Generous Commitment Honors Dance Pioneer

University News

SFA receives gift to honor dance pioneer

Story by Trisha Wheeler '22 & Nathan Wicker '19

SFA announced a generous donation from distinguished alumna Priscilla "Prissy" Abshier Sliva in support of the School of Theatre and Dance. A proud member of SFA's Class of 1959, Sliva made the generous commitment to enhance programmatic efforts and honor and commemorate the legacy of her uncle, Denard Haden '29, one of the university's most influential figures in the arts.

Denard Haden '29
Denard Haden '29

Haden, a beloved SFA alumnus and faculty member, established the university's dance program and was widely known for his creative vision and innovative choreography. He taught dance classes, choreographed musicals and introduced groundbreaking techniques that continue to influence dance and drill teams to this day. His gift for staging and movement left a lasting impression on generations of performers and students.

"My uncle had a tremendous impact, not only on me and my family, but on so many in this area and beyond," Sliva said. "So, this makes me very happy to recognize, remember and honor him in this way."

  • Denard Haden Performance Hall

    Denard Haden Performance Hall

    This is a flexible studio space with Marley and wooden floors that has the ability to host various technique classes, performance, and production courses, as well as being equipped for aerial dance.

  • Denard Haden Dance Studio

    Denard Haden Dance Studio

    Having natural light with floor to ceiling windows overlooking North Street, this large open space, with Marley floors, will be perfect for ballet dance and partnering, and potential for musical accompaniment.

Sliva's gift includes two prominent naming components within the Griffith Fine Arts Building. The dance performance studio will be dubbed the Denard Haden Performance Hall, and the ballet studio will be named the Denard Haden Dance Studio.

"We are incredibly grateful to Prissy Sliva for her generosity and vision," said Dr. Gary Wurtz, dean of the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts at SFA. "This gift not only supports the continued excellence of our theatre and dance programs but also honors a legacy that helped shape the foundation of dance education in East Texas."

Sliva was joined by her sister Donna Abshier Houston, Class of 1966, during the announcement. The gift serves as a tribute to their family's deep ties to SFA and to the profound impact of a pioneer who brought dance to the forefront of the university's arts programming.