Spring Dance Concert

 

 

Program:

• About the Concert
• Director's Note
• Performances
• Production Team and Run Crew
• Choreographer Bios
• Dancer Bios
• Designer Bios
• Partner Companies
   

About the Concert

Seven dance works by Wright State University faculty and guest artists Stephanie Martinez, Michelle McElveen, DCDC2, and Dayton Ballet School Ensemble.

Director's Note

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the powerful and dynamic Spring Dance Concert 2025! We invite you to sit back and enjoy the vitality of live performance. Each piece is a living work of art that combines in a shared experience for performers and audiences alike. We are thrilled to present works by Wright State dance faculty members and esteemed guest choreographers Michelle McElveen and Stephanie Martinez. You will also be seeing works by our wonderful partner companies, The Dayton Ballet School Ensemble and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II, as well as our chosen senior piece choreographed by Ariana Alvarado.

Our first guest choreographer is the nationally acclaimed Stephanie Martinez. Martinez’s bold, contemporary voice pushes the boundaries of ballet, crafting over 70 works for professional and collegiate programs nationwide. Recognized for her contributions as a female artist of color, she has received numerous grants and acclaim, with the Chicago Tribune hailing her as a “chameleon” of choreography. Martinez is the founder and artistic director of PARA.MAR Dance Theatre, established in July 2020. Her piece, World of Another, unveils the hidden narratives and inner thoughts of those around us, exploring the concept of “othering”—the act of treating someone as an outsider. Through personal stories and raw dialogue, this work examines the invisible divides we create between “us” and “them,” revealing the impact of these divisions on our collective humanity. By exposing the unseen stories that shape our interactions, World of Another urges us to recognize the shared humanity in those we might otherwise dismiss.

Our second guest is regional choreographer, Michelle McElveen, who earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance from Wright State University after graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy. She has performed professionally with Walt Disney Productions, the Dayton Opera, the Sorg and Whitewater Opera Companies, and La Comedia Dinner Theatre. She has taught at Wright State since 1994 and is currently a senior lecturer. She has taught master classes in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Michigan and is a huge favorite among her colleagues and students.

The common thread within this year’s concert is expression through movement. Each piece showcases the individuality and aesthetic voice of the seven choreographers. Our dancers embody the choreographer’s message through movement and infuse it with their own meaning to create a genuine work of art. This concert explores many facets of the human experience, and we welcome you as the audience to interpret each piece and hope you are moved by the stories you see.

The Spring Dance Concert offers a unique opportunity to enjoy three wonderful dance companies—Wright State Dance, The Dayton Ballet School Ensemble, and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II. Our region is lucky to have such a vibrant and diverse dance community, and we thank you for coming to support us.

Gina Gardner-Walther

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Performances

Divenire

Choreographer: Michelle McElveen
Music: Ludovico Einaudi
Costume Design: Zoe Still
Lighting Design: Dylan Serrano
Dancers: Maria Becker (Thu/Sat), Emma Cole, Gretchen Greener (Fri/Sun), Gracie Harper, Anderson Hayes, Audrey Lee, Hannah McGuffey (Thu/Sat), Jenna Mumford (Thu/Fri), Lexi Parker (Fri/Sun), Rae Richard, Lucy Theado (Thu/Sat), Annabelle White (Fri/Sun)
Understudy: Kaitlyn Berry
 

These Lights Won't Kill Me Now

Choreographer: Ariana Alvarado
Music: She Wants Revenge, My Chemical Romance, Prince and the New Power Generation
Lighting Design: Levi T. Fravel
Dancers: Zoe Bees, Ally Jo Buck, Kailey Colyer, Alia Dalton, Lylla Kovacs, Emma McCoy, Raya Taylor
Note: "I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night"—Sarah Williams
allpoetry.com/Sarah-Williams
 

A Silent Plea

Choreographer: Shonna Hickman-Matlock
Music: Armand Amar
Lighting Design: Jennifer E. Dillard
Dancers: Brittni Van Dine, Sawyer Hertel, Macy Perry, Keilani Reynolds, Ansley Seiffert
Note: Forbidden to speak and unable to express what’s truly felt, A Silent Plea reflects the struggle of unspoken pain and hidden suffering. It captures the tension between the desperate desire to cry out and the inability to do so.
 

World of Another

Choreographer: Stephanie Martinez
Assistant to the Choreographer: Jayme Braverman
Rehearsal Coach: Gina Gardner-Walther
Music: Antonio Lucio Vivaldi, Real Quiet, Steve Mazzaro
Costumes: Original design: Janet Bolick
Reimagined by: Zoe Still
Lighting Design: Matthew Benjamin
Dancers: Ariana Alvarado, Zoe Bees, Ally Jo Buck, Brianna Chan, Jonathan Oliver, Gracie Harper, Lexi Wilson, Kailey Colyer, Alia Dalton, Jessie Etling, Carly Hanson, Audrey Lee, Emma McCaslin, Hannah McGuffey
Understudies: Maria Becker, Emma Cole, Lexi Parker, Raeanne Richard
 

Intermission
 

Open Out

Choreographer: Gina Gardner-Walther
Music: Ezio Bosso
Costume Design: Naomi Indira Reisner
Rehearsal Assistant: Gracie Harper
Lighting Designer: Emily Hope and Zach Wuest
Dancers: Ariana Alvarado (Thursday/Saturday), Kaitlyn Berry (Thursday/Saturday), Ally Jo Buck (Friday/Sunday), Brianna Chan (Friday/Sunday), Kailey Colyer, Alia Dalton, Jessie Etling, Carly Hanson (Friday/Sunday), Audrey Lee, Cheyenne Maher (Friday/Sunday), Emma McCaslin, Hannah McGuffey, Sam Minneman, Jonathan Oliver, Lexi Wison (Thursday/Saturday)
Understudies: Maria Becker, Emma McCoy

Blue Skies

Choreographers: Megan Forney & Gabrielle Sharp
Music: Glen Miller
Lighting Design: Robbie Crissman
Dancers: Jessie Etling, Mollie Juniewicz, Jenna Mumford, Jonathan Oliver, Raeanne Richards, Annabelle White
 

Vive

Choreographer: Ashley Pabst
Composers: James Blake, SO:HO & Kuranes
Costume Design: Zoe Still
Lighting Design: Zach Wuest
Dancers: Ariana Alvarado, Zoe Bees, Maria Becker, Alanna Carey, Laurel Cameron, Emma Cole, Kailey Colyer, Alia Dalton, Gracie Harper, Emma McCaslin, Jessie Etling, Carly Hanson, Anderson Hayes, Sawyer Hertel, Lylla Kovacs, Emma McCoy, Jonathan Oliver, Lexi Parker, Raya Taylor, Lucy Theado, Abby Zaleski

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Production Team and Run Crew

Stage Manager: Dylan Serrano

Technical Productions Manager: Kevin Nedberg

Sound Engineer/Audio Coordinator: James Dunlap

Costume Shop Manager: Carly Anne-Kimmins

Light Board Operator: Maggie Slauenwhite

Head Stage/Fly Crew: Eli Baader

Stage/Fly Crew: Enoch Graham, Gage Stice

Sound Board Operator: Jacob Sawtelle

Wardrobe Crew: Kaitlin Teller

Rehearsal Assistant: Gracie Harper

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Choreographer Bios

Ariana Alvarado (they, them) is a senior dance major at Wright State, graduating with their B.F.A. in dance. They are grateful for the opportunities Wright State has provided them, such as dancing with DCDC2, auditioning for and performing at Kings Island, and performing in Wright State's 2023 production of Cabaret. They feel privileged to receive their training from Wright State and are honored to showcase their senior choreographic work once more and perform alongside their fellow dancers.

Megan Forney is originally from St Louis, where she began her dance training. She trained as a student at Kanas City Ballet, Ballet Chicago, and Ballet Internationale. Forney graduated from Wright State with a B.F.A. in dance in 2008. She has performed in many Dayton Ballet mainstage shows, including Nutcracker, Swan Lake, American Cinderella, Sleepy Hollow, and Three Musketeers. She has been the recipient of the Josephine and Hereme Schwarz Award, the Walter J McCaslin Award, and the Dayton Ballet School Peer Award. Megan has been a dance educator and choreographer for 15 years. She is currently the education manager of the Dayton Ballet School and the co-director of the Dayton Ballet II companies.

Stephanie Martinez, a Chicago-based choreographer, takes audiences on dynamic journeys driven by the kinetic energy of her award-winning works spanning 15+ years. Her creations have been commissioned by top companies including Joffrey Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Ballet Hispánico, BalletX, Bruce Wood Dance, Kansas City Ballet, South Chicago Dance Theatre, and Milwaukee Ballet, with theater credits at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and American Repertory Theatre. Martinez’s bold, contemporary voice pushes the boundaries of ballet, crafting over 70 works for professional and collegiate programs nationwide. Recognized for her contributions as a female artist of color, she has received numerous grants and acclaim, with the Chicago Tribune hailing her as a “chameleon” of choreography. Martinez is the founder and artistic director of PARA.MAR Dance Theatre, established in July 2020.

Shonna Hickman-Matlock director of DCDC2 and Arts Enrichment Programs, was a principal dancer, touring nationally and internationally in South Korea, Russia, France, Germany, and Bermuda. She performed across the U.S., including at the American Dance Festival, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Lincoln Center, and The Kennedy Center before retiring in 1995. She performed in many DCDC repertories, including Ulysses Dove’s Vespers and Urban Folkdance, Donald Byrd’s Dark Joy and Bamm, and Eleo Pomare’s Las Desenamoradas. She has created works for DCDC and other institutions. Serving as DCDC2 director since 2000 and DCDC resident choreographer, she became director of education and outreach in 2014, designing arts enrichment programs for schools and communities. Under her leadership, many dancers have transitioned into DCDC’s main company and other professional companies, national tours, and Broadway productions.

Michelle McElveen has had a teaching/performing/choreographing career for more than 35 years. She worked extensively as a resident choreographer for the Sorg and Whitewater Opera Companies, choreographing many operas, including La Traviata, Carmen, The Merry Widow, and My Fair Lady. She has choreographed for Wright State, South Dayton Dance Theatre, Miami University, and Gem City Ballet. She earned a B.F.A. in dance from Wright State after graduating from the Interlochen Arts Academy. She performed professionally with Walt Disney Productions, the Dayton Opera, La Comedia, Sorg, and Whitewater Opera companies. She is a senior lecturer at Wright State as well as a faculty member of the South Dayton School of Dance, and guest artist in residency at the Stiver’s School for the Performing Arts. “Miss Shelly” is a sought-after instructor for summer intensives, dance conventions, and festivals throughout the region.

Ashley Pabst is an enthusiastic Instructor and award-winning choreographer. Her professional teaching credits include the International Ballet Competition (Jackson, Mississippi), Point Park University, Sam Houston State University, National Choreography Intensive, Regional Dance America Festivals, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, and Eisenhower Dance Detroit. Before retiring from the stage, Ashley performed with companies such as Atlanta Ballet and Dayton Ballet; concluding on The Kennedy Center stage where she was awarded the Northeast Performer of the Year. She is a nine-time National Choreographic Recognition Award recipient as well as the Monticello Award, Barbara Weisberger Emerging Choreographer, Project Tier, Jonathan Phelps Award; works selected for the International Association of Blacks in Dance, The Ballet Alliance, Youth American Grand Prix Finals and Jazz Dance World Congress. Ashley would like to thank her husband and parents for their endless love and support.

Gabrielle Sharp is co-director of the Dayton Ballet School Ensemble. Gabrielle danced with Dayton Ballet. You saw her perform in Dracula, The Nutcracker, Tales from the Shadow, There Was a Time, and America’s Robin Hood, and recently as the fairy godmother in Cinderella and the nurse in Romeo and Juliet. While a member of DBII Sr. she received the Dancer Peer Award, Walter J. McCaslin Memorial Award, and Josephine and Hermene Schwarz Award. Gabrielle was the previous director of the SSK Dance Ensemble.

Gina Gardner-Walther is a dedicated teacher/mentor and award-winning choreographer who has choreographed nationally, regionally, and on university stages. Her professional teaching experience includes Indiana University, Point Park University (PA), New Arts Festival (FL), RDA Craft of Choreography Conference, and RDA Pacific Festival (WA). While performing with The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, she toured Germany, Russia, France, and throughout the United States. She had the honor of performing at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, and The Joyce Theatre. She performed works by many of modern dances’ most influential choreographers, including Dwight Rhoden, Ulysses Dove, Donald McKayle, Merce Cunningham, Talley Beatty, Anna Sokolow, Donald Byrd, and many more. In her final season with DCDC, she won the Josie Award as best female dancer. Gina’s choreography has won several choreographic awards including the prestigious National Choreographic Award. The New York Times called her work Still Present set on DCDC “a stirring dance” that “served as a sparkling introduction to the troupe.” Gina earned her B.F.A. in dance performance from Southern Methodist University.

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Dancer Bios

Maria Becker (she, her) is a freshman dance major from Cincinnati. She danced at SDA Studios for 16 years, where she found her love for dance. She is grateful for the opportunity to continue her dance training at Wright State and looks forward to performing in her first Spring Dance Concert.

Zoe Bees (she, her) is a senior dance major, from Waynesville. She has grown up giving her passion and love for dance every day while continuing to improve her artistry. Zoe is grateful for the opportunities and experiences she has had while being at Wright State. She is so excited to start her journey in the real world and would like to thank her loving teachers, friends, and family.

Kaitlyn Berry (she, her) is a freshman dance major from Dayton. She began her training at South Dayton School of Dance, where her teachers instilled in her a love for ballet and modern dance. She is so thankful for the opportunity to perform in her first Spring Dance Concert.

Ally Jo Buck (she, her) Is a sophomore dance major from Loveland. She studied dance of all genres at Broadway Bound Dance Academy, where she now teaches. She has a love of performing and is thankful for the opportunity to perform in her second Spring Dance Concert alongside such talented and passionate dancers.

Laurel Cameron is a freshman B.F.A. dance major originally from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. In addition to dance, she is immensely passionate about musical theatre and loves blending her talents in both art forms to express herself creatively. She would like to thank all of her teachers, friends, and family for their unconditional support and guidance throughout her artistic journey.

Alanna Carey (she, her) is a freshman double major in dance and communication studies from Dayton. She has been dancing for 16 years, including training at Pontecorvo Ballet Studios and South Dayton Dance Theater. She is very grateful and excited to perform in her first Spring Dance Concert!

Brianna Chan (she, her) is a senior dance major pursuing a second degree in biomedical engineering. Originally from Columbus, Brianna has been part of the dance program for 5 years. She is deeply grateful for the opportunities she has received, as well as the support from her professors, friends, and family. It has been a privilege for her to dance alongside such talented artists and dancers.

Emma Cole (she, her) is a sophomore dance major from Toledo. Before joining Wright State, she trained at her local studio, Toledo Met. Emma is excited to be performing in the Spring Dance Concert and is grateful for the opportunity to learn from such wonderful teachers and choreographers.

Kailey Colyer (she, her) is a junior dance major from Cincinnati. She began dancing at the age of 2, where she trained at Just Off-Broadway dance studio. She continued her dance education at the School for Creative and Performing Arts from grades 4–12. Kailey is very excited to perform in her third Spring Dance Concert and feels very fortunate to have worked with such talented teachers and choreographers.

Alia Dalton (she, her) is a junior dance major from Cincinnati. She has been dancing for 16 years, where she trained at her local dance studio Just Off Broadway, and graduated from the School for Creative and Performing Arts. Alia is excited to perform alongside her peers and is grateful to have worked with such amazing/inspiring choreographers during this year's Spring Dance Concert She would like to thank her family for their continuous support in her journey through dance.

Jessie Etling (she, her) is from Salisbury, Maryland, and a junior dance major. She has been dancing for 16 years and feels incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Wright State dance program. Jessie is also a part of Dayton Ballet School Ensemble and performed roles in Dracula, Coppelia, The Nutcracker, and Swan Lake alongside the first company.

Gretchen Greener is a freshman dance major from Carmel, Indiana. She spent her formative years under the direction of Suzann DeLay at Central Indiana Academy of Dance and John and Heather Timm at Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance. Gretchen is so excited and thankful to perform in her first Spring Dance Concert.

Carly Hanson (she, her) began dancing age 3 and received her training from Dancekids Studio under the direction of Denise Devery. She is currently a junior dance major at Wright State pursuing a B.F.A. in dance and an arts management certificate. In addition to school, she was a member of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company's Second Company (DCDC2) for its 2023-2024 season. Carly is so thankful for the opportunity to perform alongside her very talented peers in this year’s Spring Dance Concert!

Gracie Harper (she, her) is a senior dance major at Wright State and is originally from Cincinnati. During her time at the university, she was a second company dancer with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, performed in the university’s production of Cabaret, and has been featured in the annual dance concerts put on by the program. Gracie would like to thank her fellow dancers, faculty, and the technical crew for their incredible work on this performance!

Anderson Hayes (she, her) is a freshman dance major from Lawrenceville, Georgia. She started dance at age 3 with Southern Performing Arts Academy and performed with their company, Southern Ballet Theatre. She also trained at School of the Arts at Central Gwinnett from grades 10–12. Anderson is grateful for her family and friends, and very excited for her first Spring Dance Concert.

Lylla Kovacs is a sophomore dance major at Wright State, and this is her second time participating in the Spring Dance Concert. She is grateful to be in a couple of the pieces and would like to thank everyone who contributed to the creative process. She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Audrey Lee is a junior dance major from Springfield. She began dancing at a very early age and received her training from the Gary Geis School of Dance. Audrey is thrilled to be further continuing her education at Wright State, where she is incredibly fortunate to be a part of this exceptional program.

Cheyenne Maher is a freshman dance major from Piqua. Before attending Wright State, she previously trained at the Sidney Dance Company. She is so grateful for the opportunity to perform in her first Spring Dance Concert.

Emma McCaslin (she, her) is a junior dance major at Wright State. She is from Avon, Indiana, where she grew up dancing at Curtain Call Dance Center. At Wright State, she has had the opportunity to swing the university’s production of Cabaret. She has also been incredibly grateful to work with various choreographers for the dance concerts put on by the program. Emma thanks her family, fellow dancers, faculty, and tech crew for this experience!

Hannah McGuffey (she, her) is a junior dance major at Wright State from Dayton. Hannah received her dance training through Gem City Ballet, Dayton Ballet, and Stivers School for the Arts. Hannah is excited to share her love of dance with you, and looks forward to growing as a dancer in the upcoming years at Wright State. 

Sam Minneman is a third-year double major in dance and psychology from Dayton. She is a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society of Psychology, and she recently debuted her first full-length choreographic work at Wright State’s Emerging Choreographers Concert. This summer she is attending RDAs National Choreographic Intensive as a project tier choreographer to set a new work over the 2-week intensive. Performing and creating dance and art is a life-long passion Sam continues to cultivate at Wright State.

Jenna Mumford is a junior dance major at Wright State and has been dancing for 15 years. She is a part of the Dayton Ballet School Ensemble and has performed with the main company in shows such as The Nutcracker, The Great Gatsby, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Dracula: Bloodlines, and Coppélia. Jenna is also a photographer and videographer and has photographed the Fall Dance Concert and Emerging Choreographers Concert.

Jonathan Oliver is a senior dance major who has performed one season with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s Second Company under the direction of (Momma) Shonna Hickman-Matlock. He is grateful for his time at Wright State, where he has grown as an artist and had the opportunity to travel to New York to take classes with Jamar Roberts, Peter Chu, Brandon Coleman, and Norbert de La Cruz. This summer, he is excited to dance with Dayton Dance Initiative before heading to Asheville, North Carolina. Jonathan also makes a mean banana pancake, loves teaching, and enjoys peanut butter by the spoonful.

Alexia Parker (she, her) is a freshman dance major from Bunker Hill, West Virginia. She began dancing at age 3, training at Inwood Performing Arts for the majority of her years. She is very thankful to perform in her first Spring Dance Concert as a part of Wright State.

Raya Taylor (she, her) is a freshman dance major from Cambridge. She began dancing at age 6, and she trained at Movement on Main Center for Dance. Raya is excited to perform in her first Spring Dance Concert alongside her peers.

Lucy Theado (she, her) is a freshman double major in dance and communications from Columbus. She trained previously at the Moriarity Lukyanova Dance Academy. She is very excited to be a part of her very first Spring Dance Concert and wants to thank everyone who came out to support her.

Annabelle White is a freshman dance and English major at Wright State. She has been dancing for 15 years and danced at All About Dance and Miami Valley Dance Center growing up, and is currently a part of the Dayton Ballet School Ensemble. This is Annabelle's first Spring Dance Concert, and she is excited to be able to perform with such wonderful people.

Alexis Wilson (she, her) is a senior from Nashville. Lexi has been dancing since she was 2 and is excited to be dancing in her last Spring Dance Concert. Thanks to the amazing faculty here at Wright State, Lexi received many choreography job opportunities right here in Dayton. She is excited to announce that she will be continuing her dreams at Disney starting in August. She hopes you enjoy this beautiful show.

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Designer Bios

Matthew P. Benjamin is in his 27th year at Wright State as a professor of theatrical design, head of the theatre design and technology program, and the resident lighting designer with theatre and dance programs in the school of fine and performing arts. Prior to joining the Wright State faculty, Matthew served as the coordinator of the performing arts program at Stockton College of New Jersey and the Associate Resident lighting designer for the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music. Professional credits include seven seasons as the resident lighting designer for the Opera Theatre and Music Festival of Lucca, Italy, where he also served as the company’s production manager. Other professional designs includes projects with the Interlochen Center for the Arts, Cincinnati Opera, Aspen Music Festival, Dayton Opera, Dayton Ballet, Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, Tri-Cities Opera, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, Opera at Florham, Luna Negra Dance Theatre, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, the Human Race Theatre Company, Little Theatre of the Rockies, ballettech Ohio, New Horizon Theatre Company, the Taj Mahal casino, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and many others. An active theatre consultant, he has worked on regional projects such as the Springboro Performing Arts Center, the Theatre at Third in the downtown Dayton Public Library, Dixie High School, and the Alter High School Performing Arts Center, among many others. He is a proud member of the United Scenic Artists Local #829 (Lighting Design) and the International Alliance of Lighting Designers.

Robbie Crissman is a freshman lighting design major originally from Hamlin, New York. His previous credits at Wright State include A2 for Our Town, sound board operator for Much Ado About Nothing, production electrician for Everybody, and a lighting designer for the most recent Emerging Choreographers Concert.

Jennifer E. Dillard is a sophomore theatre design and technology major concentrating in lighting. She is very excited to be designing for this year’s Spring Dance Concert! Jennifer has previously designed for Wright State’s Emerging Choreographers Concert, the Fall Dance Concert, and The Apple Tree.

Levi T. Fravel (they, them) is a sophomore focusing on lighting design. They are excited to be designing in their second Spring Dance Concert. They would like to thank all their friends and family for their endless support!

Dylan Serrano (stage manager) is a third-year design/technology major focusing in stage management and lighting design. They are extremely excited to be stage managing their first dance concert and designing another piece at Wright State. They have previously designed for the past two Emerging Choreographers’ Concerts, Fall Dance Concerts, and last year’s Spring Dance Concert. They are also a resident designer for Stivers School for the Arts dance program. They assistant stage managed with The Dayton Ballet’s previous two runnings of The Nutcracker. At Wright State, they most recently stage-managed Carrie: The Musical. This June, they will be the stage manager for Dayton Dance Initiative’s summer concert, CoLAB II.

Zach Wuest is a senior lighting design major at Wright State and is absolutely thrilled to be designing for the Spring Dance Concert. His previous credits include, as the lighting designer at Wright State, Kelly the Destroyer vs. the Springfield Cobras, A Doll's House Parts 1 & 2, Our Town, and Alice by Heart. He was also the lighting designer for Dayton Playhouse's Is There Life After High School? and the assistant lighting designer for DPAA's The Nutcracker. He hopes you enjoy the show!

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Partner Companies

DCDC2 l Pre-Professional Ensemble
Founded in 1975 by Jeraldyne Blunden
Chief Executive & Artistic Director: Debbie Blunden-Diggs
Director of DCDC2 & Arts Enrichment Programs: Shonna Hickman-Matlock

Comprised of recent graduate and undergraduate dance students, DCDC2 is the next generation of dance artists under the umbrella of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. DCDC2 presents performances in traditional theatre and alternative venues. The ensemble plays an integral role in DCDC school and community engagement throughout the Miami Valley region. DCDC2 participates in DCDC’s established university partnerships providing opportunities to engage in collaborative programs with the University of Dayton, Wright State University, and Central State University campus-wide activities and dance programs. The ensemble has performed throughout the Miami Valley and all regions of Ohio. In 2019, the ensemble was chosen to present at the OhioDance Festival in Columbus and the Denison University Ohio Five Colleges of Ohio 5 Dance Festival, as well as showcased at the 31st International Blacks in Dance “Established Dance Companies” performance hosted in Dayton. DCDC2 continues to be a resource for new dancers for DCDC’s main company and maintains an impressive record of successfully transitioning dancers into other professional companies, Broadway, film, television, media, and graduate schools.

Dayton Ballet School Ensemble (DBSE), divided into apprentice and junior ensembles, is a pre-professional training program available to dancers through audition only. This division is for dancers committed to a high level of dance training, strengthening, and artistic development, along with elective classes to supplement their dance education. This division includes additional performance opportunities.

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