Digital Program

Welcome to Choreographic Works 2026! I am immensely proud to present the innovative work of these talented emerging choreographers.

In a world often marked by division, I believe the performing arts — with their unique capacity to enlighten, inspire, and foster empathy — are more crucial than ever. I am incredibly proud of our students, who pour their passion and energy into dance, an art form that, though ancient, continually reveals new depths. Dance communicates through the body, using a poetic language woven from breath, flesh, and heartbeat to explore immediate, lived, shared space and time. This language bypasses intellectual understanding to convey profound truths — a relevant voice worth listening to and fighting for.

This performance features twenty-six unique dance pieces, each under five minutes. These works reflect the comprehensive training our students receive in the Performance Dance Program, which includes classical and contemporary ballet, Afro-Cuban and American modern dance, concert and vernacular jazz, West African dance, Street Styles, Improvisation, Partnering, and various contemporary dance techniques. Beyond their training, these works also reveal each choreographer's distinct creative voice and artistic interests.

Students choreograph and rehearse independently, manage costuming, edit their music, and collaborate with lighting designers (student volunteers from the Performance Design and Production program) to shape the mood and aesthetic of their pieces. This collaborative process offers these young artists an invaluable opportunity to expand their artistry.

For our students to evolve into articulate dance artists, presenting their work to an audience is as vital as training and creation. Your decision to share these moments with us is deeply appreciated, as your interest and support are fundamental to the growth of these inspiring young artists.

My sincere gratitude goes to Dance program Director Vicki St. Denys, Dance faculty Tanya Evidente, and Performance Chair Caroline O’Brien for their invaluable support, insights, and guidance. A profound thank you also goes to the Design and Production students and faculty, along with The Creative School and Performance staff, for their commitment and essential contributions to making Choreographic Works 2026 a resounding success. Finally, heartfelt congratulations to all the dancers and choreographers for generously sharing their ideas, passion, and spirit with us every night.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy the show!