MOVEMENTS IN FOCUS:
DREXEL DANCE ENSEMBLE
C O R E V A L U E S
WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WHERE STUDENTS CAN BE IMAGINATIVE, EXPLORATIVE, CHALLENGED, SURROUNDED BY PLURALISTIC IDEAS, AND GUIDED TO ACHIEVE ARTISTIC AND TECHNICAL GOALS. WE VALUE HARD WORK, WORKING AS A TEAM, AND THE COMMUNAL SPIRIT IT TAKES TO ACHIEVE A FULLY PRODUCED DANCE PERFORMANCE. THIS HOME – AND PLACE OF ARTISTRY – WILL SERVE THE STUDENTS. THIS IS A PLACE FOR DANCERS TO LEARN, EXPAND, UNITE, AND BE.
A LETTER FROM
WELCOME TO THE MANDELL THEATER, A VIBRANT ARTISTIC HOME NESTLED WITHIN THE HEART OF DREXEL UNIVERSITY’S CAMPUS. WE ARE HONORED TO WELCOME YOU AS THE DREXEL DANCE ENSEMBLE AND FRESHDANCE INVITE YOU INTO A WORLD OF IMAGINATION, RIGOR, AND EXPRESSION—WHERE ENERGY, EMOTION, AND MOVEMENT CONVERGE TO TELL POWERFUL STORIES.
MOVEMENTS IN FOCUS: DREXEL DANCE ENSEMBLE WINTER CONCERT INVITES AUDIENCES INTO A SHARED SPACE OF REFLECTION AND DIALOGUE THROUGH EMBODIED EXPRESSION. THROUGH DIVERSE CHOREOGRAPHIC WORKS, THE CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS MOVEMENT AS A POWERFUL TOOL FOR INQUIRY, STORYTELLING, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.
VISIONS IN MOTION: DREXEL FRESHDANCE WINTER CONCERT BRINGS TOGETHER DANCERS AND AUDIENCES TO WITNESS THE ENERGY, CURIOSITY, AND CREATIVE EXPLORATION OF FIRST-YEAR PERFORMERS. THE CONCERT HONORS MOVEMENT AS A STARTING POINT FOR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION, COLLABORATION, AND CONNECTION WITHIN THE DREXEL COMMUNITY.
DANCE, WHEN DONE WELL, APPEARS EFFORTLESS, BUT EXCELLENCE IS NEVER ACCIDENTAL. IT IS CULTIVATED THROUGH REPETITION, REFLECTION, AND AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO CRAFT. MUSICALITY, EMOTIONAL AUTHENTICITY, AND ENSEMBLE CONNECTION ARE SKILLS HONED OVER TIME. WEEK AFTER WEEK, OUR DANCERS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS COME TOGETHER TO REHEARSE, REVISE, AND REFINE, SHAPING MOMENTS THAT ARE NOT ONLY TECHNICALLY PRECISE, BUT DEEPLY HUMAN, AND ROOTED IN SHARED EXPERIENCE. WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO WITNESS IS THE RESULT OF THAT COLLECTIVE DEDICATION A TESTAMENT TO PRACTICE, COLLABORATION, AND BELIEF IN THE POWER OF DANCE TO EDUCATE, CHALLENGE, AND INSPIRE.
THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF THIS EXPERIENCE. YOUR PRESENCE AFFIRMS THE WORK WE DO AND THE FUTURE WE ARE BUILDING. WE INVITE YOU TO JOURNEY WITH US AND ENJOY THE REMARKABLE DANCING AHEAD. ONWARD,
BRITT WHITMOYER FISHEL DIRECTOR, DREXEL DANCE ENSEMBLE & FRESHDANCE
A LETTER FROM
WELCOME TO THIS PRESENTATION BY THE DANCE PROGRAM IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PERFORMING ARTS. DANCE IS A WAY TO EXPRESS ONESELF THAT CAN ONLY BE SHOWN THROUGH EMBODIMENT. IT IS ALSO A PLATFORM FOR UNDERSTANDING OTHER CULTURES AND PEOPLE; IT IS ABOUT HUMAN CONNECTION. WE HOPE THAT THE STUDENTS INVOLVED IN THIS PERFORMANCE FEEL THEMSELVES REPRESENTED, AND AT THE SAME TIME LEARN ABOUT OTHERS. WE ALSO HOPE THE SAME FOR OUR AUDIENCE. WE WANT ALL WHO COME TO FEEL COMFORTABLE AND ENJOY THE CONCERT, FINDING IDEAS AND VOCABULARIES THAT ARE FAMILIAR TO THEM, AS WELL AS NEW CONCEPTS AND WAYS OF MOVING.
BOTH THE DANCE PROGRAM AND THE DEPARTMENT OF PERFORMING ARTS ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING RICH AND MEANINGFUL ARTISTIC ENGAGEMENT WHILE AT DREXEL. WE OFFER STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM IN LARGE, ORGANIZED, AND PROFESSIONALLY DIRECTED ENSEMBLES. OUR GOAL IS TO GIVE DANCERS THE BEST EXPERIENCE WE CAN OFFER WHILE THEY ARE HERE AND PREPARE THEM FOR AN ARTISTIC LIFE AFTER GRADUATION. WE PREPARE AND ENCOURAGE OUR STUDENTS TO CONTINUE WITH DANCE WHETHER IT BE A VOCATION OR AN AVOCATION.
WE WANT TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THE DEDICATED AND TALENTED DANCE FACULTY IN OUR DEPARTMENT. THESE ACCOMPLISHED PROFESSIONALS NOT ONLY CREATE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN AND DEVELOP, BUT ALSO SHARE THEIR PASSION FOR DANCE, WHICH IS CONTAGIOUS TO THE STUDENTS. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL TO THEM FOR ALL THEY DO.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT BY BEING HERE. ON BEHALF OF THE STUDENTS AND FACULTY, WE SINCERELY THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THIS PERFORMANCE.
JENNIFER MORLEY, DANCE PROGRAM DIRECTOR DR. MIRIAM GIGUERE, DEPARTMENT HEAD, PERFORMING
ARTS
MOVEMENTS IN FOCUS
L O V E M E I N T H E R A I N
CHOREOGRAPHED BY KAREEM B. GOODWIN
DANCERS: GRACE ANGYELOF, RAINE CROWE, BELLA DATTILO, SUMMER DILWORTH, RUBY FAIN, ERIN FORD, KAYA HAWTHORNE, EVA KREWSON, ASHTON MANNA, ELLIE MATUS, GEORGIA PARSONS, MOLLY RILEY, SASHA
SAPON, MADISON SIMOES, ALEXA STEELE, REBECCA WOLIN
MUSIC: “DIDN'T CHA KNOW” BY ERYKAH BADU, “FREUDIAN” BY DANIEL
CAESAR, “UNTITLED” BY UWAZI ZAMANI
COSTUMES: KELLY MYERS
LIGHTING: J. DOMINIC CHACON
VIDEO DESIGN: JENNIFER TOTORA
SOUND DESIGN: UWAZI ZAMANI
L I F E O N S T R I N G S
CHOREOGRAPHED BY EMILIA DAGUANNO
DANCERS: LEXI BRENNER, CATHERINE CONWAY, PAIGE GIBSON, DANIEL HOANG, TARA MCHALE
MUSIC: "UNGODLY FRUIT" BY WAX TAYLOR; "ANTIQUE WIND-UP CLOCK TICK TOCK” BY ASMR SOUND STUDIO; "OLD MECHANICAL ALARM CLOCK RINGING," BY SOUND IDEAS; "SYSTEM,” BY PREWN
COSTUMES: KELLY MYERS
LIGHTING: J. DOMINIC CHACON
B E F O R E T H E S I L E N C E
CHOREOGRAPHED BY REBECCA WOLIN
DANCERS: RAINE CROWE, MARY GRACE DEMPSEY, PIPER FILIAULT, RUBY FAIN, KATERINA GUTIERREZ, MADISON HANDFINGER, KAYA HAWTHORNE,TARA MCHALE, ELLIE MATUS, ELA NAWAB, SAMI SIENKIEWICZ, SAMANTHA SINGLEY
MUSIC: “LAST WOMAN ON EARTH” BY PARIS PALOMA, “HER & THE SEA” BY CLANN, “THE BLINDED FOREST” BY GARETH COKER, “HEAVEN IS HERE” BY FLORENCE + THE MACHINE
COSTUMES: MAE MERKLE
LIGHTING: J DOMINIC CHACON
MOVEMENTS IN FOCUS
T E S S E L L A T I O N S
CHOREOGRAPHED BY MIRIAM GIGUERE WITH THE DANCERS
DANCERS: ANNA CHAM, JOEY CODY, RUBY FAIN, JORDYN JONES, ASHTON MANNA, ELA NEWAB, ISABELLA REPETTO, SASHA SAPON, ALLIE SCICCHITANO, MADILINE YURCHUK
MUSIC: ZAP MAMA
COSTUMES: BECKY WETZEL
LIGHTING: J. DOMINIC CHACON
ANIMATION BY: NICK JUSHCHYSHYN, SAGE LEE BOONE, DHEERAJ MANTHA, HARANG KANG
INTERMISSION
w h a t k e e p s u s h e r e
CHOREOGRAPHED BY MOLLY REILLY
DANCERS: LEXI BRENNER, CATHERINE CONWAY, PAIGE GIBSON, SUMMER DILWORTH , NIYAH GANTT- BROOKS, SOPHIE JARGER, SARA KOCINSKY, TAYLOR MANN, TARA MCHALE, LEYLAH PONCE, MARISSA POWELL, ISABELLA REPETTO, ALLIE SCICCHITANO, MADISON SIMOES, SAGE WARMUND
MUSIC: "LA LA LAND" SOUNDTRACK- CITY OF STARS INSTRUMENTAL, BOISE, MIA & SEBASTIANS THEME, CREDITS, THERE THE WHOLE TIME, RIALTO AT 10 - BY JUSTIN HURWITZ
EXCERPT OF "CITY OF STARS" BY JUSTIN HURWITZ PLAYED ON PIANO BY SARA KOCINSKY
COSTUMES: KELLY MYERS
LIGHTING: J. DOMINIC CHACON
MOVEMENTS IN FOCUS
B R E A K I N T H E C I R C U I T
CHOREOGRAPHED BY JENNIFER MORLEY
DANCERS: LETA ARMSTRONG, ANNA CHAM, BELLA DATTILO, SUMMER
DILWORTH, PIPER FILIAULT, JORDYN JONES, EVA KREWSON, GEORGIA PARSONS, EMME SERAFINO, REBECCA WOLIN
MUSIC: “KENKRAFT 400” BY ZOMBIE NATION, “RI YOKOBAL KECH RI
AJAW CH'ULEL” BY HOYO-MIX, “RUN BOY RUN” BY WOODKID
COSTUMES: MAE MERKLE
LIGHTING: J. DOMINIC CHACON
S Y S T E M A L T E R E D : L I B E R A T I O N R E C L A I M E D
CHOREOGRAPHED BY ALEXIS CURIEL
DANCERS: GRACE ANGELOF, MARY GRACE DEMPSEY, ERIN FORD, NEGHISTI GHEBREMEDHIN, PAIGE GIBSON, KATERINA GUTIERREZ, KAYA HAWTHORNE, SARA KOCINSKY, RACHEL LEE, SAGE LEE-BOONE, TAYLOR MANN, EMMA ZOE POLYAK, MARISSA POWELL, MOLLY REILLY, SAMI SIENKIEWICZ, ALEXA STEELE, LYUTIFYA YUSSUPOVA
MUSIC: “DRUMS OF DEATH” BY FKA TWIGS, “LITTLE THINGS” BY FKA TWIGS
SOUND SCORE: ALEXIS CURIEL (INCLUDES DIALOGUE FROM APPLE TV'S SEVERANCE)
COSTUMES: ASAKI KURUMA
LIGHTING: J. DOMINIC CHACON
ABOUT OUR ARTISTS
B r i t t W h i t m o y e r F i s h e l ( D i r e c t o r ) ( s h e / h e r ) is an award-winning choreographer, screendance maker, educator, author, and scholar Her work examines relationships between the ephemeral nature of live performance and the permanence of dance in the digital sphere, with a research focus on the rhizomes of feminism, gender gap, access, and community. Fishel leads Britt Fishel & Artists, a collaborative, non-profit contemporary dance company, presenting both live performance and dance film in the Philadelphia community and beyond. Through research and performance, the company aims to foster a better assimilation of the human experience, to democratize and normalize socioeconomic, political, and identity driven conversations that are both diverse and inclusive through intersectionality. In addition to BF & Artists, Fishel is the director and curator of Opine Dance Film Festival, an annual, international Screendance festival in its 11th season. She holds a BFA in Dance Performance from East Carolina University and an MFA in Dance (Screendance) from the University of Michigan. Fishel has led company tours throughout New York City, Philadelphia, D.C., Richmond, Asheville, Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, London, Scotland, Italy, and France. Her screen work has been seen in Greensboro Dance Film Festival, Y’allywood Film Festival, Detroit Dance City Festival, EnCore Dance on Film Festival, DanceBARN, Dance for Reel, FilmFest by Rogue Dancer, Women in Dance Leadership Conference, FringeArts, MashUp Dance's IWD Festival, 20/92 Video Festival, and ACDA, in addition to several gallery exhibitions across the country. In 2021, Fishel and BF & Artists received the “Lorenzo il Magnifico” International Award for Performance from the Florence Biennale and in 2022 Fishel authored The Screendance Practitioner's Workbook: A Pre-Production Guide for Creativity and Organization. Fishel has presented research at Dance Studies Association's Annual Conferences and sits as Co-Chair of DSA's Dance and Technology Working Group. She currently resides in Philadelphia where she is a full-time faculty member in the dance department at Drexel University.
ABOUT OUR ARTISTS
S y d n e y D o n o v a n ( A s s i s t a n t D i r e c t o r ) is a Philadelphia performer, choreographer, educator, and healer She graduated from the University of The Arts in 2019, receiving her dance BFA After graduating, Donovan continued working with Uarts as rehearsal director for Bobbi Jene Smith and Annie Rigney Then as guest choreographer, she premiered her work Thy Spirit like Thy Flesh (2023) As a freelancer, Donovan is a dancer with Opera Philadelphia Recently as principal dancer being the coyote in The Listeners (2024) , choreographed by Raja Feather Kelly and self-choreographed marble sculpture in II Viaggio a Reims(2025) She performed with Paul Matteson in his work How Many Times (2020); performed in Lilach Orenstein’s She Will Come on Her Own (2021) featured in Dance Magazine and Zoe Scofield’s Princess Grace award winning work The Other Shore (2021), as well as Scofield's most recent work Tell the Truth & Shame the Devil (2025) Donovan was movement director of the creative film agency, Wear Your Feelings (2019-2022) and collaborated with Brandon Graf on a durational film The Poets Divination (2021). Since 2024, Donovan has been a collaborator in BF & Artist. She participated in the Philadelphia Fringe Festival performing in Hillary Pearson’s HAIR (2022) and Susan Marshall’s Rhythm Bath (2023). In Scotland, she performed Wally Carbonell’s Fruit of Her Lips (2024) and Britt Fishel’s False Tongues (2025) as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In 2022, Donovan was an Artist in Residence at MOtiVE Brooklyn where she developed and performed her solo The Many in One are Mingled (2022). In 2024, she choreographed an evening length trio titled TRINE, that premiered at The Decon Phl launching her dance company OmenThrice. Currently, OmenThrice is in artistic residence at Philly PACK where new work Jack, Jill, and the Hill will premiere spring 2026 Donovan is a professor, guest choreographer, rehearsal director, and assistant ensemble director at Drexel University Last winter she restaged/ reworked Thy Flesh like Thy Spirit (2025) on DDE This winter she is premiering new work Portal to Self (2026) on the university’s Fresh Dance Ensemble
A r a b i a R
is a Danceivist, performer, choreographer, educator, and collaborator born and raised in Dayton, Ohio She holds an MFA in Dance (2022) and a BFA in Dance (2019, cum laude) from the University of the Arts (UArts) Throughout her undergraduate studies, Arabia was featured in solo performances in works by renowned choreographers including Tommie-Waheed Evans, Meredith Rainey, Jimena Paz, and Marguerite Hemmings After graduation, Arabia served as the Administrative Assistant to Gaynell Sherrod, then interim Executive Director of Philadanco Her leadership in rehearsal settings includes roles as Rehearsal Director for Juel D Lane, Rehearsal Assistant to Kim Bears-Bailey, and rehearsal director to Marguerite Hemmings She has also contributed creatively as a cochoreographer with Wayne St David and as a Creative Associate for the School of Dance at UArts In 2023, Arabia was awarded the Creative Research & Innovation Grant in recognition of her commitment to the intersections of performance, pedagogy, and social engagement. Currently based in Philadelphia, Arabia is an Adjunct Professor at Temple University, a Teaching Artist at The Rock School, and the Assistant Director for the Drexel Dance Ensemble. Her work continues to explore dance as a tool for dialogue, resistance, and community building.
ABOUT OUR ARTISTS
A l i s i a L i p s e y ( P r o d u c e r )
is a passionate and innovative dance professional from Queens, NY, specializing in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling She graduated from Drexel University in 2022 with a B S in Dance and furthered her education by earning an M A in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling in 2024 Currently, Alisia works as a Creative Arts Therapist for Charlie Health, a virtual intensive outpatient program, where she utilizes movement and creative expression to help clients navigate their emotional challenges Alisia is excited to return to her alma mater as the co-producer of the Drexel Dance Ensembles, where she aims to pour back into a program that shaped her development as a student, dancer, and professional
A b b y T o l l ( P r o d u c e r & S t a g e M a n a g e r )
is a graduate of Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Arts Management Since graduating in 2018, she has worked as a freelance Stage Manager and Arts Administrator in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas She has worked for Delaware Shakespeare, Inus Nua, Azuka, and many more. When not working in the arts, Abby is a preschool teacher, working with kids ages 3-5. She loves introducing the magic of the arts to young minds.
J . D o m i n i c C h a c o n ( L i g h t i n g D e s i g n e r ) is a Lighting Designer and Production Manager based in Philadelphia. He has been working in Philadelphia since he arrived here in 2002 from the University of Iowa. Taking a small break to get his MFA from Temple University he has been involved in many projects around the East Coast. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Drexel University and the Lighting Coordinator for the Lang Performing Arts Center at Swarthmore College.In Philly he has designed for Walnut Street Theatre, Azuka, People's Light and many more. Outside of Philly his work has been seen at Capital Fringe, Edinburgh Fringe, Bowery Street Theatre and Long Wharf Theatre. He is dedicated to making theatre a collaboration as well as a learning experience In addition to his theatre work he is very passionate about his civic duties volunteering for Planned Parenthood, The Trevor Project, and the ACLU Some of his favorite collaborations have been Peter and the Starcatcher (Walnut Street Theatre), Nes Quitez Pas (Opera Company Philadelphia as an ALD), Blood Wedding (PAC), Dido+ (Curtis Opera) To find out more check out his website domchacon com
C h r i s T o t o r a ( P r o d u c t i o n M a n a g e r & S c e n i c P r o p D e s i g n e r ) Christopher Totora is the Technical Director/ Production Manager for the Mandell Theater Outside of Drexel, Chris is a freelance Musician, Designer, Director, Performer and Technician He holds a BA in Theatre and a MA in Arts Administration from Rowan University
ABOUT OUR ARTISTS
A s a k i K u r u m a ( C o s t u m e D e s i g n e r & C o s t u m e S h o p M a n a g e r ) is originally from Japan, a multi-disciplinary artist who has been working professionally with many theater companies and artists in the Philadelphia area Design credit: Percy Jackson the Lightening Thief, Songs for the New World (Drexel Theatre), Cymbeline (Delaware Shakespeare), Death of a Driver, 72 Miles to Go , Man of God (InterAct Theatre), Backing Track (Arden Theatre), The Taming!, Pericles (Shakespeare in Clark Park), Kissing the Witches (Ursinus College), House of Desire, A Midsummer Nights Dream (Villanova Theatre), Boycott Esther (Azuka Theater), Las Mujeres (Power Street Theatre Company), Tiger Style! (Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists), Romeo & Juliet, Complete History of America, Abridged, Measure for Measure (Commonwealth Classic Theatre Co) Asaki is also the Costume Shop Manager at Drexel University MA -Villanova University
M a e M e r k l e ( C o s t u m e D e s i g n e r ) is a Philadelphia based costume designer and wardrobe technician, and they are so honored by the opportunity to join the Drexel Dance Ensemble for the Winter Concert, their first after graduating from Drexel University in 2025 Mae has a degree in costume design and they have had the privilege of working with many theaters and companies in the Philadelphia area, including People’s Light, Theater Horizon, Relic Theatre Company, Power Street, Arden Theater Company, and more In addition to work in theater, Mae has a background in costuming independent film, music videos, and performance art
K e l l y M y e r s ( C o s t u m e D e s i g n e r ) is happy to be back for another dance concert with Drexel Costume Design work: The Real Thing, The Wanderers, Comedy of Errors, Tartuffe, The Lifespan of a Fact, A Man for All Seasons, The last Match (Lantern Theater Co), Macbeth, The Chairs, The Wizard of Oz(Quintessence Theater Group), The Mountaintop, The Butterfingers Angel (Uptown! Knauer PAC), A little Night Music (Pittsburgh Opera Theatre), The Farnsworth Invention, Saving the World (Throughline Theatre Co), Deepchurch Hollow (Edinburgh Festival Fringe). She has also designed for Rutgers University-Camden, and Upper Darby Summerstage. Other costume work: Costume Supervisor (Lantern Theater Co), Draper (Walnut Street Theatre), Asst Costume Designer (American Players Theatre), Crafts Artisan (Opera Theatre of St. Louis). Training: MFA in Costume Design at Ohio University, BA in Theatre at Slippery Rock University
B e c k y W e t z e l ( C o s t u m e D e s i g n e r )
is a multi-talented visual and fiber artist based in Philadelphia, Pa. She received her BA and MFA from Temple University, as well as an AFA in painting from Montgomery County Community College. Her most recent past productions have been She Kills Monsters with Drexel University, Young Frankenstein at Media Theater, and Ragtime at Candlelight. She wishes to thank the cast and the production team for their joy, collaboration, and hard work.
ABOUT OUR ARTISTS
A l e x i s C u r i e l ( C h o r e o g r a p h e r )
is an Afro-Latino Dominican American multidisciplinary dance artist/instructor/choreographer, born and raised in Miami, based in Philadelphia He received a BFA in Dance from the University of the Arts in 2021, & began his full time dance career in 2022 He’s had the opportunity to collaborate with faculty at UArts, choreograph for various schools/programs in the U S , presenting/performing work nationally & internationally Currently, Alexis is an apprentice for Rennie Harris Pure Movement (RHPM), MOV3 Dance Collective (directed by Jameel Hendricks), an instructor at Urban Movement Arts for adults & youth, as well as a collaborator with fellow dance artists within his community With versatility and virtuosity Alexis embraces his love for commercial, concert, & street dance throughout his journey exchanging with those in his community & beyond
E m i l i a D a g u a n n o ( C h o r e o g r a p h e r ) ( s h e / h e r ) is a senior at Drexel, majoring in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Dance Born and raised in southeast Michigan, she began dancing at the age of two, and quickly developed a passion for creative movement She carried this passion throughout her life, and, in 2023, brought it to the Drexel Dance Ensemble. This is the second piece Emilia has choreographed on the Ensemble, the first having been set on Drexel's FreshDance company in 2025. She received her Vinyasa yoga instructor certification in May 2025 and enjoys teaching yoga and dance at various studios in and around Philadelphia. Emilia is expected to graduate in March with a Bachelor of Science in Communication and hopes to continue pursuing her artistic endeavors in this next chapter of her life.
M i r i a m G i g u e r e , P h D ( C h o r e o g r a p h e r ) holds a BA in psychology and an MS in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in dance from Temple University. Dr. Giguere is a full professor and the Department Head for Performing Arts at Drexel University, where she directed the dance program from 1992-2015, and the Dance Ensemble from 1990-2020. She has created and produced several city-wide projects in dance and music featuring internationally renowned artists in collaboration with some of Philadelphia’s largest cultural institutions including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Barnes Foundation, and FringeArts among others Her most recent projects include Dancing Dialogues (2016), Philadelphia Museum of Dance, (2018) Rehearsing Philadelphia in collaboration with the Curtis Institute of Music (2022) and We Have Gone As Far As We Can Together (2024) A former professional performer with Ann Vachon Dance Conduit, Terry Beck Troupe and South Street Dance Company, she has choreographed more than 50 works for the concert stage and 61 musicals in her career She is associate editor of the journal Dance Education in Practice, author of the column Dance Trends, and the textbook Beginning Modern Dance She is current and founding president of the Pennsylvania Dance Education Organization
ABOUT OUR ARTISTS
K a r e e m B . G o o d w i n ( C h o r e o g r a p h e r ) is a Philadelphia-based choreographer whose work merges modern, jazz, and contemporary dance to create emotionally grounded and socially resonant performances A 2024 & 2026 Princess Grace Award nominee for Choreography, he is known for choreography rooted in storytelling, musicality, and cultural reflection His artistic foundation was shaped by early training in community-centered spaces that emphasized dance as both a discipline and a transformative force Kareem is a graduate of the University of the Arts, where his choreographic voice was developed through rigorous training and creative research During his time at UArts, he was influenced by artists and educators who encouraged risk taking, narrative clarity, and artistic ownership, values that continue to guide his work as both a choreographer and educator Throughout his career, Kareem has worked with and been mentored by influential choreographers and educators including Charon Mapp, Wayne St David, Anthony Burrell, Faye Snow, Ronen Koresh, Christopher L. Huggins, Keith Saunders,Tommie-Waheed Evans, Kyle JustSole Clark, Kim Bears-Bailey, Dara Meredith. These collaborations have deeply informed his movement language, musical sensibility, and commitment to culturally grounded storytelling. Kareem’s choreography has been commissioned by Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Syracuse City Ballet, MOVE|NYC|, Eleone Dance Theatre, Six O’Clock Dance Theatre, West Chester University, and SUNY Oneonta. He currently serves as Resident Choreographer for Dissonance Dance Theatre and has created work for professional companies, universities, and pre-professional ensembles nationwide. His movement language blends technical precision with expressive depth, inviting dancers to engage fully in both physical and emotional storytelling. In addition to his choreographic practice, Kareem is a dedicated educator and arts leader He serves as Adjunct Professor of Jazz Dance at Drexel University’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design and teaches throughout the Greater Philadelphia area His teaching philosophy centers mentorship, access, and artistic excellence, with a focus on guiding young and emerging artists toward sustainable careers in dance Kareem is actively affiliated with the International Association of Blacks in Dance, where he engages as a teaching artist, collaborator, and advocate for Black dance artists and institutions His involvement with IABD reflects an ongoing commitment to cultural lineage, community building, and the advancement of Black concert dance Through choreography, teaching, and leadership, Kareem B Goodwin continues to contribute to the evolving landscape of American concert dance, creating work that reflects lived experience, honors legacy, and invites dialogue and transformation
ABOUT OUR ARTISTS
J e n n i f e r M o r l e y ( C h o r e o g r a p h e r ) is the Program Director and somatics coordinator of the Drexel University dance program. She is the Director of both the Drexel Pilates studio and the 450-hour Drexel Pilates training program. Jmo’s research is centered in existing and emerging embodied practices and the cultures and value systems from which they emerge. In plain terms, Jmo researchs the way thoughts and feelings have an impact on your connection to your body. Her work was most recently presented at the Stella Gallery in the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, the Somatic Dance conference in Geneva New York, the Cardell Dance Studio in Philadelphia, and the American College Dance Festival in Maryland. She has had a two-year choreographic residency at Philadelphia’s Community Education Center and been the recipient of multiple New Stages for Dance grants through Dance USA Philadelphia and the Pew Center for Arts and Culture She most recently performed with Burgundy Blue Dance Company and Merian Soto Her book, The Pilates Teacher’s Toolkit, comes out through Human Kinetics on March 1st!
M o l l y R e i l l y ( C h o r e o g r a p h e r ) is a dancer and creator who began her dance journey in New Jersey at the age of four. Since then, she has trained extensively in ballet and modern dance within both studio and company settings. At Drexel, she is in her final year, pursuing a B.S. in Dance and Physical Therapy. Alongside her dance studies, she focuses on physical therapy and somatics, and teaches classical Pilates throughout the Philadelphia area. Molly has performed for multiple seasons with the Drexel Dance Ensemble (DDE), under the direction of Olive Prince, Rebecca Malcolm-Naib, and Brittany Fishel Through her time in DDE, she has performed works by choreographers including Netta Yerushalmy, Yuki Ishiguro, Shannon Murphy, and others She also choreographed for Drexel’s FreshDance Ensemble, premiering her work in the February 2025 concert, and is so excited to share this work on DDE this winter season!
R e b e c c a W o l i n ( C h o r e o g r a p h e r )
was born and raised in New Jersey where she trained in both commercial and concert dance styles She danced competitively for seven years at EPIC Dance Company, a competition dance studio, and as a lead dancer and captain of her high school Color Guard Rebecca was also part of the Honors Dance Department at Somerset County Vocational-Technical High School where she studied traditional concert dance styles Rebecca is now a senior Bachelor of Science Dance major at Drexel University with a concentration in Dance/Creative Movement Therapy and minoring in both Somatics and Psychology Rebecca has already been accepted into the Master of Arts program for Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling in the Graduate College of Nursing and Health professions. As an aspiring Dance Movement Therapist, Rebecca has been refining her skill sets in the industry through work in Philadelphia schools with the Community Engaged Movement Partnerships Touring Ensemble, the Drexel Dance Ensemble, and is a current intern with Philadelphia Ballet’s Community Education and Public Programs Department. In her free time, Rebecca is earning practical work experience in her field by working with individuals outside of her university as a Pilates instructor at AFC Fitness after completing the 450-hour training program at Drexel Pilates. Rebecca has also been performing for multiple years with the Drexel Dance Ensemble under the direction of Olive Prince, Rebecca Malcom-Naib, and Britt Fishel.
OUR ENSEMBLE
GRACE ANGYELOF ............................ HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND COUNSELING
LETA ARMSTRONG .................................................................... FILM & TELEVISION
LEXI BRENNER CRIMINOLOGY & JUSTICE STUDIES
MAYA BRYAN FINANCE + BUSINESS ANALYTICS
ANNA CHAM ............................................................ POLITICAL SCIENCE AND LAW
JOEY CODY .......................................................................................... PSYCHOLOGY
CATHERINE CONWAY ........................................................................................ FMTV
RAINE CROWE ................................................................................ GRAPHIC DESIGN
BELLA DATTILO DANCE (PT CONCENTRATION)
MARY GRACE DEMPSEY EDUCATION
SUMMER DILWORTH .................................................... DANCE AND PSYCHOLOGY
RUBY FAIN ..................................................................................... DANCE, PT TRACK
PIPER FILIAULT ................................................................................................. DANCE
ERIN FORD ...................................................................................... GRAPHIC DESIGN
NIYAH GANTT-BROOKS ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS MANAGEMENT
ANNA GARDINER DANCE/MOVEMENT THERAPY AND COUNSELING
NEGHISTI GHEBREMEDHIN ....................................... BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
PAIGE GIBSON ................................... HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND COUNSELING
KATERINA GUTIERREZ ............................................. DANCE/MOVEMENT THERAPY
MADISON HANDFINGER ............................................................... HEALTH SCIENCE
KAYA HAWTHORNE DANCE
DANIEL HOANG MARKETING & BUSINESS ANALYTICS
SOPHIE JARGER ........................................................................................... NURSING
JORDYN JONES .................................... MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
SARA KOCINSKY .............................................................................................. DANCE
EVA KREWSON ................................................................................................. DANCE
RACHEL LEE NURSING
SAGE LEE-BOONE DIGITAL MEDIA & VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
TAYLOR MANN .................................................................... BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ASHTON MANNA .............................................. SOCIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH
ELLIE MATUS .................................................................................................... DANCE
TARA MCHALE .................................................................... BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ELA NAWAB DANCE AND ENGLISH
GEORGIA PARSONS DANCE
EMMA ZOE POLYAK .......................................................................................ENGLISH
OUR ENSEMBLE
LEYLA PONCE HEALTH SCIENCES
MARISSA POWELL ........................................................................................... DANCE
MOLLY REILLY ............................................................................... DANCE/PT TRACK
ISABELLA REPETTO ..................................................... BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
SASHA SAPON .............................................................................................. BIOLOGY
ALLIE SCICCHITANO ....................................................................................... DANCE
EMME SERAFINO FASHION INDUSTRY AND MERCHANDISING
SAMI SIENKIEWICZ .......................................................................................... DANCE
MADISON SIMOES ................................................ ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING
SAMANTHA SINGLEY .............................. COMPUTER/ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
ALEXA STEELE ............................................................................................. BUSINESS
SAGE WARMUND ........................................................................... FASHION DESIGN
REBECCA WOLIN DANCE MOVEMENT THERAPY
MADELEINE YURCHUK ......................................................... FILM AND TELEVISION
LYUTFIYA YUSSUPOVA ........................................................... COMPUTER SCIENCE
OUR STAFF
E
N S E M B L E S T A F F
ENSEMBLE DIRECTOR: BRITT WHITMOYER FISHEL
PRODUCER: ABBY TOLL & ALISIA LISPEY
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS: SYDNEY DONOVAN & ARABIA RICHARDSON
M A N D E L L T H E A T E R S T A F F
EMANDELL THEATER MANAGING DIRECTOR: CAROLINE LEIPF
MANDELL THEATER TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: CHRIS TOTORA
AUDIENCE SERVICES COORDINATOR: LIV SHOUP
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: LAYANNE MOHAMMED
STAGE MANAGER: ABBY TOLL
DECK: RICK CONNER, KAYLA DONALSON & AUDREY LING
MASTER ELECTRICIAN: AMELIA HOOKER
ASSISTANT MASTER ELECTRICIAN: CONNOR DANIELS
SOUND TECHNICIAN: JASON ADAMS
COSTUME SHOP MANAGER: ASAKI KURUMA
P
R
O D U C T I O N S T A F F
LIGHTING DESIGNER: J. DOMINIC CHACON
SCENIC/PROP DESIGN: CHRIS TOTORA
COSTUME DESIGNERS: ASAKI KURUMA, MAE MERKLE, KELLY MYERS & BECKY WETZEL
GRAPHIC DESIGN: ERIN FORD PROGRAM DESIGN: EMME SERAFINO
D E P A R T M E N T O F P E R F O R M I N G A R T S
DEPARTMENT HEAD: DR. MIRIAM GIGUERE
DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATOR: HANNAH BURKE
ADMINISTRATION COORDINATOR: ELLIE EBBY
ENSEMBLE PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: LAUREN TRACY
DANCE PROGRAM DIRECTOR: JENNIFER MORLEY
MUSIC PROGRAM DIRECTOR: LUKE ABRUZZO
THEATRE PROGRAM DIRECTOR: NICK ANSELMO
THEATER PRODUCTION MANAGER/ BLACK BOX TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: PAUL JERUE
GRADUATE ASSISTANT: ELISHA ROBINSON
Performing Arts Dance, Music, and Theatre are a vital, central part of the Drexel academia and student life. Donations support performing arts ensembles and programs, as well as the operation of our performing arts venues, including the Mandell Theater and URBN Annex Black Box Theater.
To learn more, visit https://drexel.edu/performingarts/about/make-a-gift/ Giving.drexel.edu/
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Drexel Performing Arts would like to thank Senior Vice President for Student Success, Dr. Subir Sahu, for his continued support of Performing Arts at Drexel.