Welcome to the historic Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts and the 4 Annual Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival! The mission of the Pioneer Center is to cultivate exceptional performing arts experiences in our historic venue and throughout the region. This Pioneer Center signature event brings our mission into perfect alignment with our vision of a community that is connected, enriched, and inspired through the power of live performance. th
Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival is our way of celebrating local dance makers from a range of backgrounds while also spotlighting the life-saving work of SPCA of Northern Nevada, an organization close to our hearts. As you become inspired by the creative work you see onstage, please consider donating, visiting their thrift store, or even adopting a furry friend of your own. Every little bit helps SPCA of Northern Nevada to achieve their mission.
We are proud that the Pioneer Center, a beloved historic venue in the heart of downtown, has been the place where the arts live in northern Nevada for 57 years. We recognize that the continued success of our nonprofit is made possible because of support from the incredible community we are a part of. Thank you to our volunteers, sponsors, donors, Board of Directors, and most of all, our patrons. Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival! We look forward to welcoming you to the Pioneer Center for many more exceptional performances all year long.
Sincerely,
Dennyse Sewell Pioneer Center CEO
Thank
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
2025 FEATURED GUEST ARTISTS INA OKUN
WESTERN NEVADA PERFORMING ARTS
F R I D A Y A U G U S T 1 5 S A T U R D A Y A U G U S T 1 6
GISELLE SOTO & DAVID GERVAIS A U G U S T 1 7 S U N D A Y
Gina Davis, director
BALLET FOLKLÓRICO INTERNACIONAL DE RENO Y DANZA AZTECA AZTLÁN
Mariano Lemus, Antonio Muñoz, y Anastacio Duran, directors
THE BALLROOM OF RENO
Jeff Munson, director
NOTE-ABLE MUSIC THERAPY SERVICES DANCE TROUPE
Wendy Firestone, director
HEART & SOLE DANCE ACADEMY
Jenny Buck, director
NEVADA DANCE COMPANY
Erica & Oliver Adams, directors
BALLET FOLKLÓRICO PUEBLO NUEVO
Belén Chávez, directora
WHITELIGHT BOLLYWOOD PRODUCTIONS
Chhavi Bhalla, director
ENTITY MOVEMENT
Sierra Taylor Cline & Brandon Dabu, directors
CONVERGENCE DANCE COLLECTIVE
Micah Camp & Andrew Paiz, directors
CONTROLLED BURN
Alison Matus, director
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
It is an honor to direct and produce the Pioneer Center’s Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival for the fourth year in a row. The opportunity to work with a wide range of dance artists from across our region is both inspiring and fun.
The festival continues to grow and gather prestige. This year, 14 local dance companies applied to be considered for the 6 headlining spots. As I learn more about the variety of dance creators in our region, I’m also learning more about our community. We may not all speak the same language or share a common lived experience, but dance is the language of the heart --- it transcends words and connects us in a way no other expressive medium can. Prior to my role at the Pioneer Center, I spent close to 4 decades of my life devoted to the creation, history, and evolution of dance worldwide Beautiful expression through movement is an ancient art form found across every culture. Dance unites us, and like this festival, brings us together.
The wide array of original works being performed on the Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival stage are being created by people who are your neighbors, family, and friends. Every night is a different experience. You will experience genres you recognize and maybe some you don’t. I am very proud of the artists chosen to perform this year. They exemplify the phrase “Dance is for everybody.” It is for you too!
Thank you to our visionary CEO, Dennyse Sewell, our incredible Board of Directors, our talented staff and volunteers, our dedicated partners, our Artistic Advisory Review Panel (whom you should read all about later in this playbill), our generous sponsors, these stunning artists, and YOU for choosing to be here! The Pioneer Center provides a stage for every story, and this signature event exemplifies that.
Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival!
Adam Cates
Festival Director
Pioneer Center Director of Community Engagement
2025 FESTIVAL GUEST ARTISTS INA OKUN
INA OKUN is the duo of Giselle Soto and David Gervais. They perform a wide scope of Afro-Cuban dance, songs, and live drumming, while teaching about the different orichas (dieties) and patakínes (stories) of Santería. Ina Okun was recently featured at the Reno Latin Dance Festival, where they also gave an Afro-Cuban dance workshop. Tonight, Ina Okun presents an original work entitled “Olokun/Yemaya. ” Olokun is a powerful, androgynous orisha (deity) in Yoruba culture. Olokun is the ruler of the depths of the ocean and represents the unknown and mysterious secrets of life and death. Olokun is often associated with the orisha Yemaya, the ruler of the world's oceans and seas. Yemaya is also the mother of all living things. Together, they represent fertility, healing, richness and motherhood.
GISELLE SOTO was raised in Havana, Cuba. Her dancing career started at the Fernando Alonso National School of Ballet when she was 7 years old. She earned her Bachelor’s in Afro-Cuban Folkloric Dance from Havana’s Superior Institute of Art. In 2016, Giselle joined Obini Batá, the first all-female AfroCuban folkloric group founded in 1991, who she performed and taught with in New York City, Nicaragua, Morocco, and Mexico.
Giselle also worked for MSC Cruises, dancing with the group Sabor Cubano. As an independent dancer, Giselle has shared the stage with one of Cuba’s great orchestras, Los Van Van, and international artist Maelo Ruiz at Mexico City’s National Auditorium. In 2019, she founded Crearte, a childrens’ community dance/theater group in Havana. Giselle teaches Afro-Cuban dance, modern dance technique, salsa, and other styles to students of all ages and skill levels. Since moving to the U.S., she was the lead dancer/choreographer for the Reno Jazz Orchestra’s Artown 2024 concerts, and she hosted a week-long residency at UNR’s Department of Dance this past Fall.
DAVID GERVAIS was raised in Northern Nevada. He started playing drums at age of 5 and studied privately throughout his adolescence. He later attended UNR where he received his Bachelor’s in Jazz Performance. In 2019, he released his first album, “The Last Stand of Unsophisticated Display”, consisting of all original compositions. He has recorded drums and vocals for a variety of genres, including jazz, country, rock, and pop. During his time at UNR, he was introduced to Afro-Cuban percussion. He quickly developed a love and passion for it and began studying with Michael Spiro in the San Francisco Bay area. After studying abroad in Cuba, David performed and taught in Brooklyn, NY for a year and a half. He then spent a year performing and studying Afro-Cuban music in Mexico City with Manley “Piri” López, the youngest member of the famous “Los Chinitos” family of Habana, Cuba who invented the “guarapachangueo” style of rumba and recorded the famous Abbilona albums of the late 90’s and 2000’s.
Supporting arts and culture events and programs through the City of Reno Arts & Culture Commission's annual arts and culture grants to nonprofits. Details at ww w.RenoCulture.com
Danz Azteca Aztlán / Ballet
Folklórico Internacional de Reno (Friday)
Los grupos Ballet Folklórico Internacional de Reno y Danza Azteca Aztlán surgieron en el 2006 con la finalidad de representar el mozaico multicultural de México, con interpretaciones de bailes y danzas caracteristicas de cada estado y diferentes comunicades, portando con orgullo la gran variedad étnica y lingüística de una gran nación. La grandeza de México está marcada por su pasado milenario, tierra de grandes civilizaciones como los Aztecas, Mayas, Olmecas, Zapotecas, Purépechas entre muchas otras más que han dejado un gran legado y un precedente para la humanidad que a la llegada de los conquistadores fue ultrajada y devastada pero jamás borrada pues logro mesclar su misticismo, color y ritmo con los sones del viejo mundo, para así dar pie a la gran autenticidad de lo que hoy día es la grandeza folclórica de México. Ballet Folklórico Internacional de Reno y Danza Azteca
Aztlán siempre han tenido el compromiso de representar con dignidad y respeto la esencia de nuestras raíces y de lo que estamos formados, teniendo como principal ideal apoyar y difundir el arte y folclore como una herramienta de aprendizaje para nuestros jóvenes.
MARIANO LEMUS nació en Morelia, México en 1981. Su pasión por el mundo del arte de la danza y el teatro se va formando con el paso del tiempo y las enseñanzas de diferentes profesores. Llega a los Estados Unidos a la edad de 17 años, su inquietud por el teatro y la falta de arte e identidad cultural en su comunidad es lo que lo mueve para formar parte de diferentes grupos de teatro. Es hasta el 2006 que decide junto con otros amigos formar uno de los primeros grupos de teatro en Español de la ciudad de Reno, “Sangre Latina,” y aunado a ello y para seguir fomentando las tradiciones Hispanas se da a la tarea de formar otros dos grupos Danza Azteca Aztlan y Ballet Folklórico Internacional de Reno. Mariano logró conocer con gran profundidad las necesidades de su comunidad al trabajar en televisión como reportero, camarógrafo y comentarista de deportes para las cadenas Univision y Tv Azteca y como locutor de Radio en la Mega 1400 AM y Radio Xtasis donde labora hasta el día de hoy.
ANTONIO MUÑOZ originario del Cañón de Juchipila, Zacatecas, México, arribo a la ciudad de San José, California donde siguió sus estudios en baile folclórico, especializándose como profesor de danzas artísticas culturales y énfasis en ejecución y técnicas corporales, en el año 2008 decide moverse a la ciudad de Dayton, Nevada, donde inicio sus enseñanzas formando un grupo infantil llamado Metzonalli, en el 2012 se incorpora a Ballet folklorico Internacional de Reno como profesor y Director artístico, logrando llevar al grupo a participar en grandes eventos como el show de gala de la filarmónica de Carson City o la puesta en escena del Ballet Folklorico Estampas de México, por mencionar algunos.
ANASTACIO DURAN nació en Genaro Codina, Zacatecas, donde comenzó sus inquietudes por la Danza y el baile folclórico, participando en diferentes eventos educativos y civiles, llego a la ciudad de Reno en el año 1999, sus inicio artísticos comenzaron al ingresar al grupo de teatro Sangre Latina donde logro participar en diversas obras de teatro, siendo en el año 2006 donde junto con otros compañeros funda el grupo de Danza Azteca Aztlán en el cual funge como director artístico y diseñador de vestuarios hasta la fecha, su pasión por la danza y la costura lo han llevado a realizar grandes vestuarios que se han hecho símbolos únicos del grupo como son los trajes de los guerreros Águila, y Jaguar así como el Búho y la Muerte entre otros.
2025 HEADLINING COMPANIES Entity Movement (Sunday)
Based in Reno, NV, Entity Movement dance company is comprised of 12 adult artists from various backgrounds and dance training experiences. While many embarked on their dance journeys long before meeting, others joined the dance world later in life they’ve all traveled unique yet beautiful paths that brought them together. Entity Movement was founded in January 2023 by Sierra TaylorCline and Brandon Dabu and made their debut at the Pioneer Center’s Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival that year.
DIRECTORS
SIERRA TAYLOR-CLINE, a dancer and choreographer originally from Las Vegas, NV, has been sharing her expertise in northern Nevada since 2012. Sierra has showcased her skills with multiple dance companies and productions, while also instructing at local dance studios, fueling her love for choreography and performance. She mentors young dancers in competitive settings and choreographs for diverse projects across Northern Nevada. Proficient in hip hop, heels, jazz, contemporary, and commercial dance, Sierra excels in conveying emotions through her performances, captivating audiences with her artistic flair.
BRANDON DABU is a choreographer and dance mentor based in Reno, Nevada. After graduating from college in 2017, he stepped into his first dance studio and began his professional dance career, training in various styles and techniques. Brandon trains and teaches at several local studios, primarily teaching at The Reno Empire and Reno Dance Company. He has choreographed and directed performances for Dog Days of Summer, the Reno Dance Festival, and Around the Stage productions. Performance credits include the La India Yuridia tour and the Reno Dance Company’s The Nutcracker, and he currently competes on the street dance crew Phase 5.
Entity Movement
DANCERS
Alex Kaskie | Alex Moya | Alisha Johnston | Brandon Dabu | Joel Benavente | Lucero Martinez | Marissa Poe | Ramón “Ray” Martinez | Raphael Rodriguez | Salvador “Chava” Medina | Samantha DeTiberiis | Shannise Mora | Sierra Taylor-Cline
THE WORK
“IDENTITY” is the story of two souls finding who they truly are through the journey of self-exploration. A superstar artist who travels around the globe, selling out stadiums and inspiring so many individuals, and a businessman who finds himself stuck in the routine of life. While these individuals come from two very different walks of life, they find that they can still relate to one another. As humans, we find ourselves searching beyond what’s in front of us. Underneath all the layers, the labels, the behavior patterns, we find ourselves curious to discover and understand the entirety of our being. This work challenges the internal conflict we face on the journey of selfexploration and expression, stemming from the question – what makes us who we are?
He f a des ate a space where the kids are the priority and being the best means achieving your personal goals. Our movement meets imagination and innovation
Owner and Artistic Director of Heart and Sole Dance Academy, JENNY BUCK has been dancing since the age of 3 training in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary and Hip hop. She began choreographing at the age of 16 and by 18 was teaching and choreographing in middle schools, high schools, college teams and studios throughout San Jose, CA. She has been teaching in Reno since 2006 and has owned Heart & Sole for 12 years. Jenny has won many awards for her choreography and was recently nominated for an Industry Dance Award. Her goal is to continue to train her students in many styles but focus on performance quality and telling stories with each dance.
Heart and Sole Dance Academy
DANCERS
Ada Sangster | Addy Navaro | Alli Sonne | Anna Costella | Annabelle McCartin | Bb
Ames | Brooke Davis | Cadence Sterling | Claire Lilyquist | Caitlyn White | Desiree Lao | Elliot Rowe | Elly Dufrene | Emma Hinckley | Erika Montoya | Gabriel Rios | Gian
Lopez | Grace Lilyquist | Jasmine Lao | Jenny Buck | Kennedy White | Khloe Lu | Lexi
Jarret | Lilyana Gonzales | Lolly Harding | Luci Madrid | Maddy Carey | Madison Erwin | Makkie Callen | McKenna Adame | Molly Forni | Morgan Mosley | Payton Shaw | Ruby
Like a River Runs - Choreographed by Erika Montoya
Disarm - Choreographed by Jenny Buck
Boris - Choreographed by Jenny Buck
Folsom Prison Blues - Choreographed by Jenny Buck
Chemtrails Over the Country Club - Choreographed by Jenny Buck
I Hope You Dance - Choreographed by Erika Montoya
Comes and Goes in Waves - Choreographed by Erika Montoya
Depth Over Distance - Choreographed by Jenny Buck
2025 HEADLINING COMPANIES
Nevada Dance Company (Saturday)
In 2020, Erica and Oliver Adams took over as Artistic Directors of the then Pinkerton Ballet Theatre, making it their goal to bring professional dance to the community throughout the year. Nevada Dance Company’s Artistic Directors, Erica Adams (Festival Ballet Providence, Smuin Ballet) and Oliver Adams (Birmingham Royal Ballet UK, Slovak National Ballet, Smuin Ballet) share the stage with fellow professional dancers Alexander Biber (Sacramento Ballet), Gretchen LaWall (River North Dance Chicago), and Kelsey Gerber (Brockus: RED, Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre, AXIS Dance Company), as well as 9 talented dancers from the Nevada Dance Company’s Pre Professional Company. Each spring, NVDC performs a mixed repertoire series in both Carson City and Reno, also presenting the annual production of The Nutcracker in Carson City.
DIRECTORS
ERICA and OLIVER ADAMS, Artistic Directors of Nevada Dance Company, bring international experience and a passion for mentoring young dancers. Erica, a Gardnerville native, trained at The Harid Conservatory and danced with Festival Ballet Providence and Smuin Contemporary Ballet. She toured globally, performing works by Balanchine, Kylián, and McIntyre, and earned an Emmy for NBC’s BaseBallet. Oliver, from Stokeon-Trent, England, trained at Birmingham Royal Ballet School and performed with Paris Opera Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, and Smuin Ballet. Together, they continue to perform and inspire excellence throughout Northern Nevada.
Nevada Dance Company
DANCERS
Alexander Biber | Charlotte Jones | Coco Lehmann | Emily
Vandermay | Lily Johnson | Maximus Gocke | Nalani Aguilar | Oliver-Paul Adams | Reese Christensen | Sofia Sanchez |
Xander
Bacon
THE WORK
Gibberish – choreographed by Oliver-Paul Adams
Minimal Stories – choreographed by Oliver-Paul Adams
Are You Having Any Fun? – choreographed by Oliver-Paul Adams
Theory of Light – choreographed by Alexander Biber
Western Nevada Performing Arts (Friday)
Based in Carson City for four decades, Western Nevada Performing Arts Center (WNPAC) has been a home to many talented dancers from the Reno/Taho area, both young and old. Their mission is to provide professional dance instruction and instill an appreciation for the art of dance in a safe, high-quality studio environment. Their National Champion competition team has received many awards.
DIRECTOR
Gina Davis began her dance training in England. She studied under the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) and the International Dance Teachers Association (I.D.T.A.) where she received her teaching Diploma in Tap, Jazz and Ballet. Gina then went on to become a professional dancer, dancing in London, Paris (Moulin Rouge), Tahoe and Reno for 25 years. Gina has been teaching in Carson City for 40 years. This studio has now become one of the largest and Top Dance Studios in Carson City. W.N.P.A.C., has won many outstanding High Point and Choreography awards. Some of Gina's students have graced the stages on Broadway, and dance professionally all over the world. She is the choreographer for The Western NV College musicals. Some of her choreography credits include, Crazy For You, Grease, 42nd Street, Fame, South Pacific, My Fair Lady, Mame, The Music Man, Peter Pan the Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Carousel, Camelot, Oklahoma, Forever Plaid, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Brigadoon, Phantom of The Opera, Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, 42nd Street, Disney's Little Mermaid to name a few.
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2025 HEADLINING COMPANIES
WhiteLight Bollywood Productions (Sunday)
WhiteLight Bollywood Productions is a passionate dance company rooted in community. Blending traditional Indian styles like Kathak and Bhangra with contemporary moves, they create vibrant performances that celebrate culture and inspire joy. Welcoming dancers of all levels, WhiteLight turns passion into confidence on stage. In 2024, they debuted at the Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival and Diwaliwood, where many performers danced for the first time, sharing moments of growth and connection. Beyond the stage, WhiteLight unites people through workshops and events, fostering cultural pride and togetherness. More than a troupe, they’re a family telling stories through movement—bringing heart, rhythm, and color to Reno and beyond.
DIRECTOR
CHHAVI BHALLA is a Bollywood choreographer, performer, and founder of WhiteLight Bollywood Productions, dedicated to sharing Indian dance’s vibrancy across Northern Nevada and beyond. With 17+ years of experience, she blends Bollywood, semi-classical, and folk styles into captivating, story-driven performances celebrating culture and community. She debuted at the 2024 Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival and has led acclaimed productions for Artown and Diwaliwood. Mentored by Shiamak Davar and Atul Mehtani, Chhavi remains a lifelong learner. As a passionate educator and cultural ambassador, she fosters pride, connection, and inclusion through choreography, performances, and workshops that unite communities through dance.
Atul Mehtani & A2 Production Hub (India), Chhavi Bhalla
Props
Lilian Fernandez, Raghav Bhalla, Sam Browder Volunteers
Dipal Mehta, Laura Sullins
THE WORK
Choreography by Chhavi Bhalla
Act 1: Ganesh Vandana: An Auspicious Beginning
Act 2: Indian Contemporary Fusion: A Dynamic Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Act 3: The Royal Rasa: A Celebration of Grace and Power
Act 4: Dance with Chhavi Bhalla
Act 5: Grand Finale: Bollywood Extravaganza
FEATURED COMPANIES
THE BALLROOM OF RENO (Friday)
Founded in 2012, The Ballroom of Reno School of Dance is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization that inspires, collaborates, and supports our community, enabling the benefits of partner dance to be embraced and celebrated by all. We provide free and affordable group dance classes, adult dance team programs, and opportunities to experience the joy of dance for all ages, including a "Dance with Me Dementia and Parkinson's Friendly" free program that is open to the public. Visit our website https://www.theballroomofreno.org, Facebook or Instagram, and come for one or all of our free beginner classes.
DANCERS: AJ Gilovich, Ashley Atwood, Avery Singleton, Bonnie Hudson, Byron Alejandro Castillo Añazco, Camila Cardillo Moreno, Chris Duarte, Daniel Childress, Douglas Barker, Galina Tolle, Josh White, Lillie Eschrich, Marissa Maidman, Michelle Mary Kenny, Russell Heusser, Shivani Patel, Slava Kayushkin, Taylor Raack, Tim Guinto
FEATURED COMPANIES
NOTE-ABLE MUSIC THERAPY SERVICES DANCE TROUPE (Friday)
The Note-Able Music Therapy Services (NMTS) Dance Troupe has been bringing their unique dance performances to our community since 2022. This group developed out of the NMTS dance classes that have been performing for more than a decade. Performing at NTMS fundraisers and community events like The Buddy Walk and Mark Wellman’s Adventure Day, they were first invited to perform at the Pioneer Center Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival in 2023. The dancers are thrilled to be here again in 2025 to share their message of inclusion and why it matters. The dance troupe is directed by WENDY FIRESTONE has been performing, teaching, and choreographing dance for more than 30 years. She began teaching and choreographing for people with a wide range of abilities in the early 90's and has produced eleven full-length concerts featuring dancers with and without disabilities. “My passion is to create an inclusive platform where every person who wants to dance is seen and appreciated.” Her newest work, “No Other,” reminds people that we are all connected, so why not be kind?
Dancers: Bev Carpenter, Breanne Knight, Jamie Jepsen, Jasmine Hickman, Kailin “KK” Kelderman, Marci Tiffee, Sierra Foos
FEATURED COMPANIES
Ballet Folklorico Pueblo Nuevo (Saturday)
Ballet Folklórico Pueblo Nuevo is a non-profit company. Founded in February 2018, the company’s main objective is to keep traditions, customs and cultural identity alive for new generations. The company exhibits rhythms, dances, and colorful and handcrafted attire from the different regions of Mexico, using sounds that express the living image of Mexico. The group is made up of children 5 to 18 years of age who dance with enthusiasm and pride. The organization not only helps members learn about their Mexican roots, but also to exhibit camaraderie, discipline, and leadership. Director BELÉN CHÁVEZ is proudly Mexican. Her love for art since childhood has motivated her to share and support the culture.
Dancers: Adam Pérez, Adelyn Barajas, Alondra García, Alyson Nájera, Amy Palomares, Anayeli Montalvo, Audrina Gómez, Aylin Cabrera, Aylin Rodríguez, Belén Chávez, Belén Hernández, Diego Salazar, Diego Torres, Emmalyn Rupp, Evelyn Rodríguez, Fernando Machuca, Grecia Chavez, Isabella Rodríguez, Jacqueline Valencia, Jahyden Hernandez, Janitza Santos, Jared Sánchez, Jayleen Hernández, Katia Gabriola, Kendra Soto, Layla Ponce, Lily Avalos, Lizeth Buenrostro, Luciana Sánchez, Mauricio Rodriguez, Melanie Rodríguez, Mía Rodriguez, Nataly Díaz, Noel Pérez, Olga García, Omar Chávez, Romeo Romero, Rosa Ramírez, Rutila Gonzalez, Santiago Gabriola, Sayra Romero, Sofía Delgado, Valentina Buenrostro, Valentina Soto, Vanessa Cabral, Victoria Martínez, Ximena Rodríguez, Yeimi Lugo
FEATURED COMPANIES
CONVERGENCE DANCE COLLECTIVE (Sunday)
Convergence Dance Collective is a local contemporary-based dance company founded in June 2024 by Micah Camp and Andrew Paiz. It is highly collaborative and often seeks to incorporate mediums of art other than dance, especially original music and spoken word. In March, the company presented their debut evening-length work Continuum at Reno Little Theater. Tonight they premiere their new piece Here and After. MICAH CAMP is a multidisciplinary dance artist and choreographer, originally from Reno. Micah earned a BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts, working closely with faculty members Wade Madsen, Deborah Wolf, Michele Miller, Patricia Hon, and guest choreographer Kate Wallich. Micah’s local performance credits include Reno Dance Festival and the TMCC Winter Dance Concert. ANDREW PAIZ is a local dancer, choreographer, and teacher who received B.A. degrees in Dance and French from UNR in 2023. He has danced in works set by esteemed choreographers such as Rosie Herrera, Shinichi Iova-Koga, Nate Hodges, Maggie Stack, and Rosie Trump. In addition to co-directing Convergence Dance Collective, Andrew performs with local dance companies The Dapper Tappers and Collateral & Co, teaches at Dancin! Performing Arts Center, and choreographs for TMCC’s dance shows.
Dancers: Addisyn Cacchione, Andrew Paiz, Anthony McMenamy, Kristin Austin, Leslie Lee Balzer, Micah Camp, Noel Martin, Samantha DeTiberiis
FEATURED COMPANIES
CONTROLLED BURN (Sunday)
Controlled Burn is Reno’s premier fire performance troupe. Ignited in 2000, their original purpose was to perform in the Great Circle at Burning Man, and they have been dancing on Burn Night ever since. They are a non-profit, all volunteer group whose goal is to educate and entertain our community. They are committed to teaching anyone who is willing to learn flow arts and fire safety and are always accepting new members. Check ControlledBurnReno.org for more. Director ALISON MATUS joined Controlled Burn in 2016 at age 12. For 6 years, she participated as a dedicated safety and learning many skills until she was legally allowed to perform with fire at age 18. Since then, she has been performing at every Controlled Burn show she can, including Burning Man. She has choreographed and collaborated on several Controlled Burn pieces and has been their production manager since December 2024. Board members: Carlyn Perona, Tami Matus, Scott Darling, Chloe Wilson, Kaz Gronostalski, Alex Porten, and Alison Matus.
Dancers: Alison Matus, Cassandra G., Cauac Briner, Chloe Wilson, Crystal Moon Cruz, Hailey Cushman, Jason Highsmith, Jesse Ringenberg, Kamila Xavier, Karen Holmes, Katie Russell, Kim Lemond, Lilli Teachenor, Maya Zawlodzki, Melissa Bardy, Scott (Neko) Kellenbarger, Rachel Jessee, Sarah Wiltse, Scott Darling, Shay Markowitz, Tifa Porten
SPORTS AND PERFORMANCE AD
FESTIVAL STAFF
ADAM CATES (Festival Director & Producer) was born and raised in Reno before embarking on a career in the performing arts as an educator, creative, and producer, residing mainly in New York City for two decades. Adam holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts and a BA in Theatre; taught on the dance faculties of Pace University, Marymount Manhattan College, Rosie O’Donnell’s Theater Kids, Commercial Dance Intensive, Broadway Dance Center and Steps; and has been a guest artist across the USA, Canada, the Caribbean Islands, and Europe including The Juilliard School, Texas State University, UC-Irvine, Barcelona International Dance Summer Intensive, TAPS in Las Vegas and UNR, among many others. Adam has directed, choreographed, and performed in national tours, Lincoln Center, US network and international television, commercial stage productions, and major regional theater and opera companies across 31 States. He was a creative associate director & choreographer on award-winning Broadway musicals A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, Anastasia, Anything Goes with Sutton Foster & Joel Grey, and Tommy Tune’s Doctor Dolittle. He wrote The Business of Show and co-wrote The World According to Snoopy. Adam is currently the Director of Community Engagement for the Pioneer Center. @adamcnyc adamcates.com
ITALO CROCCO (Lighting Designer & Technical Director) A graduate of the Technical Theatre training program at Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Italo has over 20 years of working stagehand experience. His skills encompass all aspects of technical theater, including theatrical rigging, carpentry, and lighting/sound design. He is responsible for all backstage operations at the Pioneer Center, including management of full-time staff members plus oversight of all on-call union stagehands. Italo enjoys the challenge of bringing a live event from concept to actualization, with an emphasis on quality, safety, and efficiency. He is inspired by the constant change of the industry and the fact that no two live performances are ever the same.
FESTIVAL STAFF
DENNYSE SEWELL (Festival Executive Producer) As the leader of the region’s largest performing arts center, Dennyse is a passionate arts advocate who has dedicated her career to serving the northern Nevada community. Since joining the Pioneer Center in 2003, Dennyse has held a variety of positions within the organization prior to assuming the role of Executive Director in 2019. Her professional background includes team leadership, educational outreach, project management, development, and community collaboration. She currently serves on the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Art Advisory Committee. She has served as past co-chair of the Reno Arts Consortium and past Board member for Truckee Meadows
Tomorrow, A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, The Holland Project, Reno Little Theater, the Education Renaissance of Nevada Initiative, and the Lear Theater. She has also served as a past grant panelist for Nevada Arts Council and Sierra Arts Foundation, a commission panelist for Artown, a judge for Poetry Out Loud, an artist selection panelist for the University of Nevada Reno Performing Arts Series, and a delegate to the Western States Arts Federation. Dennyse is committed to expanding opportunities for our community to experience the transformative potential of arts and cultural experiences.
Additional Festival Staff:
Video Designer, Asst. Technical Director, & Sound Operator – Eric Skye
Asst. Technical Director & Stage Crew – Ivy Llewellyn
Stage Manager – Benjamin Browder
Asst. Festival Director: Heather Boni Lemmons
Marketing & Playbill Design – Jordyn Mahoney
Marketing Assistant - Zoe McCracken
Public Relations, Graphic, & Logo Design – Courtney Meredith, Design on Edge
Concessions Manager – Demerey Grant
SPCA of Northern Nevada – Jill Vacchina Dobbs, Nayla Garcia, Sydney Denham
ARTISTIC ADVISORY REVIEW PANEL
Participating dance companies submitted proposals that were reviewed and scored by a carefully curated Artistic Advisory Review Panel comprised of local and national arts leaders and dance experts. The six headlining companies are this year’s top scoring submissions.
Thank you to each of our esteemed panelists!
ALEXIS ARELENE ANDREWS began her dance training in Reno, Nevada under the direction of Miriam Allen, Sue Thorvick, Dr. Barbara Land, Alexander Van Alstyne and Maggie Banks. Her ballet training continued at the summer intensives of American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, Joffrey Ballet NYC and full-time with Walnut Hill School for the Arts High School. Alexis earned her Master of Arts for Teaching Dance in the Professions from New York University Steinhardt in combination with ABT Pedagogy National Training Curriculum certification. She is currently on faculty at Dance Theatre of Harlem, Steps on Broadway Summer Intensive, Frank Sinatra School for the Arts High School and ABT’s Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis school including their outreach and teacher training. She is honored to be on the ABT National Training Curriculum Board of Examiners and Advisory Board.
CASEY NOBLETT is the founder and executive director of Commercial Dance Intensive, a training program designed to help dancers bridge the gap from their technical training to the business side of the commercial dance industry. Casey began training in NYC with Jacques d’Amboise at age 10, going on to perform at the White House, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, in Japan, Taiwan, and Venezuela, on MTV, ABC, CBS, Univision, and at Disney, Universal, and the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks Dance Team as Captain. Featured in Dance Studio Life and Dance Spirit Magazines as well as numerous podcasts, Casey has produced several music videos for musical artists including Carmit, Laura Osnes, and Nick Hagelin. She currently travels on the casting team for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line as the audition tour choreographer. Founding N-House Productions in 2001 and CDI in 2014, Casey has been instrumental in the development of countless professional dancers through her innovative vision for education.
ARTISTIC ADVISORY REVIEW PANEL
CHRISTOPHER DANIELS is an award-winning performance artist with a career spanning nearly twenty years, both on and off the stage. They served as Good Luck Macbeth's Executive Director for eight years and worked within the school district as an Arts Integration specialist They performed as a principal player for the Utility Players, and as their drag queen alter ego, Miss Ginger Devine They currently work as a full-time certified professional life coach and organizational consultant. You can catch them around town reading to children as part of Drag Story Hour, an event very near and dear to their heart.
CRYSTAL FRAZIER hold a degree in Dance from the University of the Arts and an MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University She is an Associate Professor of Dance at Point Park University in Pittsburgh and is recognized as the first tenured for Hip Hop in America. Crystal is a former senior member of the world-renowned Rennie Harris Puremovement company. She has performed and taught nationally and internationally, including the Middle East, Central Asia, and Japan to name a few. Crystal was the featured dancer and choreographer for Grammy Award-winning artist Jill Scott on her Big Beautiful Tour. Recently she was awarded the 2024 Impact Award from Ladies of Hip Hop.
DEBRA MODDELMOG is Dean of Liberal Arts Emerita and Professor of English Emerita at the University of Nevada, Reno During her six-year tenure as dean (2016-2022), she oversaw the three academic areas of her college the Humanities, the Social Sciences, and the Arts along with several interdisciplinary programs and centers As one of her goals, she implemented or facilitated strategic connections with the community, including those involving art, music, dance, and theatre In her 40-year career in academia (30 years of which were devoted to The Ohio State University), she published five books and over 30 articles, mostly focused on American literature Moddelmog has served on several local boards or committees focused on the arts She has been a member of the Board of the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts since 2020
ARTISTIC ADVISORY REVIEW PANEL
DIANA VADEN is a multi-hyphenate artist, educator, and proud Reno native. She holds Bachelor of Art degrees in Theater and English from the University of Southern California. She has performed professionally with MashUp Contemporary Dance Company and LA Contemporary Dance Company, and in the Broadway productions Tootsie and Once Upon A One More Time. Diana has taught dance at local studios in Reno and musical theater at Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University She is also the author of a poetry book titled Dare Her to Rise. Diana currently lives in New York City with her husband and son.
GREG ULIASZ is an Equity Partner at McDonald Selznick Associates, a talent agency with offices in New York and Los Angeles MSA represents a diverse roster of high caliber creative talent, working across the entertainment industry He is also an adjunct professor at New York Film Academy (BFA Musical Theatre) and Pace University (BFA Commercial Dance) Previously, Greg worked numerous productions as the Associate to Tony Nominee Patricia Birch He also worked as a Casting Director, notably casting Drama Desk Nominated The Lightning Thief. Greg holds a master’s in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University and his undergraduate degree is from Marymount Manhattan College.
JANELLE ABBOTT STALEY is a dancer and educator based in southern Maine. She has performed on Broadway stages, in Elton John’s The Red Piano, with Norah Jones, director David LaChapelle, and with renowned NYC companies dre dance, Terra Firma Dance Theatre, Ballet for Young Audiences, and Slam, among others. Most recently, Janelle collaborated with Boston-based artists Peter DiMuro and Lorraine Chapman, and is a member of Articine, a touring company that integrates performance and arts education with healthcare. Janelle began her career with Michigan’s Grand Rapids Ballet and holds a BFA in Ballet from the University of Utah. A certified Pilates instructor, she is currently on the faculty of Theater and Dance at Phillips Exeter Academy www.janelleabbottstaley.com
ARTISTIC ADVISORY REVIEW PANEL
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, JASON WELA took his very first dance class at the age of 17. He was one of the original members of 24/7 Honolulu DanceForce with whom he competed on Star Search and also danced with Hypersquad and Honolulu Ballet Theatre. After moving to Los Angeles, Jason performed alongside Toni Braxton, Debbie Gibson, Deborah Cox, and Reggaeton artist Ivy Queen He lived in Seoul, Korea while touring as a backup dancer for K-Pop artist Park Mi Kyung, before joining Royal Caribbean Cruise Line as a performer. He is now a Rehearsal Choreographer and Director for Royal Caribbean, teaching and directing new talent as they prepare for their journey performing on board one of their many ships.
JENNIGER AUGUST discovered her love of dance in Reno, Nevada. After graduating from high school, she moved to Franklin, Massachusetts to study with Joan Palladino at Dean College, receiving her Associate’s degree in Dance. She was hand-selected by Judith Jamison to study at Alvin Ailey Summer Dance Intensive program in New York before receiving her BFA in Jazz Dance from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she studied with Roni Koresh of the Koresh Dance Company, Beth Hirschhua, Pat Thomas, Wayne St David, Doug Elkins, and many more Jennifer became a member of the Paradigm Dance Company under the direction of Beth Hirschhau, and Next Step Dance Company under the direction of Janine Cappella. In 2003, Jennifer moved back to Reno to open and direct In Motion Studio of Dance and Black Rock Dance Company until 2013. Jennifer continues to choreograph and teach around the Reno area, using a blend of Horton and Graham technique mixed with classic Luigi modern jazz.
JINGER LEIGH began teaching dance when she was just 14 years old, followed by a professional career as a dancer, Illusionist, and later a producer & director She continues her passions of touring and teaching to this day Jinger has earned fans around the world by appearing in tours such as Spellbound, Masters of Illusion, and as The Enchantress and The Conjuress in several iterations of The ILLUSIONISTS, including The ILLUSIONISTS: Turn of the Century on Broadway in the fall of 2016. In addition to her high-profile performances, Jinger is a consultant, coach, choreographer, director, and creative director. She was resident director for Cirque du Soliel’s The ILLUSIONISTS touring shows and Director of Stage Shows for the largest magic convention in the US: MAGIC Live! in Las Vegas.
ARTISTIC ADVISORY REVIEW PANEL
JODY REYNARD caught the eye of the late Ann Reinking at an open audition and made his Broadway debut in Fosse, dancing featured specialties such as “From the Edge,” “Rich Man’s Frug,” and “Take Off with Us.” Other credits include the Broadway companies of Thoughts of a Colored Man, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Legally Blonde, Taboo, Saturday Night Fever and the national touring companies of Camelot, Kiss Me Kate, My Fair Lady, Memphis and Chicago Jody has been a dance captain and assistant to Broadway choreographers Denis Jones, Josh Prince, Alex Sanchez, and Darren Lee. Some of his favorite roles include Darren in Take Me Out, Paul in Kiss Me Kate, Happiness in Thoughts of a Colored Man, Ken in Smokey Joe’s Café, and dancing behind six-time Tony Award winner, Audra McDonald, in the movie musical, Hello Again! Jody is a proud Core Company Member of Quick Silver Theatre Company and instructor of dance at the Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.
Raised in Reno, JORDAN STANFIELD began his ballet training at the age of 14. After graduating high school, he joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company, where he performed works by Balanchine and the Royal Danish Ballet Jordan then pursued an international career, dancing in Japan before moving to New York City He is currently a ballet dancer with the Metropolitan Opera, where he’s danced in iconic productions of Aida, Tannhäuser, Un Ballo in Maschera, and many others at Lincoln Center. He also appeared in Amazon Prime’s new series Étoile.
KEELY COBB is a choreographer, performer, and producer based in Los Angeles, CA. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Producing at CalArts, serves as The Creative Producer for MashUp Contemporary Dance Company, and is the founder of Around the Stage | Reno's Theatrical Dance Company Cobb is a seven-time Nevada Arts Council grant recipient and the 2020 Artown Commissioned Performing Artist She has choreographed, directed, and produced multiple dance works, festivals, music videos, and theatre productions, with her work featured at festivals like Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival, Frame by Frame, and Cleveland Dance Festival. As a professional dancer, Cobb has performed with Rosie Trump | Future Moves, BLV Productions, Karen Burns Productions, Going Dutch Festival in Chicago, IL, and The Cleveland Dance Festival. Recent work includes producing Frankenstein with Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, It Will Be What It Wants to Be with director Frank Caeti, guest curating Third Coast Dance Film Festival and producing Love and Information with Nancy Keystone www keelycobb com, @keelyraincobb, @aroundthestage
ARTISTIC ADVISORY REVIEW PANEL
KENWAY HON WAI K. KUA grew up in Hawaii and lives in NYC. He is currently performing in the national tour of Beetlejuice the Musical, soon to make a return to Broadway. Past credits include Wicked and Sondheim’s The Frogs on Broadway, the national tours of Aladdin, Mary Poppins, Flower Drum Song, and regional productions of The King and I, 9 to 5, How to Succeed..., Waterfall, Cinderella, Pacific Overtures, and Miss Saigon. Along with performing, he is a teacher, choreographer, storyteller, and an allaround, great human. @kenwaykua
L. MARTINA YOUNG is a dance artist, myth scholar, orator, and Somatics Educator. Informed by her diverse cultural lineage, Martina’s aesthetic is grounded in an expansive worldview, a moral imagination, and a deep sense of humanitas A multiyear Fellow of the National Endowment for the Arts and recipient of Nevada’s Governor’s Arts Award for Excellence in the Arts, her life’s work has been sited for inclusion with New York’s Performing Arts Legacy Project (www.performingartslegacy.org). Martina is recognized as the solo dancer in Stevie Wonder’s music video Ribbon in the Sky and in filmmaker Julie Dash’s award-winning film, Four Women, interpreting Nina Simone’s song of the same title Locally and internationally, she teaches The Swan Practice® dance/movement for persons living with Parkinson’s and other neuro-physical challenges. For more information, please visit: www.apoeticbody.com
Believing that our mental health changes with physical and meditative movement MARIA MORENO developed a passion for history, arts and dance since childhood in Mexico, where she was part of a folkloric ballet in the University of Colima, Mexico She enjoys the diversity of the dances we hold around the world and was also a member of a middle east dance group in Carson City, NV. Maria is passionate about creating space and opportunities for citizens and artists to engage with the community and connect people to their environments combining the best of each culture. Maria is a former radio personality and currently a co-owner of a Media Podcast. She holds a Bachelor’s in Accountancy in Mexico and a Business Administration degree from WNC.
ARTISTIC ADVISORY REVIEW PANEL
MEGAN BERNER is a visual artist and arts professional living and working in Reno, NV Coming from a multi-disciplinary and non-traditional art background, Megan is interested in innovative ways to activate public space and create opportunities for citizens and artists to engage with the community and connect people to their environment. Her personal practice is centered around place and the psychological experience of the environment. Megan holds an MFA from the University of Iowa in Intermedia. She currently works as the Arts & Culture Manager for the City of Reno.
MICHELLE TOLSON is an award-winning dancer and choreographer, and a former Miss New Hampshire, having competed for Miss America 1996. She is also a former Radio City Rockette and performed at Radio City Music Hall for six years, as well as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Today Show and The Isaac Mizrahi Show Michelle teaches at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), is the dance director at Danbee Fine Arts and Dance Camp, a founding Thrive Dance Experience Faculty teacher, and a founding faculty member for Flourish Performing Arts in NYC. Michelle. She sits on the board for the Steps Beyond Foundation, is a manager and member of the Rockettes of Color Alumnae, and the co-host of the podcast JAM Joe and Michelle’s Dance Podcast, which can be heard on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you stream your favorite shows. Michelle is thrilled to be a part of the artistic advisory board for a second year.
REED LUPLAU was born in Perth, Australia, and graduated from the Australian Ballet School As a performer, Reed's theater credits include the original Broadway casts of Moulin Rouge!, Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812, and the revival of 'Fiddler on the Roof, ' directed by Bartlett Sher and choreographed by Hofesh Schecter Off-Broadway: ONLY GOLD by Andy Blankenbuehler, David Henry Hwang's Kung Fu TV/Film: Fosse/Verdon, Halston, Maisel, Five Dances, Mao's Last Dancer Reed’s choreography credits include Places, Please (Lincoln Center), 'PHISH' at Madison Square Garden, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Disney Cruise Line, Midsummer Night's Dream for Santa Fe Opera, and Brooks Brothers 200th Birthday Celebration Company works include The Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, and West Australian Ballet Reed's upcoming creation, 'When We Touch,' a dance narrative with music by LP and set in the final week of the fall of the Berlin Wall, is currently in development www reedluplau com
ARTISTIC ADVISORY REVIEW PANEL
ROSINE BENA was a professional ‘Prima’ ballerina who danced throughout the US and Europe with the Stuttgart Ballet, Washington Ballet and Peninsula Ballet Theatre, dancing leading roles in all the classics and many contemporary works by such greats as Jiri Kylian, Kenneth Macmillan and John Cranko. Bena has choreographed and directed over 70 professional productions; has taught ballet for over 50 years; is the Founding Artistic Director of Sierra Nevada Ballet; a consultant for the ABT National Ballet Curriculum; fully certified and staff member at ABT; a 25-year member of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science; Master teacher /Adjudicator for Regional Dance America; and guest teaches throughout the US and Europe
SARAH O’BRECHT is a Canadian multidisciplinary theatre and dance artist and educator. She is the Co-Founding Artistic Director of Theatre Making Movement, a company that supports dance and movement in new musical theatre development In 2021, TMM hosted keynote speaker Susan Stroman and in 2025, they will be speaking at the Stratford Festival Meighen Forum. From 2022-2024, she was the Apprentice Artistic Director of the Dora-Award winning Musical Stage Company. Sarah has taught and adjudicated across Canada and is currently based in Toronto. As an actress, she has performed in musicals throughout Canada at Segal Centre (Montreal), Stage West Calgary, Charlottetown Festival, Drayton Entertainment, and others @sarahobrecht | www sarahobrecht com
After an early career as a dancer, TODD WHITLEY works for PBS, teaches at Columbia University and runs the Masterwork Music and Art Foundation. Among the things he's most proud of is being one of the founders of the Hudson Valley Dance Festival, an event that benefits Dancers Responding to AIDS - a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
ARTISTIC ADVISORY REVIEW PANEL
VENITA MCLEMORE is an Event Producer and entrepreneur who has leveraged her career beginnings in dance to create singular, immersive performance and tech events globally Based in New York City, Venita earned a BA in Biology and a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Columbia College before attending the MFA Dance program at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her dance performance credits include several regional dance companies and offBroadway musicals. For the last 15 years, Venita has worked as a conceptualizer, producer, and operations and events management consultant for several Fortune 500 companies. In 2018, she joined Amazon, first as the Senior Manager of Events for Audible and currently as the Senior Manager of PR Events for Amazon Web Services Event production highlights include Audible’s Innovation Cathedral Premiere; sponsorship activations for Afrotech, Grace Hopper, and The Voice Summit; and the AWS re:Invent, re:MARS, and re:Inforce conferences. She is also an independent creative producer actively developing new projects for television.
ABOUT THE PIONEER CENTER
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts is the premier performing arts facility in northern Nevada, operating continuously since opening for business in 1968. Located in the heart of downtown Reno, we are a private 501(c)(3) cultural organization that both owns and operates our 55,000 square foot facility. Our venue houses a 1,500-seat mainstage proscenium auditorium, the 150-seat Pioneer Underground cabaret-theater, and the E.L. Cord Plaza which is also used for outdoor events and performances. The facility is listed on the National, Nevada State, and City of Reno Registers of Historic Places. We are a member of the League of Historic American Theatres.
OUR MISSION
To cultivate exceptional performing arts experiences in our historic venue and throughout the region
OUR VISION
A community that is connected, enriched, and inspired through the power of live per formance
OUR VALUES
We are all stronger together. As the region’s leading performing arts center, we maximize our impact by fostering collaboration with other arts organizations and actively practicing the power of partnership.
The arts are for everyone. We are dedicated to presenting a broad range of high-quality programming that reflects and celebrates the diversity of the human experience. We strive to provide arts access in an environment where all people feel respected and welcome.
Education is fundamental to a thriving community. The arts strengthen educational outcomes and inspire creative, compassionate citizens. We are committed to facilitating and providing dynamic arts education opportunities.
We are stewards of a cultural treasure. We honor our responsibility to the community and to future generations by adhering to the highest standards of integrity and sustainability in the preservation of our historic building and in our business practices.
