Richardson, Marilyn (Marilyn W.)

Marilyn Richardson was born on May 22, 1934, and graduated from Box Elder High School in Brigham City, Utah, in 1952. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech with a minor in Dance from Brigham Young University in 1956. In 1963, she completed a Master of Arts degree from Pennsylvania State University with a major in Theatre Arts and a minor in Arts Education.

Richardson joined the faculty at South Dakota State University (SDSU) in 1964, teaching in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Department. At that time, Frost Arena had not yet been constructed, and she conducted dance classes in makeshift spaces, including an old barn. In 1968, she initiated the Annual Student Dance Concerts. By 1976, she had established a dance minor within the HPER Department. In 1980, she launched the Experimental Dance Concert, which was presented on the distinctive stage of the South Dakota Art Museum.

Throughout her career, Richardson expanded performance opportunities for SDSU dancers, creating both experimental concerts and main stage productions that emphasized choreographic and performance development. She founded the Motion Machine, a student performance company that toured regional elementary schools. This initiative provided SDSU students with experience in touring and outreach while also introducing schoolchildren to dance in an innovative and accessible format.

In addition to her work in dance instruction and choreography, Richardson contributed to SDSU theatre productions, offered private dance lessons, and served on numerous local, state, and national committees. She also pursued writing projects and participated as both a touring artist and artist-in-residence through the South Dakota Arts Council.

Marilyn Richardson retired from SDSU on May 15, 1994. She is the mother of three children and married to Jay Richardson.

Field of Activity: Dance
Occupation: Authors, University and college faculty members
Associated Groups: South Dakota State University