Crystal Bertrand
Instructor and Director of Dance
Office: Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex 115
Email: cbertrand@wtamu.edu
Phone: 806-651-2789
Professional Profile
Bertrand joined the Art, Theatre, and Dance Department as adjunct faculty in 2003 and as Instructor in 2010. She has been teaching at the collegiate level since 1993. She holds both a B.F.A. in Dance and M.A. (dance emphasis) from West Texas A&M University.
Bertrand’s performing credits include professional, national and international work in numerous venues for both company and the entertainment industry in the aspects of dance and theatre. Her choreography is seen in forms of concert, corporate events, competitions, musicals and theme parks.
Bertrand’s devotion is deeply rooted in her long years of experience with the university and has since then inspired her to pass on the knowledge and legacy of the art. Bertrand hopes to serve in numerous capacities to further the art and continue reaching out to all that strive for excellence in their pursuit of dance.
Teaching and Related Service
Bertrand specializes in ballet, tap, and jazz technique. She also teaches Introduction to Dance, Teaching Dance, Choreography, and Special Topic courses in Audition Prep and Pointe & Variations. Her desire is to educate and demonstrate dance technique in all levels including to minors and non-majors.
Bertrand is the official show choreographer of TEXAS the outdoor epic located in the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Being with the production for several seasons, she strives to teach the professionalism that is expected in this professional production in the dance classes that she instructs.
Bertrand has served as Academy Director of Lone Star Dance Academies, the official dance schools of Lone Star Ballet Inc., where her relationship continues as consultant. Responsibilities included the educational components, academy procedures, its curriculum, student activities and the promoting and advising higher education amongst students.
Research and Creative Activity
Bertrand continues to do guest choreography, instruct master classes and workshops. She has been an artist in residence with Texas Commission on the Arts and has held memberships with the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPRD), Congress on Research in Dance (CORD), and the Society of Dance History Scholar (SDHS).
Bertrand attends the Southeastern Theatre Conference each year and the United Professional Theatre Auditions. She is certified with Dance Masters of America and is the Education Director for the Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation, creating curriculum ties and programs in association with the Windows on a Wider World project. These outreaches are designed to educate our future generation of artists waiting to explore their journey in the arts.