Frank Noyes.

Carl Terzian has been elected vice president of the Los Angeles Fire Commission.

He is serving a five-year term as commissioner by appointment of Mayor Tom Bradley. The commission establishes policies and procedures for the Fire Department.

He is a resident of Brentwood.