April 11-13, 2024
Welcome to Utah Valley University’s Senior Capstone performance celebrating the graduating class of 2024. Sincerely, is a culmination of the work and experience we have gained through our university studies. Each class, rehearsal, and connection has helped prepare us to choreograph and direct the works that make up this performance. As a whole, this senior class brings a liveliness and cultivates a welcoming environment seen through the interplay of fun and friendship in the show. Individually, we bring a variety of perspectives and aesthetics that will take you on a journey of who each dancer is as an artist and human being.
This concert showcases how we have learned to dive deep into the creative process as choreographers and performers to portray an intent. The works in this show were developed through close interactions with each other and the dancers on stage to portray real emotions, connections, and moments. Many of the works you will witness tonight hold personal meaning to the choreographers and dancers, and we hope as you witness that you will add your own meaning to them as well. You will find themes of struggle, impressions, and vigor.
We want to thank tonight’s audience for your support of the performance and the arts. This concert closes out a chapter in many of our lives and allows us to go forward to create a new journey as artists. It is your support that has gotten us to this moment and it is your support that will allow us to continue forward. As you watch the show, reflect on your own lives in order to connect with the pieces we have worked to create. These pieces showcase our experiences in ways that we hope you can relate to sincerely. We hope you enjoy the performance!
Sincerely, the 2024 UVU Department of Dance Senior Class
Dancers: Emily Black, Madeleine Buckwalter, Ariana Castaneda, Leonardo Cedeno Torres, Kiyah Clements, Darci Glad, Sierra Robbins, Ariana Shadle
Music: I am Not a Woman, I'm a God by Halsey, Rich Spirit by Kendrick Lamar, Oxytocin by Billie Eilish, Blue Side by j-hopeA cathartic experience that portrays trauma and anxiety in different manifestations.
Solidarity
Madison Foulger
Dancers: Abigail Brucker, Nicole Campbell, Abbie Cross, Kaarina Garlick, Brooklyn Johansen, Tenley Troutner
Music: Human by Emmit Fenn, Cmon by Brian Eno & Fred Again, Comatose by Low Hum
“Solidarity” emphasizes the social disconnect that exists within society. Technology and electronic devices have morphed the way that we interact with one another. This piece conveys the struggle that exists from trying to connect with one another amidst the countless distractions of electronic devices. Social connection and interaction are crucial for a happy, healthy mind. We need each other. Let’s not forget the importance of sharing a smile with a stranger at the grocery store. It’s simple moments like these that help us relate to one another and connect as a society.
Into the Darkness
Chauncey Bricker
(in collaboration with the dancers)
Dancers: Aldrin Fisher, Cambria Harris, Kennedy Hawkins, Gabbi Lawson, Kailey Schuster, Abbie Simpson, Emarie Thomas
Music: Vampyric Tango By Karolina Koba
Débil al Fuerte
Ciera Duersch
(in collaboration with the dancers)
Dancers: Leah Ahlander, Mylee Borsella, Emilee Cook, Caitlyn Lane, Leo Cedeno Torres,
Maile Yukiko
Music: Happiness Does Not Wait by Ólafur Arnalds, Promise by Ben Howard
"Débil a Fuerte", translated from Spanish to mean 'weak to strong', explores the different realtionships that one has with mental illness, specifically anxiety and panic attacks. This piece explores the riveting lonliness that comes from isolation through suffering silently, as well as the stark contrast of openly talking about and expressing our innermost thoughts and worries, which in turn develops a community of love and support that is needed for all.
Finding the Joy
Chauncey Bricker
(in collaboration with the dancers)
Dancers: Aldrin Fisher, Cambria Harris, Kennedy Hawkins, Gabbi Lawson, Kailey Schuster, Abbie Simpson, Emarie Thomas
Music: Samba Pa Ti (featuring Roy Hargrove) by Angelique Kidjo
The Show Must Be Paused
Ariana Castaneda
and rehearsal assistant Zach Marshall
Dancers: Savannah Adams, Anahi Aguliar, Andy Sefcik, Zach Marshall, Sierra Robbins
Music: United in Grief by Kendrick Lamar, New Magic Wand by Tyler, The Creator, Mr. Morale Kendrick Lamar
Vivify
gabby williams
Dancers: Emilee Cook, Abbie Cross, Alyssa Lange, Mckenze Madison, Emilia Morris, Lauren Peterson, Elysa Rada, Leo Cedeno Torres
Music: Exxua by Glass Animals, Makeba by Jain
"Vivify" emerges as a vibrant fusion of funk and jazz, weaving together the dynamic themes of intensity and liveliness. This composition explores the contrast between two distinct realms; one which utilizies energetic rythyms and playful melodies, and the other consisting of a more fierce and wild expression. Overall, it ultimately serves as a kinesthetic journey that invites watchers to immerse themselves in a unique musical landscape.
Irishia Hubbard Romaine
Assistant Choreographer: Josie Kolbeck
Rehearsal Assistant: Carly Herrmann
Lead Instructor: Tyler Schnese
Dancers: Anahi Aguilar, Alyssa Arnold, Chauncey Bricker, Arianna Castaneda, Emma Crow, Ciera Duersch, Ciera Erekson, Aubrey Fisher, Madison Fougler, Ethan Pitcher, Liv Perry, Bree Smedley, Kenady Vereen, Gabby Williams
Music: Ghetto Kraviz by Nina Kraviz
I've Been Here Before
Dancers: Lilly Barrington, McKayla Browning, Heather Morley, Ethan Pitcher*, Richelle Rindlisbacher, Olivia Stewart, Maile Yukiko
Music: Wish you were here by Pink Floyd
This new work, in particular, is deeply rooted in personal experiences of both my own and the dancers, requiring a more collaborative approach to the process. It researches the relationship between music and memories, specifically how music contains the power to trigger vivid recollections of experiences and emotions.
*Senior Performer: Ethan Pitcher
Bio: Ethan Pitcher, a Utah native, discovered his passion for dance in high school, which led him to pursue this passion by joining UVU’s dance program and the competitive hip-hop company MosA.I.C.. Following his beloved two-year mission in Ukraine, he returned to his dancing passion. While on the pre-professional company Contemporary Dance Ensemble (CDE), he worked with artists like Brian Gerke, Courtney Mazeika, Shapiro & Smith Dance,WHYTEBERG, Melissa Younker, and Heartland Collective. He is grateful for the opportunities that CDE provided, such as working with amazing creators and professionals, performing To Have and To Hold alongside dancers from Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and meeting his now-wife, Lexie. With a passion for dance, Ethan plans to take his education and career forward by becoming a part of the physical therapy world where he can help injured dancers of all ages and backgrounds get back to what they love most, dancing!
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Chasing Trains
alyssa arnold
Dancers: Samantha Bickerstaff, Madeline Buckwalter, Aidan Kemp, McKenna Law, McKenzie Madison, Paul Platts, Adam Wharton
Music: Singin' In The Rain by Gene Kelly; Alejandra by Carlos Campos; Trains and Winter Rains by Enya; Chattanooga Choo Choo by Glenn Miller
A ballroom-modern fusion piece, Chasing Trains bookends missing yet another train. This piece unites–sometimes separately and simultaneously–both genres, adding challenge and charm to the choreographic process. The cha-cha reflects the hustle and bustle of a busy train station followed by a section where performers dance multiple genres at once, stretching the eye to watch dancers simultaneously. Entrances, exits, and transitions serve as structure and reflection. Through the choreographic elements of theme and variation, repetition, and narrative, this dance explores a variety of life stories that one encounters when traveling via public transit.
A Fraction of Being
Aubrey Fisher
(in collaboration with the dancers)
Dancers: McKayla Browning, Nicole Campbell, Lily Greenwood, Emily Hyde, Grace Messenger, Ashley Wilcox
Music: Spherical Illusion by Strawberry Path, Gold and Silver by Quicksilver Messenger Service, Sphere and Departure by Emptyset, Checkpoint by Neon Nox and Rebecka Stragefors
C’est Moi
Kenady Vereen
(in collaboration with the dancers)
Dancers: Aspen Ahlquist, Lauren Butler, Elise Sparta, Ellie Springfield
Music: Beyond by Adrian Berenguer, The Wild by Mumford and Sons
As a dance artist, I aim to create works that reflect the intricacies of human emotions and experiences. Rooted in authenticity, my choreography explores the universal journey towards self-acceptance and individuality. Inspired by the wisdom of Coco Chanel and Judy Garland, I delve into the process of shedding societal expectations and embracing one's true self in C’est Moi. This piece invites audiences to contemplate their own struggles with conformity and the significance of embracing authenticity.
Lila
Emma Crow (in collaboration with the dancers)s)
Dancers: Kiyah Clements, Lily Greenwood, McKenzie Madison, Luciano Schroeder, Abbie
Simpson
Music: Pineapple, Mushroom Dance, and Aegean Sea by Modern Biology
Lila, created in collaboration with the dancers, is an exploration of interconnectedness. It is a meta-representation of the ideas and relationships that bind all life together. In subtle and crucial ways, eventually everything connects.
What Was I Saying?
Liv Perry
Dancers: Lilly Barrington, Emilee Cook, Emilia Morris, Lauren Peterson, Andy Sefcik,
Madelyn Smith, Ellie Springfield
Music: Hip Hip Chin Chin by Club des Belugas, Tenderly by Chet Baker
girlhood.
Bree Smedley
(in collaboration with the dancers)
Dancers: Leah Ahlander, Abigail Brucker, Lauren Butler, Olivia Day, Nia Hellewell,
McKenzie Madison, Grace Messenger, Heather Morley, Richelle Rindlisbacher, Olivia
Stewart
Music: Claude Debussy, Martin Jones, Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt, Really Slow Motion
Oh the complexions of Girlhood. To quote America Ferrera in Barbie, "It is literally impossible to be a woman". As women, we are forced into impossible boxes by society. We are constantly told that, in this day, in order to be seen as intelligent, strong, and independent, we need to divorce ourselves from our natural, feminine traits. We can't be too pretty, too kind, too soft. We need to hide our emotions. We need to not care so much. Girlhood. explores the opportunity to make choices. To take back our femininity and own it. Owning your femininity as a woman does not make you weak or dumb. It is girlhood.
Irishia Hubbard Romaine
Assistant Choreographer: Josie Kolbeck
Rehearsal Assistant: Carly Herrmann
Lead Instructor: Tyler Schnese
Dancers: Anahi Aguilar, Alyssa Arnold, Chauncey Bricker, Arianna Castaneda, Emma Crow, Ciera Duersch, Ciera Erekson, Aubrey Fisher, Madison Fougler, Ethan Pitcher, Liv Perry, Bree Smedley, Kenady Vereen, Gabby Williams
Music: Ghetto Kraviz by Nina Kraviz
Thank you to UVU's Department of Dance faculty mentors for your input and support: Sarah Donohue, Brian Gerke, Christa St. John, Martina Jorgensen, Mary Lynn Keck, Amy Markgraf, Nichole Ortega, and Lyndsey Vader. A special thank you to our capstone professor Tyler Schnese for helping us fulfill our capstone dreams!
Heading up the UVU Costume Shop, thank you to Carla Summers and her team, for the love in every stitch.
To the UVU Lighting and Production class, thank you for your artistic design to make this production complete.
Samijo Kougioulis and the Production Team, we thank you for your direction and expertise.
The School of the Arts Marketing and Communication teams, thank you for your attention to detail.
Theatre and Custodial Staff members, thank you! We couldn't do it without you.
Utah Valley University acknowledges that we gather on land sacred to all Indigenous people who came before us in this vast crossroads region. The University is committed to working in partnership—as enacted through education and community activities—with Utah’s Native Nations comprising: the San Juan Southern Paiute, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Uintah & Ouray Reservation of the Northern Ute, Skull Valley Goshute, Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation, Northwestern Band of Shoshone Nation, Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute-White Mesa Community, and urban Indian communities. We recognize these Native Nations and their continued connections with traditional homelands, mountains, rivers, and lakes as well as their sovereign relationships with state and federal governments. We honor their collective memory and continued physical and spiritual presence. We revere their resilience and example in preserving their connections to the Creator and to all their relations, now and in the future.
With this statement comes responsibility and accountability. We resolve to follow
up with actionable items to make the School of the Arts at UVU and The Noorda Center
for the Performing Arts an inclusive, equitable, and just space for all. There is
much work to be done, and we are committed to putting these words into practice.
Artwork by Shane Walking Eagle (Sisseton Dakota).
Our mission is to produce and present artistic excellence, which would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We thank them and express our deep gratitude to all patrons, supporters, and friends of The Noorda.
The arts possess the unparalleled power to inspire, educate, liberate, and transform. They elevate moments, mark milestones, soften edges, and generate profound meaning. Experience the beauty and wonder of the arts with us this season at The Noorda and begin at once to live!
Courtney R. Davis, J.D., M.A.
Dean, School of the Arts
Department Chair
JEFFREY O'FLYNN
Administrative Assistant
CHRIS GINES
Chamber Choir/Deep Green
REED CRIDDLE
Emerald Singers
CHERILYN WORTHEN
Concert Choir
DEMAREE BROWN
Opera Coordinator
ISAAC HURTADO
Voice Coordinator
MELISSA HEATH
Private Voice Instructors
AUBREY ADAMS-MACMILLAN
CECILY BILLS
ADRIENNE BRAUN
DEMAREE BROWN
ANTHONY BUCK
REED CRIDDLE
MELISSA HEATH
CHRISTOPHER HOLMES
ISAAC HURTADO
CONSTANCE JENSEN
SERENA KANIG BENISH
EMILY MERRELL
JOSEPH MOORE
