Choreographer Ralph Lemon came to Wayne State University to work with dance majors as the 2012-13 Maggie Allesee Teaching Artist in Residence. Lemon offered a multi-day workshop that was an immersive exploration of process and engagement, interrogating concepts and practices of performance.

Renowned for his innovative teaching style and his approach to dance making, Lemon's recent work questions the status of "blackness," suggesting that "black music" plays a radical role in the "hybrid" culture of moderity. His company work has been celebrated- the "Geography" trilogy and works investigating cultural memory and mourning - and Lemon most recenlty curated the performance series "Some Sweet Day" at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York.

The Residency also included a Panel Discussion held in partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) on Friday, March 22. The event took place at the DIA. Lemon gave an artist's talk which was then followed by a panel discussion that included DIA curator Nii Quarcoopome, WSU dance professor Ariel Osterweis, and scholar/choreographer Biba Bell.