Kilgore College will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony 5 p.m. Sunday, April 6, to celebrate the official naming of the Denard Haden Dance Studio, honoring the legacy of Denard Haden, the uncle of Priscilla “Prissy” Abshier Sliva and the first choreographer of the world-famous Kilgore College Rangerettes.
The newly renamed and renovated studio is made possible by a generous donation from Sliva, a former Rangerette and lifelong supporter of KC.
The dance studio is located inside James M. Parks Fitness Center, located at 701 Laird Ave. in Kilgore.
A visionary in dance, Haden played a pivotal role in shaping the distinctive Rangerette style that is recognized worldwide.
As a gifted choreographer and instructor, he taught thousands of students through his dance studios across East Texas and helped establish dance as a vital part of both academic and performance settings.
His influence extended far beyond Kilgore, leaving an indelible mark on dance education.
Sliva is dedicating the studio to honor her uncle’s extraordinary contributions to the world of dance.
The public is invited to attend this special event and celebrate Haden’s lasting legacy.
For more information on dance classes at KC, visit www.kilgore.edu/dance.
About Denard Haden:
Denard Haden was born in 1908 in Timpson, and discovered his passion for dance while attending Rice Institute (now Rice University). A natural talent, he quickly became an assistant dance instructor and later expanded his expertise at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he majored in English.
Haden’s love for dance led him to establish studios in Nacogdoches, Lufkin, Henderson, Kilgore and Marshall, where he trained thousands of students. In 1940, he became the first choreographer of the Kilgore College Rangerettes, collaborating with Gussie Nell Davis to develop the team’s precise, high-energy style. His choreography, terminology, and teaching methods set the foundation for modern drill teams nationwide.
Beyond Kilgore, Haden helped establish the dance department at Stephen F. Austin State University, choreographed musicals, and served as a nationally recognized instructor for Dance Masters of America. He was also the founder of a prestigious summer dance program at Road’s End Farm on Caddo Lake, where top instructors from across the country gathered to teach.
Haden’s influence remains woven into the legacy of the Rangerettes and dance education. His meticulous approach to choreography and performance continues to inspire generations of dancers.
About Priscilla “Prissy” Abshier Sliva:
Born in Kilgore in 1937, Prissy Sliva was raised in Nacogdoches, where she developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit from an early age, selling pecans and bookmarks in her community. She was deeply influenced by three mentors—her mother, Rachel Haden Abshier, her uncle, Denard Haden, and Gussie Nell Davis, the founder of the Rangerettes.
Prissy’s lifelong love for the Rangerettes began in childhood, as she eagerly listened to her uncle’s stories about the team. Her dream came true when she became a Rangerette, even performing with the team at Soldier Field in Chicago before officially joining. As a Rangerette, she was selected to appear in the Cinerama film Seven Wonders of the World. She remains a dedicated advocate for the organization and its lasting impact on dance and leadership.