AUGUST 14 - 16, 2026 DIGITAL PLAYBILL
Welcome to the historic Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts and the 5th annual Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival! As a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Pioneer Center’s mission is to cultivate exceptional performing arts experiences that connect, enrich, and inspire our community. Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival has quickly become our signature summer event and a favorite way to put the words of our mission into action. This festival is made to celebrate local dance makers from a range of backgrounds while also spotlighting the life-saving work of SPCA of Northern Nevada, another local nonprofit organization whose work we care about deeply. We are proud to support their mission and partner on this annual event at the same time we are creating a unique space to showcase the incredible dance talent of the Reno-Tahoe region. The Pioneer Center has been serving the people of northern Nevada for over 58 years, right here in the historic heart of downtown Reno. I want to extend my thanks to our friends at Western Alliance Bank for becoming the title sponsor of Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival this year, as well as all the sponsors and businesses who helped us make this event a reality. Dance! Dogs! And Downtown Reno! What a great way to spend a beautiful summer evening together! Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival! We look forward to welcoming you back to the Pioneer Center for many more exceptional performances all year long.
Sincerely,
Dennyse Sewell Pioneer Center CEO
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE 2026 FEATURED GUEST ARTIST
AUGUST 14
FRIDAY
Matt Marr
BALLET FOLKLÓRICO PUEBLO NUEVO Belén Chávez, directora HEART & SOLE DANCE ACADEMY Jenny Buck, director Northern Nevada Ballet Academy Kris Swaczyna, director
AUGUST 16
AUGUST 15
SUNDAY SATURDAY
Note-Able Music Therapy Services Wendy Firestone, director
NEVADA DANCE COMPANY Erica & Oliver Adams, directors WHITELIGHT BOLLYWOOD PRODUCTIONS Chhavi Bhalla, director Danza Azteca Aztlán Mariano Lemus, Antonio Muñoz, y Anastacio Duran, directores Entity Movement Dance Company Sierra Taylor-Cline & Brandon Dabu, directors
RENO MOVEMENT COLLECTIVE Kristin Austin, director
CONTROLLED BURN Cindi Cramer, artistic director Luminescent Shaun Huynh, director Honey Dance Productions Sara Morelli, director
Thank you to our Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival Sponsors
Special Thanks to RACHEL MACINTYRE City of Reno Activation Coordinator and Jill Vacchina Dobbs (Executive Director) and the incredible team at SPCA of Northern Nevada!
DANCE COMPANY SELECTION PROCESS Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival is designed to showcase a wide variety of dance and movement talents who exist across our community. All participating dance companies are resident to the greater Reno/Tahoe region and have not yet produced fulllength productions in our 1500-seat main stage auditorium. 19 companies submitted formal proposals in January 2026 for consideration. These proposals were all reviewed and scored by an Artistic Advisory Panel comprised of local and national arts leaders and dance experts. The members of the panel change from one year to the next. The 2026 Headlining Companies represent the 6 top scoring proposals, as selected by the panel for this year’s festival.
To learn how your dance company can submit a proposal for future festivals, please email education@pioneercenter.com to join our mailing list.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE It seems like just yesterday that Dennyse and I were in her office conceiving something we thought would be a fun addition to our region’s cultural landscape. How is it possible that this year is already the 5th Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival? I guess time flies when you’re having fun! Producing and directing this festival every year has been a gift to me— especially in the people who have come into my life through this process, from the dance artists to our dear friends and partners at SPCA of Northern Nevada. To say I am grateful is an understatement. This year, 19 local dance companies submitted proposals to be considered for the 6 headlining spots. The Artistic Advisory Panel, who review and score each submission to identify the headliners, had quite the task in front of them – it wasn’t easy! We are fortunate to live in such a talented community. While you marvel at the work you see tonight, remember that the people onstage are also your neighbors, family, and friends. I think you’ll enjoy what you are about to experience tonight. Dance is an ancient human art form, present in every culture across the globe. As a lifelong dance artist myself, the thing I love most is the way dance transcends spoken language – you only need to open your heart to understand what is being said. 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. “Dog Days” is special to me because it is an opportunity to showcase a wide variety of new, original dance works in a unique and beautiful environment. I’m inspired by our audiences who show up every year to take in and enjoy the same art form that speaks to my soul too. Community is everything! Thank you to our visionary CEO, Dennyse Sewell, our incredible Board of Directors, our talented staff and volunteers, our dedicated partners, all of the participating artists and crew, our Artistic Advisory Panel (whom you should read all about later in this playbill), and the festival sponsors and supporters who believe in this vision too – especially Andrew Diedrichsen, Jen Hargis, Jim DeVolld, and everyone else at Western Alliance Bank, out new festival title sponsor. And thank YOU, our audience, for being here! What a community this is! Aren’t we lucky? Enjoy the 5th Annual Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival!
Adam Cates Festival Producer/Director Pioneer Center Director of Advancement & Creative
2026 FESTIVAL GUEST ARTIST Matt Marr Matt Marr is a US / Canada based Dancer, Choreographer, Educator, Actor and Writer who worked his way to becoming a thriving professional through his passion and endless journey through the arts. Matt made his way into the TOP 3 spot of the fourth and final season of So You Think You Can Dance Canada, getting the opportunity to work with Luther Brown, Stacey Tookey, Steve Bolton, ShoTyme, Melissa Williams, Sean Cheesman, Sabrina Matthews, Maria Torres, Tony and Melanie, Sergio Trujillo, Blake McGrath, and Jean-Marc Genereux. After that life-changing experience, Matt went on to work across all facets of the industry. He played “Danny” in the dance feature film Dancin’ It’s On (2015) directed by David Winters, was a dancer in Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys of Dance tour of Europe and the Middle East, and toured with dance superstars Derek Hough and Julianne Hough in the 2015 U.S National Tour “Move Live On Tour,” choreographed and directed by Napoleon and Tabitha D’Umo (Nappytabs), to 48 cities in venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Nokia Theatre LA, and more.
Theatre/opera credits include the world premiere of Summer In the City for Stage West Calgary and the Canadian Opera Company’s Maometto II. TV credits include Radio Disney Music Awards with Sofia Carson, Glee, Penny Dreadful, RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Voice with Cee Lo, Toderick MTV, Warehouse 13, Much Music Video Awards with PSY, and commercials for VH1, Jockey, Zumba, The Oscars with Ellen Degeneres, and more. He has taught, choreographed, and adjudicated across the US and Canada. Currently, Matt dances for Donny Osmond in his Las Vegas Residency, also touring with him throughout the United States and Canada.
blochworld.com
2026 HEADLINING COMPANIES
Ballet Folklórico Pueblo Nuevo (Friday)
Founded in 2018, Ballet Folklórico Pueblo Nuevo was created with the purpose of bringing the beauty, traditions, and cultural richness of Mexico to the community of Reno, Nevada. The name “Pueblo Nuevo” comes from the hometown of our director: Jalisco, Mexico. Her roots and love for Mexican culture inspired the creation of this group and continue to guide our mission today. Under the direction of Belen Chavez, with instructors Grecia Chavez and Omar Chavez, Ballet Folklórico Pueblo Nuevo has grown into a family of approximately 60 students, ages 6 to 25. Through music, dance, and traditional costumes, we proudly bring different regions of Mexico to our community. Our repertoire celebrates the unique traditions of Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, Veracruz, Sinaloa, Yucatán, Aguascalientes, Nayarit, Michoacán, Chiapas, and Jalisco. Our costumes represent the history, colors, and traditions of each region we perform. Many of our traditional costumes are brought directly from Guadalajara, Jalisco, helping us preserve authenticity and share the richness of Mexican culture with our audience. Ballet Folklorico Pueblo Nuevo is more than a dance group. We are a community dedicated to preserving our Mexican heritage and sharing a piece of Mexico with our community.
Ballet Folklórico Pueblo Nuevo Directora
Belén Chávez, is the Director of Ballet Folklórico Pueblo Nuevo. For Belén, folklórico is more than dance. It is a way to leave a lasting footprint in the lives of children and young people, teaching them where they come from and encouraging them to be proud of their roots. Through music, dances, and cultural traditions, she creates an environment where students can connect with their heritage while building confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of identity. Her mission is simple but meaningful: to inspire every child to know, value, and proudly embrace their Mexican roots. Belen believes that when children understand their heritage, they carry that culture forward and help keep its traditions alive for future generations.
Ballet Folklórico Pueblo Nuevo INSTRUCTORES: Omar Chávez | Grecia Chávez BAILARINES: Adelyn Barajas, Aileen Morales, Alondra Gracia, Alizon Nájera, Amy Palomares, Anayeli Montalvo, Audrina Gómez, Ayari Santana, Aylin Cabrera, Aylin Flores, Aylin Rodríguez, Camila Ayala, Camila Buenrostro, Camila Vásquez, Citlaly Gabriola, Daleyza Morales, Daniela Morales, Dayana García, Dehlani Aguilar, Diego Torres, Emmalyn Rupp, Evelyn Rodríguez, Fernando Machuca, Génesis Acuña, Gimena Acuña, Grecia Chavez, Isabella Rodriguez, Jacqueline Valencia, Jahyden Hernández, Jared Sánchez, Jasmin Rios, Janitza Santos, Jayleen Hernández, Jhonatan Reyes, Jimena Flores, Katalaya Silva, Katia Gabriola, Kendra Soto, Layla Ponce, Lily Ávalos, Luciana Sánchez, Luvina Fregoso, Lyzeth Buenrostro, Maisey Tamayo, Mauricio Rodriguez, Melanie Rodríguez, Natalie Díaz, Nelly Estrada, Norah Tamayo, Omar Chávez, Romeo Romero, Rosa Ramirez, Rutila Gonzales, Santiago Gabriola, Sayra Romero, Sofía Delgado, Valentina Buenrostro, Victoria Martínez, Ximena Morales, Ximena Rodríguez, Yaretzi Rendón, Yeimi Lugo
VOLUNTARIOS : Abraham González, Adriana Hernández, Alejandra Ramírez, Amelia Hernandez, Antonia Rodriguez, Arely Galindo, Cecilia Vázquez, Dulce Diaz, Gabriela Ayala, Gabriela Zepeda, Isabel Rupp, Karen Avalos, Laura Rosales, Liliana Montalvo, Lizbeth Pintor, Maria Buenrostro, Marisol Rendon, Pablo Gonzalez, Paola Buenrostro, Rosa Romero, Rosa Tamayo, Rosie Izquierdo, Tony Gabriola
2026 HEADLINING COMPANIES
Heart and Sole Dance Academy (Friday)
Heart and Sole Dance Academy was created out of a desire to break free from traditional dance and create a space where the kids are the priority and being the best means achieving your personal goals. Our movement meets imagination, and innovation. Specializing in contemporary, hip hop, improvisation, and experimental movement, the company blurs the lines between storytelling and abstract artistry.
Heart and Sole Dance Academy Director
Jenny Buck (Owner and Artistic Director) 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 now owned Heart & Sole Dance Academy for 13 years. Jenny has won many awards for her choreography and was recently given the Choreography of the Year award at Energy Nationals. Her dances have been nominated for Industry Dance Awards and have received top scoring awards at local and national competitions. 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: Lucy Baxter, Ali Sonne, Caitlyn White, Aria Sauer, Elly Dufrene, Maya Bonilla, Elliot Rowe, BB Ames, Gabriel Rios, Luci Madrid, Lucy Welch, Bella Morency, Ruby Scheetz, Cadence Sterling, Lexi Jarrett, Arianna Veronese, Brynn Walker, Khloe Lu, Molly Forni, Asher Adame, Mckenna Adame, Payton Shaw, Kennedy White, Morgan Mosley, Lilyana Gonzales, Lolly Harding, Maddy Carey, Willow Buck, Londyn Carey, Ryann Carey, Jenny Buck, Annabelle Mccartin, Madison Erwin, Elyse Ivey, Brooke Davis, Anna Costella, Gian Lopez, Heather Costella, Kristen Obrien, Scooby Meredith, Rylee Eaton, Tara Smatlz, Erika Montoya, Molly Novacek, Desiree Lao, Jasmine Lao, Letti Rodriguez, Lili Melarkey, Frankie Hebron, Lucia Ferrari Works / Choreographers: See Her Out (Jenny Buck) Blister in the Sun (Jenny Buck) There Is a Light That Never Goes Out (Jenny Buck) In the Orchard (Jenny Buck) To Build a Home (Erika Montoya) Who’s Afraid of Little Ol’ Me (Erika Montoya) Carry On (Jenny Buck) A Safe Place to Land (Anna Costella) Crying (Jenny Buck) The Shining: Mix (Jenny Buck) The Night We Met (Jenny Buck) Wish You Were Here (Jenny Buck)
2026 HEADLINING COMPANIES
Nevada Dance Company (Saturday)
Nevada Dance Company, originally Pinkerton Ballet Theater, was founded 35 years ago. In 2020, Erica and Oliver Adams succeeded Ayako Britt as Artistic Directors and reimagined the organization with a vision to bring professional dance performances to the community year-round. Rebranded as Nevada Dance Company, the organization now presents productions throughout Reno and Carson City while expanding access to high-quality dance. As Artistic Directors, Erica and Oliver continue to perform alongside a roster of professional artists while mentoring the next generation of dancers. In 2022, they founded the Nevada Dance Company Pre-Professional Company to provide aspiring young dancers with advanced classical training, performance opportunities, and a pathway toward professional careers. Today, Nevada Dance Company is committed to enriching Northern Nevada through exceptional performances, meaningful arts education, and opportunities that inspire audiences and develop future artists.
Nevada Dance Company Directors
Oliver and Erica Adams are the Co-Artistic Directors of Nevada Dance Company and former professional dancers with internationally recognized careers. Oliver, originally from England, trained at the Birmingham Royal Ballet School before performing with Birmingham Royal Ballet, Slovak National Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, Diablo Ballet, and Smuin Contemporary Ballet. Erica, a Gardnerville native, trained at The Harid Conservatory and danced professionally with Festival Ballet Providence and Smuin Contemporary Ballet. Together, they have performed leading roles in productions throughout North America and Europe, working with many of the world's foremost choreographers. Oliver has also choreographed for professional ballet companies, while Erica is an Emmy Award-winning performer for NBC's *BaseBallet: Into the Game*. They are dedicated to providing exceptional dance education, creating high-quality performances, and inspiring the next generation of artists throughout Northern Nevada.
Nevada Dance Company Company: Oliver Adams, Erica Adams, Alexander Biber, Gretchen LaWall, Jimmie Grant, Kinzie Stahl, Danica Pinto, Nalani Aguilar, Maximus Gocke, Macy Hall, Lily Johnson, Minden Lamb, Emily Manning, Mia Mayer, Zoe Regan, Sofia Sanchez, Lea VanderMay Works / Choreographers: White Noise (Oliver Adams) Get It While You Can (Oliver Adams) Don Quixote Pas de Deux (Marius Petipa) The Light Between Us (Oliver Adams)
2026 HEADLINING COMPANIES
WhiteLight Bollywood Productions (Saturday)
WhiteLight Bollywood Productions is a Reno-based dance and cultural production company dedicated to making Bollywood dance accessible, inclusive, and transformative. Founded to fill a cultural void in Northern Nevada, WhiteLight welcomes dancers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels, creating a space where children, teens, adults, and even mothers and daughters perform together. Specializing in Bollywood, Bollywood fusion, and movement-driven storytelling, the company blends classical, folk, Punjabi, and contemporary influences into dynamic performances that celebrate culture, diversity, and connection. Since its debut in 2024, over 95% of its performers have taken the stage for the first time through WhiteLight. Through classes, workshops, performances, and signature events like Diwaliwood, WhiteLight builds confidence, fosters cultural exchange, and inspires community through the universal language of dance.
WhiteLight Bollywood Director
Chhavi Bhalla is an accomplished choreographer, artistic director, and founder of WhiteLight Bollywood Productions. After moving from India to Reno, she recognized a lack of opportunities for people to experience and learn Bollywood dance. Rather than waiting for that to change, she chose to create it. Guided by the belief, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," Chhavi founded WhiteLight to build an inclusive community where people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels could connect through dance and culture. With over 20 years of experience, she has trained under renowned mentors Shiamak Davar, Vijay Ganguly, and Atul Mehtani and performed at international events including the Commonwealth Games and Filmfare Awards. Today, her work continues to enrich Northern Nevada's arts community through performances, education, and cultural celebrations that inspire connection, joy, and belonging.
WhiteLight Bollywood Company: Mahima Shenoy, Vandana Shenoy, Maanya Shenoy, Vaibhavi Venkatramanan, Kumud Patel, Harper Cannone-Brown, Teagan Cannone-Brown, Louise Brown, Afton Sieracki, Nandita Banik, Alisha Bhatia, Anjali Bhatia, Dipal Mehta, Amanda Lyons, Supriya Madavil, Sanvi Vipin, Yasmeen Clemons, Raghav Bhalla, Divya Kesavan, Ramya Lakshmi Vivekanandan Stage Props/Helpers: Owl Palacios, Ishan Manocha, Bahar Patel, Sibani Agrawar, Aarvi Agrawal, Smruti Patel, Myah Ochoa, Annaira Serratore, Mahesh Shenoy, Saurhb Bhalla Works / Choreographers: Shubharambh: The Celebration Unfolds (Chhavi Bhalla) Classical (Nandita Banik & Vaibhavi Ventkatramanan) Sufi: Whispers of the Soul (Chhavi Bhalla) Indian Classical: Rewired (Ramya Lakshmi Vivekanandan & Divya Kesavan) Dhurandhar: The Unstoppable Force (Chhavi Bhalla) Let's Bollywood! with Chhavi Big Fat Indian Wedding: The Grand Finale (Chhavi Bhalla, Gia Sanan, Ramya Lakshmi Vivekanandan, & Divya Kesavan)
RENO
BIG ARTS LITTLE CITY
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
2026 HEADLINING COMPANIES
Reno Movement Collective (Sunday)
As the Reno Movement Collective, we are driven by a desire to share our collective's specific exploration of the human experience. Our work is rooted in the belief that movement can bridge the gap between individual stories and universal truths. In sharing our work, we hope to spark a dialogue with the audience, one that encourages reflection and inspires others to find unique and movement-based ways to tell their own stories. For RMC, this is more than a performance; it is a collaborative moment to foster a deeper sense of belonging and mutual understanding through the shared language of dance.
Reno Movement Collective Director Kristin Ashley Austin is a Reno, NV based interdisciplinary artist with roots in community engagement. Focused in performance and choreography, she uses her art to facilitate engaging spaces that utilize the creative brain. She has a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Nevada, Reno, with minors in Dance and CASAT, and is a Master’s Candidate for her M.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts. Her training and studies include Fosse, Classical Ballet, and post-modern and modern techniques like Skinner's "Release," Laban, Graham, Horton, and Limón. Kristin has performed for notable artists such as Rosie Trump, Keely Cobb, Karen Burns, Andrew Paiz, Micah Camp, and Corinne Undercoffer and was an understudy for Gallim Dance. Her past work was seen at private events, The University of Nevada - Reno, and the Reno Dance Festival. In 2024, she founded the Reno Movement Collective, where she serves as director and choreographer.
Reno Movement Collective Company: Rose Barber, Micah Camp, Samantha DeTiberiis, Anthony McMenamy, Kaitrin Wilde-Sanders, Corinne Undercoffer Leslie Balzer: Tech Hand/ Assistant
Work / Choreographers Body at the Threshold (Micah Camp) On Healing Resonance (Kristin Austin) SEED (Kristin Austin) Dance, As Infrastructure (Kristin Austin)
2026 HEADLINING COMPANIES
Controlled Burn (Sunday)
Ignited in 2000, Controlled Burn is an all-inclusive, all volunteer fire performance dance troupe. As a 501(c)(3), our mission is to encourage the community to explore their interest in performing, flow arts, and fire safety without judgement. Controlled Burn was founded with the intention of performing in the great circle at Burning Man and has been the longest running fire troupe to do so. We have since expanded to other shows in Nevada and California but still participate in Burning Man yearly.
Controlled Burn Artistic Director
Cindi Cramer: Originally from Buffalo, New York, Cindi Cramer has had a career in dance for over 50 years. She has been the Owner and Director of Dance Unlimited for over 20 years while also choreographing and directing musicals, sports team's squads, and other dance studios before moving to Reno, Nevada. Since leaving N.Y. she has worked and choreographed with Fire Troupes Controlled Burn in Reno and Flameology in Las Vegas, serving as both troupes' Artistic Director and Production Mistress for many years.
Controlled Burn Performers: Alison Matus, Brenda Ashworth, Carlyn Perona, Chloe Wilson, Cristi Martin, Elle Bosch, Gage Wiltse, Hailey Cushman, Karen Holmes, Kim Lemond, Lilli Teachenor, Mickey Harris, Rachel Jessee, Scott Darling, Shay Markowitz, Tami Matus Safeties: Cindi Cramer, Dave King, Diane Albrecht, Eric Matus, J.M., Jose Arcos, Katie Russell, Noah Kunkle, Rachel Esposito, Sarah Wiltse, Stacy Ferrell, Tom Steinberg Work / Choreographers: Firegizer (Roger Stimpson) What I Can Do (Alison Matus and Lilli Teachenor) Wait Forever (Mickey Harris) Rachel's Solo (Rachel Jessee) A Storm is Coming (Cindi Cramer) Dragon Staves (Scott Darling, Hailey Cushman, and Lilli Teachenor) Tokyo Drifting (Lilli Teachenor) Dart Duet (Rachel Jessee and Scott Darling) Take It (Lilli Teachenor) Get Lucky (Jenny Jinx) Scott's Solo (Scott Darling) Swing Swing (Rachel Jessee) Lilli's Solo (Lilli Teachenor) Best Friends (Cindi Cramer)
A 501(C)3 NONPROFIT
MEDICAL CARE FOR PERFORMING ARTISTS Scan for more information
Healthy Performers NV is an organization comprised of dedicated medical professionals, performing artists, and performing arts educators with the common goal of improving the health care of the performing artist. Our mission is to work with and for the health of performing artists through education, research, networking, and a commitment to a deep understanding of the special needs associated with the performing arts. For more information: info@healthyperformersnv.com
WWW.HEALTHYPERFORMERSNV.COM
FEATURED COMPANIES NORTHERN NEVADA BALLET ACADEMY (Friday) Northern Nevada Ballet Academy is dedicated to providing exceptional dance education in a positive, inspiring, and disciplined environment. Our mission is to develop strong technique, artistry, confidence, and character while fostering a lifelong love of dance. Through expert instruction, performance opportunities, and a supportive community, NNBA empowers dancers of all ages and abilities to reach their fullest potential both on and off the stage. Artistic Director KRIS SWACZYNA is an internationally accomplished dancer, choreographer, director, educator, and Co-Founder of Northern Nevada Ballet Academy. Originally from Poland, he trained at the National Ballet School in Warsaw and performed with the National Opera before appearing as Mr. Mistoffelees in Cats and in Franco Dragone’s Le Rêve in Las Vegas. With over 20 years of professional experience, Kris is passionate about inspiring excellence and developing the next generation of dancers through exceptional training and artistry. NNBA’s work tonight was choreographed by Kris Swaczyna and Francesca Yale Hebron.
Dancers: Afton Sieracki, Annabelle Clem, Audrey Coombe, Elise Brown, Ella Speegle, Gracie Kirkorian, Hannah Lynn, Hayley Luong, Jillian Tucker, Julia Guterl, Kodi Anne Lacebal, Marin Webb, Melody Song, Olivia Lynn, Sofia Oliden, Taylor White
FEATURED COMPANIES NOTE-ABLE MUSIC THERAPY SERVICES DANCE TROUPE (Friday)
The Note-Able Music Therapy Services Dance Troupe grew out of the organization's adaptive dance classes, which have been inspiring dancers of all abilities for 16 years. Since 2022, the troupe has shared the joy of dance by performing at NMTS fundraisers, dance festivals, and local events. Their performances celebrate creativity, confidence, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to shine on stage. The dancers are delighted to return to the Pioneer Center’s Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival and can’t wait to celebrate an evening of movement, music, and connection with you. Artistic Director WENDY FIRESTONE has spent more than 30 years performing, teaching, and choreographing dance. Since the early 1990s, she has been passionate about creating meaningful dance experiences for people of all abilities and has produced more than a dozen full-length concerts featuring dancers with and without disabilities. She believes dance is a powerful way to communicate emotions when words are not enough. This year's work celebrates the beauty that often goes unnoticed, reminding us that when we slow down and look more closely, extraordinary things can be found in unexpected places. Tonight, they will present When the Desert Whispers, Will You Listen? Choreographed by Wendy Firestone.
Dancers: Bev Carpenter, Sierra Foos, Jasmine Hickman, Jamie Jepsen, Kailin “KK” Kelderman, Breanne Knight, Marci Tiffee
FEATURED COMPANIES DANZA AZTECA AZTLÁN (Saturday)
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. Los directores artisticos son MARIANO LEMUS, ANTONIO MUÑOZ, Y ANASTACIO DURAN.
Bailarines: Libby Ballesteros, Haley Ballesteros, Janai Ballesteros, Nazareth Ballesteros, Mimi Rodriguez, Ivan Vásquez, Oscar Chávez, Norma Dávila, Stacy Pérez, Carlitos Cruz, Carlos Cruz, Hayden Quintana, Quetzali Muñoz, Boris Durán, Yesenia Saucedo, Anastacio Durán, Antonio Muñoz, Mariano Lemus
FEATURED COMPANIES ENTITY MOVEMENT (Saturday)
Entity Movement was founded in January 2023 by SIERRA TAYLOR-CLINE AND BRANDON DABU. They made their debut at Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival in August of 2023 at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. This versatile dance company trains in various styles of commercial dance, and all perform and teach locally around the city of Reno, NV. In addition to training as a collective, they all pursue their own individual dance careers and are involved in various other dance and art-related endeavors throughout the community. Artistic Directors Sierra and Brandon share a deep bond through their love for dance and their commitment to nurturing the community. They hold the belief that regardless of your origins or background, you can embark on a new journey at any moment, consciously living a life filled with intention and pursuing your dreams. Entity Movement was founded on these core values, and they strive to enrich the community while keeping these principles at the forefront. They place great importance on collaboration and fostering individuality in the arts within the Reno community. Tonight, Entity Movement will present The Call, choreographed by ALEX KASKIE, BRANDON DABU, AND SIERRA TAYLOR-CLINE
Company Members: Alex Kaskie, Alex Moya, Alisha Johnston, Alyssa Kleszyk, Angel Kominzky, Hailey Seitz, Jade Tagulao, Joel Benavente, Julianne Dietrich, Lucero Martinez, Natalie Gonzalez, Ramón Martinez, Sam DeTiberiis, Shannise Mora, Sierra Taylor-Cline, Brandon Dabu
FEATURED COMPANIES LUMINESCENT (Sunday)
Founded in 2017 by SHAUNY HUYNH—a Sparks native and lifelong dancer—Luminescent was created to be a welcoming space where anyone can discover the joy of dance, regardless of experience or skill level. What began as a K-pop-focused team has since evolved into a dynamic dance community, embracing hip-hop, contemporary, heels, chair choreography, and more. Over the years, they’ve grown to 20+ dedicated members, taught hundreds of students, and expanded into public performances and competitive dance. Their passion and hard work paid off with a recent 1st Place victory at ANX K-Pop Battles Las Vegas—and they’re just getting started! Luminescent is a dance team but also a family, hoping to show everyone just who they are. Shauny Huynh started dancing at age 11 and has been active since. His love and appreciation for it has no limits. Shauny’s main goal in life is to spread positivity and smiles – dance has helped him to achieve that. His friends and family are just as important and without them, he wouldn’t be able to do what he does now. They are his greatest motivation. Tonight, Luminescent will present Lumi For You, choreographed by Shauny Huynh. Shine On! Dancers: Shauny Huynh, Prince Mynar, Kaio Calicdan, Jaden Comia, Monisha Sidher, Simone Mansen, Alysha Cancino, Sam Nelson
FEATURED COMPANIES HONEY DANCE PRODUCTIONS (Sunday)
Honey Dance Productions is dedicated to redefining heels and jazz as disciplined, expressive art forms rooted in technique, confidence, and storytelling. We blend the artistry of both styles while emphasizing musicality, performance, and authentic self-expression. Through integrity, discipline, and purposeful movement, we develop confident, versatile artists who inspire, connect, and perform with impact—both on stage and beyond. “HONEY” (SARA MORELLI) began dancing at age eight in the Sacramento area, where she developed a strong foundation in dance and synchronized swimming. After gaining choreography and performance experience throughout high school and college, she relocated to Reno and built a professional career as a dancer and aerialist. With over seven years of experience performing with local production companies, Honey founded Honey Dance Productions, creating five original shows and contributing to community events, including the Reno Dance Festival over the past four years. Tonight, Honey Dance Productions will present Garden of Eden choreographed by Honey.
Dancers: Alice Claire, Glynis Irving, Ivy Case, Delaney Roads, Sara Morelli (Honey), Kendra Anderson
FESTIVAL STAFF DENNYSE SEWELL (Pioneer Center CEO & Festival Producer) As the leader of the region’s largest performing arts center, Dennyse Sewell 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. In 2023, she was named CEO. As the youngest and first female leader in the Pioneer Center’s history, Dennyse aims to steward the landmark institution for future generations of Nevadans. In her role as CEO, Dennyse works to align the nonprofit cultural center’s programming with its mission and values and also with the needs of the community. In addition to bringing worldclass offerings to northern Nevada such as the high-profile touring Broadway Comes to Reno series, Dennyse ensures that local arts organizations have opportunities to present their productions on the historic Pioneer Center stage. She is also passionate about expanding arts access to underserved populations and works closely with the Pioneer Center’s Board of Directors and staff to prioritize outreach, engagement, and education initiatives throughout the community. Dennyse currently serves on the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Art Advisory Committee and the Arts and Cultural Vitality Data Advisory Group for Truckee Meadows Tomorrow. Dennyse is a member of the International Association of Venue Managers and of The Broadway League, the national organization for Broadway producers and presenters. She was named Promotion Person of the Year 2023 by the Reno chapter of the American Advertising Federation and has served as a past Board member and advisory panelist for a variety of local nonprofit organizations.
FESTIVAL STAFF ADAM CATES (Festival Director & Producer) was born and raised in Reno before embarking on a career in the performing arts as a creative, educator, and producer, living 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 and in Canada. He was a creative associate director & choreographer on Tony 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 ERIC SKYE (Projection and Sound Designer) has worked in theater arts and media production throughout his entire life. Born in Delaware, Eric began working for his father’s mobile recording studio, Skyelabs Mobile Recording Inc., as a teen. He relocated to Reno at age 17, working on and off at the Pioneer Center from 1997-2003 as the House Technical Services Manager. He joined IATSE Local Chapter 363 in 1999. From 2003-2017, Eric owned and operated AM 1610 The Loop radio station in Ely, Nevada where he moved to raise his family. Since returning to Reno in 2017, Eric has served as the resident stage manager for several local arts organizations including Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, Reno Chamber Orchestra, Reno Jazz Orchestra, and others. Eric joined the Pioneer Center staff full-time in 2022 as the Assistant Technical Director, bringing years of expertise to every production that plays the venue. BENJAMIN BROWDER (Stage Manager) (he/they) is a Junior in the BFA Stage and Production Management program at Emerson College in Boston, MA. He grew up in Reno, has been a Tech Swing for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, and spent this summer at Des Moines Metro Opera. Ben has been the Stage Manager for Dog Days since 2023, and has worked locally for Reno Little Theater, Good Luck Macbeth and Around the Stage Dance Company.
Additional Festival Staff Asst. Festival Director - Heather Boni Lemmons Marketing & Playbill Design – Jordyn Mahoney & Nina Drobushev Asst. Technical Director & Stage Crew – Ivy Llewellyn Public Relations & Logo Design – Courtney Meredith, Design on Edge Food Truck Coordinators– Demerey Grant, Breana Edgerton SPCA of Northern Nevada – Jill Vacchina Dobbs, Nayla Garcia, Sydney Denham, Dominique Mendoza
ARTISTIC ADVISORY PANEL Participating dance companies submitted proposals that were reviewed and scored by a carefully curated Artistic Advisory 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 (ABT), San Francisco Ballet, Joffrey Ballet NYC and fulltime with Walnut Hill School for the Arts Highschool. Alexis earned her Master of Arts for Teaching Dance in the Professions from New York University Steinhardt in combination with Master of Arts in Dance Education: Teaching Dance in the Professions and ABT Ballet Pedagogy certification. Alexis lives in New York City and is on faculty at Frank Sinatra School for the Arts Highschool and ABT's Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis school, including outreach and teacher training. She is honored to be on the ABT National Training Curriculum Board of Examiners and Advisory Board.
ANANDA BENA-WEBER is the Associate Artistic Director and a founding principal dancer with the Sierra Nevada Ballet. She has directed, devised and choreographed three full-length ballets for the company: Dracula, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Twelfth Night: A Ballet Noir. She has also choreographed for The York Theater NYC, The National Yiddish Theater, as a teaching artist for Dance Theater of Harlem, Don't Tell Mama Cabaret NYC, Feinstein's and many other works. Her touring solo work, Fancifool!, recently won 'Best Variety Show' and was a Critic's Choice pic at the United Solo Theatre Festival in NYC and won 'Best Short' at the Marsh Theater SF's International Solo Theater Festival. Ms. Bena-Weber was a professor of dance at Marymount Manhattan College, and a teaching artist for the Dance Theater of Harlem and Mark Morris Dance Center in New York for 16 years.
ARTISTIC ADVISORY PANEL ASHLEY MARINELLI is a Drama Desk-nominated, Broadway World award-winning, KCCTF award-winning, IRNE awardwinning and Helen Hayes nominated choreographer, director and performer. She is a proud graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and the Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance in Austria. Selected directing and choreographic credits include Les Misérables, Stranger Sings, The Perfect Game, American Psycho and Mystic Pizza. When not performing or choreographing, Ashley is a professor of Dance at Marymount Manhattan and Long Island University.
CARRIE CAMERON, DPT, ATC brings over 20 years of experience in performing arts medicine, dedicating her career to helping dancers, athletes, and performing artists recover from injury and return to peak performance. As a founding member of Healthy Performers NV and owner of Sports & Performance Physical Therapy in downtown Reno, she has become a leading advocate for specialized, accessible care tailored to the unique demands of performers. After training and working with performers across the country, she returned to the Reno/Tahoe area with a vision to elevate dance and sports medicine locally. Through Healthy Performers NV and Sports & Performance PT, she continues to champion injury prevention, education, and high-level rehabilitative care for the region's vibrant performing arts community while also mentoring the next generation of clinicians in this evolving field.
CHRISTINE M. KERBER is a Creative Manager for Guest Experiences at MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, with more than 20 years of international experience in entertainment, hospitality, and guest engagement. She has developed and led innovative experiences across leading cruise lines and worldclass attractions. Before joining MSC, Christine held creative leadership roles with Miral Experiences, helping shape guest offerings at Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Christine also enjoyed a successful career as a Director and Choreographer for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line. Christine’s true passion still lies in the world of dance where she performed with Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Joseph Holmes Dance Theater Chicago and with Dance for Life in its formative years.
ARTISTIC ADVISORY PANEL CJ GREER coordinates UNR's Musical Theatre degree program. As a performer and music director, she has found her passion and life's work in vocal performance and instruction. CJ has performed and presented around the world as singer, actor, teacher, and conductor with an undying love for storytelling through music and dance. Research interests span from interdisciplinary approaches to vocal performance to working with the medical field exploring where science and singing can heal. She is still an active performer! Broadway/National Tour/Regional performing credits: Company, Sister Act, Les Misérables, The Producers, Ragtime, Mamma Mia. MFA and MM Penn State University. Cj-greer.com
CRYSTAL FRAZIER, a native of New Jersey, holds a Degree in Dance from The University of the Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in Choreography from Jacksonville University. She is an Associate Professor of Dance at Point Park University and recognized as the first Hip Hop tenured in America. Frazier is a former senior member with the world-renowned, Rennie Harris Puremovement (RHPM). She has performed and taught nationally/internationally with RHPM, including the Middle East and Central Asia. Frazier's performance credits include MTV, BET, VH1's Vogue Fashion awards, BET awards, Italy tour with Kathy Sledge, Nike All-Star showcase, and the featured dancer and choreographer for Grammy Awardwinning artist Jill Scott's "Big Beautiful Tour." Her choreography has been featured with Rennie Harris RHAW, Cruzan Dance, St. Croix, Taipei University of the Arts in Taiwan, Encore Danses En Tourneau in Canada, Hip Hop Extravaganza in Bermuda, Philadelphia 76ers Dance Team, and many more. Crystal received the 2019 Linwood Dyer Prize for Dance Education and 2024 Impact Award from Ladies of Hip Hop.
DAVID GERVAIS is a drummer and percussionist living in Las Vegas. He received his Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Improvisational Music from UNR in 2019. He has performed and recorded in a variety of genres, including jazz, rock, Latin, country, and pop. He studied and performed Afro-Cuban folkloric music in Havana, NYC, San Francisco and Mexico City. He has accompanied dance classes for world-renowned Cuban dance instructors throughout the country, including at The Ailey Studios in NYC. His duo with Giselle Soto, Ina Okun, was the featured guest artist of last year's Dog Days Festival.
ARTISTIC ADVISORY 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." She has taught dance at local studios in Reno and musical theater at the Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University. She is also the author of a poetry book titled "Dare Her to Rise." She currently lives in New York City with her husband and son..
DON MIRAULT appeared on Broadway as “Zach” in A Chorus Line. Other credits include “Fred Casely” in Bob Fosse's Chicago, Baby, and the lead adagio in Folies Bergere in Las Vegas. Don has worked in every dance medium from Cruise Lines to MTV. As an actor, you've seen him on: Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Golden Girls, The Hogan Family, Saved By The Bell, CSI, The Pretender, The Strip, Knott's Landing, Miss Congeniality 2 and as “Valentine” on General Hospital. Don has helped hundreds of dancers launch their dance careers with his book "Dancing...For A Living," three instructional videos, as a keynote speaker at colleges and universities, and as a master class teacher and national judge for competition/conventions including Joe Tremaine, Starpower, Encore, Rainbow Connection, Talent on Parade, Al Gilbert and many more. Don is the Producer/Director of GoPro Seminars and KIDZ ROC in Branson. He is the Artistic Director of Theater Arts Preparatory School in Las Vegas which is going into its 11th year. This is a pre-professional program for dancers 18-24 that want to become professional dancers.
ELIZABETH VILLALOBOS, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of World Languages and Literatures and affiliated faculty in the Department of Gender, Race, and Identity. Her research focuses on the intersections of gender, neoliberalism, and violence represented in prose, theater, and cinema from the border regions of Mexico and Argentina's testimonial cultural production.
ARTISTIC ADVISORY PANEL A newer resident to Reno, GEORGE WADE is President of Bay Laurel Advisors, a boutique entertainment consulting firm serving clients on a worldwide basis. The company focuses on the development of high-end, Location Based Entertainment (LBE) projects including theme parks, themed attractions and interactive entertainment venues. Mr. Wade is also a leading expert in branding and brand development within the LBE industry. Major clients have included MGM Studios, Cartoon Network, Crayola, Hasbro, Angry Birds and the Hallmark Channel. During his career, he has contributed to some of the industry's most prestigious projects including EPCOT Center, Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Florida and The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace to name just a few. Mr. Wade and his wife are active in many aspects of life in Reno and are ongoing subscribers to programs at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts where he serves on the Board of Directors.
GISELLE SOTO is a Cuban dancer living in Las Vegas. She is a graduate in Afro-Cuban Folkloric Dance from the Superior Institute of Art in Havana. Giselle was a member of Obini Batá, Cuba's first all-female folkloric group, with whom she toured in NYC, Morocco, Nicaragua, and Mexico. In 2024, she danced and choreographed for the Reno Jazz Orchestra and held a weeklong residency at the UNR Department of Dance. Giselle performed and taught at the 2025 Reno Latin Dance Festival. Her duo with David Gervais, Ina Okun, was the featured guest artist of last year's Dog Days Festival.
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.
ARTISTIC ADVISORY PANEL JINGER LEIGH began teaching dance at just 14, launching a multifaceted career as a professional dancer, illusionist, producer, and director. Over the past three decades, she has earned international recognition in live theatrical entertainment. She has toured worldwide in productions including Spellbound and Masters of Illusion, and appeared as The Enchantress and The Conjuress in multiple iterations of The Illusionists, including The Illusionists: Turn of the Century on Broadway in 2016. A sought-after consultant, coach, and director of stage magic, she has also served as Resident Director for Cirque du Soleil's The Illusionists productions and as Director of Stage Shows for MAGIC Live! in Las Vegas. Her latest endeavor is being at the helm of operations for the new Cirque Alice production at the Eldorado Casino Resort.
KIA CRADER has been a professional dancer for over 50 years. Studying all styles of dance, she joined the Dance Educators of America at 19 and was the resident choreographer for the Old Eagle Theater in Sacramento. She then moved to Reno to dance in the Hello Hollywood Hello show, and subsequently opened her own dance studio, Fascinating Rhythm, training thousands of performers, both recreationally and professionally. Her Very Special Dancers have danced in the Summer Special Olympics and related events. Recently, after 31 successful years, Kia closed her studio to focus her energy on her three young grandsons, Salem, Ollie, and Pip
Believing that our mental health changes with physical and meditative movement. MARIA MORENO developed a passion for history, arts and dance since childhood in her natal Mexico where she was part of a folkloric ballet at the University of Colima, Mexico, and a Middle Eastern dance group in Carson City, NV, as she enjoys the diversity of the dances held around the world. She 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. She 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 PANEL MATT MARR is a Canadian American Dancer, Choreographer, Educator, Actor and Writer, with credits including So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Derek and Julianne Hough's 'Move Live' US Tour, Bad Boys of Dance 'Rock the Ballet' Intl Tour, RuPaul, Sofia Carson on Radio Disney Music Awards, and TV’s Glee to name a few. His professional career has spanned across film and television, commercial, live tours and theatre, and has judged and educated internationally across various prestigious events. www.mattmarr.net IG: @mattmarr_
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.
MEGHAN GRUBBS is a Los Angeles-based actor and dancer. Originally from Reno, she began her training from a young age at local studios and ultimately earned her bachelors in theater and dance at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is now a Maintenance Choreographer for The Disneyland Resort, after nearly a decade of performing for Disney both in California and Tokyo. She has also performed with several local theaters and other theme parks. It was local dancers and teachers that gave Meghan the start of her career in Reno, and she is thrilled to be a part of this panel providing more performance opportunities for artists.
ARTISTIC ADVISORY PANEL NATE HODGES has danced for Donald McKayle, Colin Connor, Mike Esperanza, and Louise Reichlin, performed the works of Jose Límon and Paul Taylor, was a member of award-winning hip hop troupe Kaba Modern, and appeared in Another Gay Movie. Nate was the resident choreographer for Rogue Artists Ensemble, a hyper-theatrical LA-based company, and Artistic Director for contemporary jazz company RhetOracle Dance Company before coming to Reno. His choreography has won an LA Scenie Award, a Lester Horton Dance Award, a Jerry Herman Award, and the CSULB Award for Creative Excellence. He is currently an award-winning professor at University of Nevada, Reno
REBECCA KITCHEN is a fourth-generation Nevadan with a deep love for the Silver State. A graduate of the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, Rebecca joined the KOLO 8 News Now team in 2011 and is currently the co-anchor of Good Morning Reno. As an Emmy-nominated journalist, Rebecca is passionate about highlighting uplifting stories and people. She is actively involved in community events and proudly serves as Board President for the Veterans Guest House. Her love of dance began at the age of 3 when she began training with Pinkerton Ballet in Carson City. She studied there for 15 years under the direction of Ayako Britt before earning her dance minor at UNR. Rebecca has also danced with A.V.A Ballet and Sierra Nevada Ballet-- and periodically in her kitchen!
SEAN MCKNIGHT is head of Musical Theater at The Hybrid Agency, a highly regarded New York talent agency whose select roster of clients can be seen on Broadway, national tour, television and film. Prior to switching his focus, Mr. McKnight was a performer in the Broadway and National Tours of: Anything Goes, Shrek, A Christmas Story, Curtains, The Producers, 42nd Street, Cinderella, Annie Get Your Gun. Other credits include Radio City Christmas Spectacular, New York City Center Encores! and The Kennedy Center. He’s an Ovation! Award and LA Drama Critics Circle Award nominee for his choreography of the Los Angeles premiere of Hot Mikado. A passionate educator, he’s served on faculty at Pace University, The New School, as a guest artist at Victoria College for the Arts University of Melbourne, Australia, and as a director/choreographer for productions at The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Northwestern University, the University of Nebraska, Ohio Northern University, and at The University of Michigan where he also codirects MPulse Musical Theater Workshop. Mr. McKnight holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from The University of Michigan and an MA in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship from The New School.
ARTISTIC ADVISORY PANEL SIERRA SCOTT is a performing artist and community arts leader with over 20 years of experience in the cultural sector. After earning her BFA in Theater Arts from Webster University, she performed nationally in touring and regional productions including Oklahoma!, Cats, Anything Goes, and Titanic. She later worked in casting in Los Angeles and New York on film and television projects for major studios and networks. Sierra is currently the Grants Specialist for Creative West. She also directs and choreographs locally, served as adjunct faculty at UNR, and is Chair of the City of Reno's Arts and Culture Advisory Board.
SISSA STRAIN is a New York City-based creative director, choreographer, and educator known for her work in commercial dance, circus arts, and new media. Originally from the state of Louisiana, she studied contemporary dance and psychology at Indiana University and The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance earning a Bachelor of Science in Dance and Kinesiology. Sissa is on faculty at Broadway Dance Center and is a 15+ year member of Dance Masters of America, a member of Actors' Equity Association, and a founding member of the Choreographers Guild.
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.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to Reno Dance Company for opening your doors and believing in us. Your generosity in providing rehearsal space has given us more than just a place to practice—it has given us a home to grow, create, and share our passion for dance. Your kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support have played an invaluable role in bringing this performance to life. Thank you for being such an important part of our journey and for helping our community continue to thrive through the arts. We love y'all! - Entity Movement Reno Dance Company 994 Glendale Ave, Ste 2, Sparks, NV, United States, 89431 | (775) 232-5659
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE PIONEER CENTER
August 26th
September 12th
Sleeping Beauty September 19th & 20th
September 22nd
October 17th & 18th
October 20th - 25th
October 28th & 29th
November 14th & 15th
Tickets available at pioneercenter.com
PIONEER CENTER STAFF Dennyse Sewell – CEO Sarah Gobbs-Hill – COO Italo Crocco – Technical Director Breana Edgerton – Events Director Korona Phelps – Comptroller Adam Cates – Director of Community Engagement Chisa Oros-Harry – Executive Assistant Clark Demeritt – Box Office Manager Dianna Krueger – House Manager Jordyn Mahoney – Marketing & Communications Manager Heather Boni Lemmons – Education Manager Demerey Grant – Concessions Manager Shelby Kaae – Senior Bookkeeper Ivy Llewellyn – Assistant Technical Director Eric Skye – Assistant Technical Director Sadie Hart – Assistant Box Office Manager Jennifer Bailie – Assistant House Manager Nina Drobushev – Marketing Associate Terri Yellich – Bookkeeper Anette Christensen – Theatre Administrator Derek Smith – Facilities Supervisor Charles Short – Facilities Technician Mark Robinson – Facilities Technician
PIONEER CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tom Clark - Board Chair Kyle Rea - Board Vice Chair Maxine Harmatta - Board Treasurer George Wade - Board Secretary
Britton Griffith Ilyana Gutierrez Stacy Kendall Cony Linarez Samantha Reveley