Welcome to the 2024 Dancing in the Landscape concert! This year we celebrate the creativity and vision of woman-identified artists, featuring original choreography by Lisa Hines and Clarice Young, alongside our gifted student choreographers, Lila Snodgrass and Sarah Rothacker.
This concert invites you to explore the intricate relationship between dance and the landscapes we inhabit—both physical and emotional. Each piece reflects a unique perspective, weaving together stories of identity, connection, and empowerment.
As you experience these performances, we hope you feel the passion and dedication of each choreographer and dancer. Their work not only showcases artistry but also emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in the dance community.
Music Credit: Loom (feat. Bonobo) by Ólafur Arnalds, Bonobo; Poetry read by Maya Simmons
Dancers: Lilly Sears, Ella Stewart, Brooke Goldstein
Intertwined, Entwine explores parallels between human connections and the mathematical field of knot theory. In a braid closure of a knot, each strand of the braid follows its own path, but the crossings of the strands hold the most importance. Similarly, the unique paths we all individually carve can never replace the truly meaningful connections between us.
Special thank you to the talented Maya Simmons for writing this poem.
imagination and wonder
Choreographer: Clarice Young
Music Credit: Khula Za by Uncle Waffles & Shakes & Les featuring Optimistic Music
Dancers: Natassia Harrison, Nikki Prushik, Katy O’Neill, Ashley Rossignol, Reagan Nasky, Keira Ryanne Wahl, Simone Goldenberg, Alana Abraham
This work rose from a captivating line in author Ijeoma Oluo’s book Be A Revolution. She says, “It requires that we cast aside what we’ve been told is possible, what we’ve been told is the best we have to hope for, and try to build from our wildest dreams.”
Massive thanks to the performers for trusting me and themselves during this process.
Refraction
Choreographer: Sarah Rothacker
Music Credit: Chamber of Reflection by Mac DeMarco
Refraction explores the dynamics between individuals in relation to the environment surrounding them. Inspired by the space surrounding them, the dancers navigate trust, connection, and support within the group.
Photini: Say Her Name (2019)
Choreographer: Keshia Gee
Accompaniment: Bashir Shakur, Forrest Matthews, Lamar Lewis
Dancers: Macie Hoben, Taylor Quinn, Braelyn Valente-Phillips, Laila Cottman
Choreographers
Keshia Gee
Keshia Gee, holds a Dance and African American Studies degree from UNC Greensboro and an MFA from Hollins University. Currently an Assistant Professor at Elon University, she coordinates the AAASE minor, co-directs the Renaissance Scholars program and teaches West African and contemporary dance. Wall leads an annual study abroad trip to Ghana and has presented at major conferences, including IABD and ASALH. In 2023, she was named a Woman of Color Leadership Project Fellow. Her research explores West African dance in higher education, and she authored the textbook “Roots of Rhythm: An Introduction to West African Dance.”
Lisa Hines
Lisa M. Hines, based in Greensboro, NC, is a distinguished Choreographer, Artist, and Latin Social Dance Instructor. She has her M.F.A. in Choreography from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Lisa has made contributions to the theater, by choreographing productions Spring Awakening, Troubled Island, and Lucky Stiff, and directed Latin dance companies, Las Damas Shines, and Downtown Delinquentes. Currently, she serves as Adjunct Faculty at Elon University teaching the Fall 2024 course, Dance History I. Lisa’s choreographic interests cross-blend into areas of interdisciplinary art that involve installation and site-specific work. She is also active in her commitment to community dance by directing Gate City Latin Dance, which advances Latin dance forms in Greensboro, NC.
Clarice Young
Clarice Young is an artist who researches the intersection of African Diasporic dance and Contemporary modern dance. She received her BFA in Dance from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette and her MFA in Dance from Hollins University. A Louisiana native, Young was an original member of choreographer/Artistic Director Camille A. Brown’s company Camille A. Brown & Dancers and a member of choreographer/Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown’s Evidence, A Dance Company, acting as his first rehearsal director. Young is an Associate Professor of Dance and the Director of Undergraduate Studies at UNC Greensboro.
Lila Snodgrass
Lila Snodgrass is a junior from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pursuing a double major in Dance Performance and Choreography as well as Mathematics. This semester, Lila will be choreographing for Dancing in the Landscape and performing in three works in the fall and spring dance concerts. Additionally, as a Lumen Scholar here at Elon, Lila is continuing her research on the intersection between math and dance through knot theory under the mentorship of Dr. Nancy Scherich. Lila is honored and excited to be part of the Fall Dance Concert.
Sarah Rothacker
Sarah Rothacker is a senior Dance Performance and Choreography (BFA) and Communication Design (BA) double major from Dublin, OH. At the beginning of this year, she was awarded the Outstanding Senior Dance Performance and Choreography Award. While at Elon she has been performed in Dancing in the Landscape, Black History Month Dance Concert, and Spring Dance Concert, along with various student works. She spent last summer in Florence, Italy, performing in the Florence Dance Festival. Sarah presented her choreography in Dancing in the Landscape this semester and cannot wait to perform in her last Fall Dance Concert.
Dancers
Alana Abraham
Alana Abraham is a first year student at Elon university from Clarksville, Maryland. She is a dance performance and choreography major. She attended Studio Dans and was on the competition team for 6 years. She is also on Elons Finest HipHop team.
Alydia Wheeler
Alydia Wheeler is a sophomore at Elon University working towards a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography with a Biology minor. She is from Locust, North Carolina and grew up dancing at Albemarle Academy of Dance. Last year Alydia performed in Dancing in the Landscape, Black History Month Dance Concert, and Spring Dance. This year she is excited to be dancing in Dancing in the Landscape, Fall Dance Concert, and Spring Dance Concert as well as student choreography.
Analiese Jacobson
Analiese Jacobson is from Wilmington, Delaware. She is a first year student in the Dance Performance and Choreography B.F.A. Program. She previously trained at the Anna Marie Dance Studio for fourteen years. She was trained by many teachers including Anna Marie Leo, Sonny Leo, and Angela Boyd Roman.
Anaya Agard
Anaya is a third-year Dance Performance & Choreography and Arts Administration double major from Norwalk, CT. She has trained in ballet and modern since she was five years old and is loving all the new dance styles and movements she has been learning in Elon’s dance program thus far. This year, she will be performing in Dancing in the Landscape, the Fall Dance Concert, and the Spring Dance Concert. She is so excited to share her love for dance with you!!
Ashley Rossignol
Ashley Rossignol is from Attleboro, Massachusetts. She is a first-year student in the Dance Performance and Choreography BFA Program. She has previously trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Ballet Conservatory Program.
Blakely Boles
Blakely Boles grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, dancing at the Academy of Dance Arts. She began dancing at the age of three and was in her studio’s company for nine years. Here, she trained in all styles under Kristi Boles, Elaine Armfield, Blair Sitzlar, and Julie Mulvihill. One of her favorite roles she has danced was “The Pigtail Girl” in The Graduation Ball. She has trained under The Nashville Ballet and participated in Tennessee’s Governor’s School for the Arts.
Braelyn Valente-Phillips
Braelyn danced at Acton-Boxborough Dance Center for 16 years. She went to multiple summer intensives including Ailey, Peridance, and Urbanity. She has been choreographing for 3 years now and has showcased works at multiple competitions and in her studio’s recital. She is currently a BFA Dance major at Elon.
Brooke Goldstein
Brooke Goldstein, from Rockland County, New York, is a double major in Dance Performance and Choreography and Sociology. Brooke has performed in Dancing in the Landscape, Fall Dance Concert, Black History Month Dance Concert, Spring Dance Concert, and several student works. Brooke completed the CREATE choreography program at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and performed at the Florence Dance Festival while abroad in Italy this summer. Brooke is working on an undergraduate research project to promote healthy body image and mental health in dancers. Brooke is excited and honored to share her choreography and dancing in this year’s Fall Dance Concert.
Ella Stewart
Ella Stewart is a sophomore at Elon University pursuing a BFA in Dance Performance & Choreography and BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration. She is from Columbia, South Carolina. Last year at Elon, Ella performed in Dancing in the Landscape, Black History Month Dance Concert, Spring Dance Concert, and the Rhoades Grant Dance Concert. This past summer, Ella attended American Dance Festival and worked with Jordan Lloyd and her peers on a choreography project presented in ADF’s Repertory Showcase. This fall, she is very excited to perform in both Dancing in the Landscape and Fall Dance Concert!
Katy O’Neill
Katy O’Neill is a first-year Dance Science major from Cincinnati, Ohio.
Keira Ryanne Wahl
Keira Ryanne Wahl is 19 years old, and is from Raleigh, North Carolina. She is a double major in the BFA Dance Performance and Choreography Program as well as Dance Science. In addition, she is a proud member of the Elon College Fellows Program for Arts and Humanities. Dance has been a huge part of her life for several years, as she was a part of an advanced competition team for more than 10 years. Her goal for the future would be to provide dance training to younger dancers in a challenging, but safe and loving environment. She is so happy to call Elon University her new home, and she is grateful for the opportunity to continue her dance education.
Kelley Calvillo
Kelley Calvillo is a first-year student at Elon University, originally from Raleigh, North Carolina. She is double majoring in Dance Performance and Choreography and Dance Science, with a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies. Her movement style stems from modern safety release techniques, and she has presented choreographic work in North Carolina’s Dance Performance Adjudications and Emerging Artist showcases. She performed with Enloe Dance Ensemble and Rainbow Dance Company, studying under Katherine Champion, Chania Wilson, and Michelle Pearson. She attended the American Dance Festival’s Pre-Professional Intensive and served as a member of the National Dance Honor Society in high school.
Kendyl Bloomer
Kendyl Bloomer is from Apex, North Carolina. She is a first-year student at Elon in the Dance Science program. She previously trained at The Academy for the Performing Arts in the APA ELITE Pre-Professional Company for thirteen years, and in the Apex High School Dance Company for two years. She has trained under teachers including Nancy Andrews, Brooke Averette, and Caroline Brady. She cannot wait to continue performing and choreographing at Elon.
Laila Cottman
Laila Cottman is a first-year student at Elon University pursuing a BFA in Dance & Performance Choreography and double-major in Strategic Communications. Prior to her commitment to Elon, she trained at her home studio in Delaware for over a decade. Laila has had the honor of performing in both local events like; Le Dîner en Blanc Wilmington and televised events such as; The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, D.C. and the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia. Laila has proven to be an impactful performer and hopes to touch every audience she meets.
Lilly Sears
Lilly Sears is a Junior at Elon University. She is pursuing a Dance Performance and Choreography major with two minors in Expressive Arts and Psychology. Lilly is from Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, and is so grateful to be a part of the Elon Performing Arts Program. This year she will be participating in Dancing in the Landscape, the Fall Dance Concert, and the Spring Dance Concert.
Macie Hoben
Macie Hoben is a first year from Medway, Massachusetts. She is a BFA Dance major who studies studies dance, voice, and acting. Her show credits from Franklin Performing Arts Company include Humbug! (Tiffany Cratchit, Dancer), ‘Tis the Season!, The Nutcracker, Seussical, The Sound of Music and Something Rotten. She has also performed in Franklin School for the Performing Arts student productions which include Shrek (Ugly Ducking), 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer), CATS (Mungojerrie) and The Addams Family (Morticia). Macie was a member of FSPA’s Disney Musical Theater Ensembles, CenterStage, and Dance Company. She has also toured Europe performing with Electric Youth and The Boston Show Band.
Meaghan Unger
MEAGHAN UNGER – Broadway National Tour of A Christmas Story: The Musical. Off-Broadway productions: High School Musical, Annie Warbucks, Beauty and the Beast. TV / Film: The Undoing (ballet dancer), Bad Education (student), God-Fish (Lead), Paper Daughters (Mina), Live with Kelly and Ryan (tap dancer), Target Holiday Show with John Legend, backup dancer for Darryl McDaniels, The Nutcracker Ballet (multiple performances / multiple roles). UNCSA Pre-professional Contemporary Summer Program (3 years). She is excited to embark on her Elon BFA journey!
Meredith Peck
Nastassia Harrison
I am from Warren County, North Carolina. It’s about a 20 minutes from Henderson! From 6th grade to 12th grade I lived in VA. I have been dancing since I was 3! Throughout high school, I danced at the Academy of Classical and Contemporary Dance and I participated in the Nutcracker twice! During the summer between junior and senior year, I attended Radford University’s residential Govenors School Program for the dance department and received a certificate!
Natalie Dixon
Natalie Dixon is a junior double major in Dance Performance & Choreography and Dance Science from Annapolis, Maryland. She has recently performed in Dancing in the Landscape and is excited to be performing in the upcoming Spring Dance Concert. Natalie is excited and honored to be a part of this performance!
Nikki Prushik
Nikki Prushik has been dancing for sixteen years. She trained at Attitudes in Motion Dance Studio while she lived in New York and Miss Donna’s School of Dancing while living in North Carolina. She has trained during the summer with the Charlotte Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. She is extremely excited to be performing in Dancing In The Landscape as her first performance at Elon University.
Reagan Nasky
Reagan Nasky is a first year from Dallas, Texas. She has been dancing for 16 years, and has been studying at Texas Ballet Theater. She has been in Ben Stevenson Nutcracker for 3 years, and had also been apart of Texas Ballet Theaters Ensemble for 3 years as well.
Sage Grimpe
Sage Grimpe, a resident of Fishers, Indiana. Was a faculty member and pre-Professional dancer for En Pointe Indiana Ballet, under the training of the distinguished Robert Moore and Pollyana Ribiero. She has had the privilege of training under the New York City Rockettes, Joffery Ballet of Chicago, Orlando Ballet, Complextions Academy, and was a scholarship recipient at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Sage has had the privilege of dancing in the cast of award-winning movie, Nobel Vision, and award-winning New Works Piece: Suits, where she appeared as a lead soloist and interview panelist. She is excited to continue her journey at Elon University.
Simone Goldenberg
Simone Goldenberg is from Vienna, Virginia and currently a first year student attending Elon University. She is pursuing the dance performance and choreography Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts. Simone has previously trained under the Metropolitan School of the Arts and was a member of their Youth Tap and Youth Jazz ensembles.
Taylor Quinn
Taylor Quinn is a first year student at Elon from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She began dancing at age 7 and has received dance training from Carolina Forest Performing Arts Academy, MBACT, and Carolina Dance District. She has also performed in productions of Mamma Mia! (Dancer), Wit (Ensemble), Cinderella (Dancer), The Perfect Ending (Dorothy), 42nd Street (Anytime Annie), A Monster Calls (Sully), and Matilda (Mrs.Wormwood) at Carolina Forest High School. She is excited to continue her artistic journey here at Elon.
Trudie Arling
Trudie is originally from Dayton, Ohio and is a first-year student at Elon studying dance science on a pre-med track. She began dancing at the age of three and joined the Dayton Ballet School in 2013. She joined Dayton Ballet’s pre-professional division in 2016. She performed with the pre-professional company for eight years and danced alongside Dayton Ballet students, the Dayton Ballet Company, and the Dayton Philharmonic. Some of her favorite productions she has performed in include The Nutcracker, Sleepy Hollow, The Great Gatsby, and Septime Weber’s Swan Lake.