Emerging Artist 2024
Bend Don’t Break
Music: Folsom Prison Blues (Johnny Cash)
Choreographer: Samatha Johnson
Dancers: Broughton Dance
What I am Without you
Music: Fallen (Harry Styles)
Choreographers: Cristy Rivera Ruiz & Ariel Corbo
Dancers: Heritage Dance
All Things Grow
Music: Chicago (Sjufan Stevens)
Choreographer: Kate Maness
Dancers: Broughton Dance
Enough is Enough
Music: Enough (Cardi B)
Choreographer: Aryana Faucette
Dancers: Hillside Dance
Child Within
Music: Wildflower (Billie Elish)
Choreographer: Zoe Lewis
Dancers: Southeast Raleigh Dance
Reconnect
Music: When it Lands (Rainbow Kitten Surprise)
Choreographer: Sienna Urben
Dancers: Broughton Dance
Rumor Has It
Music: Rumor Has it (Adele)
Choreographer: Dara Hernandez Vargas, Abigail Bell, Kai King
Dancers: East Wake Dance
Facade
Music: Give Me More (Britney Spears)
Choreographer: Ivana Jones
Dancers. Southeast Raleigh Dance
Echoes of Exhaustion
Music: Cringe (Matt Maeson)
Choreographer: Angie Jahen Amado
Dancers: Broughton Dance
Telephone
Music: Telephone
Choreographers: Ariel Corbo, Cindy Estrada-Castro, Cristhal Diaz Lopez, Cristy
Rivera Ruiz, & Isabel Young
Dancers: Heritage Dance
Hotline
Music: Breathe Me (By Sia)
Choreographers: Zyasiya Davenport, Jianna Wells
Dancers: Hillside Dance
Would’ve Been You
Music: Would’ve Been You (Somber)
Choreographer: Catherine Missie
Dancers Broughton Dance
Enmity
Music: 10 Seconds
Choreographer: Danielle Simpson
Dancers: Southeast Raleigh Dance
Power Shift
Music: Pretty Young Thing (Micheal Jackson)
Choreographer: Jaslyn Wooten
Dancers: Broughton Dance
Finale
Music: America Has a Problem(Beyonce’)
Choreographer: Terrya Montgomery
Dancers: Entire cast
Cast of Dancers
Broughton Magnet High School
Angie Jahen Amado, Nevaeh Blue, Lanaa Chapman, Ella Grayce Cherry, Cale Cooper, Ivy Connell Briar Findley, Liyah Groom, Sarah Jaroush, Samantha Johnson, Mariam Jobe, Madison Jones, Abri Leach, Kate Maness, Catherine Missie, Gabi Moreno, Cate Munley, Sydney Petty, Victoria Warner, Marley Wheeler, Kayla Wilson, Gabby Woodard, Jaslyn Wooten, Sienna Urben
East Wake Magnet High School
Kaswera Bangonde, Abigail Bell, Raven Breeden, Naheemah Bey, Zaniyah English, Dara Hernandez-Vargas, Marbella Ortega-Mills, Amiya Revis, Kamilah Torres Ruiz, Nyimasata Sambou
Heritage High School
Ariel Cobro, Cristhal Diaz Lopez, Cindy Estrada-Castro, Cristy Rivera Ruiz, Makaylah Autry, Lyzette Najera Guzman, Todd Coleman, Isabel Young, Maria Cardenas Manzanilla
Hillside High School
Ashanti Bellamy, Maliya Blandford, Zyasiya Davenport, Aryana Faucette, Bailey Gaines, Joy Gray, Autumn Lee, Jianna Wells
Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School
Lauryn Benjamin, Tah’Jah Everett, Salla Jallow, Ivana Jones, Zoe Lewis, Terrya Montgomery, Jozlynn Robinson, Danielle Simpson
Meet the Choreographers
Angie Jahen Amado is a senior at Broughton High School, where she excels both academically and artistically. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) dancer, she dedicates herself to exploring the expressive and technical aspects of dance. Angie is also an enthusiastic member of Caps Crew, Broughton's hip hop team, where she collaborates with her peers to create dynamic performances. Beyond dance, Angie is actively involved in her school’s Student Leadership Team, where she contributes her voice and leadership skills to support and inspire her school community.
Abigail Bell is a 17-year-old senior at EWHS, who has been an active member of the dance team and dance company since her freshman year. Currently serving as co-captain of both teams, Abigail demonstrates her passion for dance and her leadership skills. Born in Florida and raised in North Carolina, she began dancing at the age of 5 and has maintained a deep love for the art form ever since. After high school, Abigail plans to attend Howard University, where she intends to major in Psychology and minor in Dance, further combining her interests in the arts and human behavior.
Ariel Corbo is a passionate dancer whose journey began in an after-school program in New York City. Over the years, Ariel has seized numerous opportunities to deepen his understanding of dance, embracing a wide range of perspectives and styles. This evolving journey has fueled his profound love for the art, which has provided him comfort, expression, and growth. Now, Ariel aims to share that same passion with others, hoping to inspire and uplift through the joy and transformative power of movement.
Zyasiya Davenport a 17-year-old dancer, is the 2024-2025 Sting Company Captain for Hillside High School's dance company. Zya began dancing at just 2 years old and started formal technique training by age 6. Skilled across a wide array of dance styles, she excels in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, African, and Liturgical dance. Zya has graced the stage in Hillside productions like *Matilda* and *Annie*, and has competed in numerous dance competitions. Beyond performing, she enjoys teaching jazz, ballet, and tumbling to young dancers from other studios.
Cristhal Diaz is a passionate dancer at Heritage High School, whose love for dance began in the Dominican Republic. From her early beginnings, she has been deeply engaged in the art form, and her appreciation for dance has only grown over the years. This love has inspired her to work harder, explore various dance styles, and continually improve her craft. Cristhal is dedicated to sharing the beauty and power of movement with the world, using dance as a means of expression and connection. Her journey reflects a commitment to both personal growth and the celebration of dance as an art form.
Cindy Estrada-Castro is a senior at Heritage High School, where she actively participates in both the Heritage High School dance team and the K-pop dance team. Her dance journey began with traditional Mexican dances performed alongside her sister, sparking her initial love for movement. As she grew, Cindy started learning K-pop dances at home, which led her to explore and develop a genuine passion for jazz and hip-hop. This expanding interest in various dance styles has enriched her artistic expression. In addition to her performance activities, Cindy runs a company that specializes in creating choreography for quinceañeras and other events, showcasing her creativity and dedication to the art of dance.
Aryana Faucette, a dedicated 17-year-old dancer, is a member of the Hillside High School Dance Company. She has immersed herself in dance since the age of 7, discovering a particular love for hip-hop and creating her own choreography. Dance is more than a hobby for Aryana; it’s a way to express her emotions and bring happiness into her life. Her commitment and passion shine through her dynamic hiphop performances and creative routines.
Dara Hernandez-Vargas is a 17-year-old senior at EWHS, born and raised in North Carolina. She began her dance journey at the age of 8 and has nurtured her passion for dance ever since. Currently, Dara serves as one of the co-captains of the Elev8 and Blue Reign Dance Team, where she demonstrates her leadership and dedication to the art of dance. After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year university, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Dance. In her free time, Dara enjoys baking, writing, and listening to music, embracing her creative side beyond the dance studio.
Samantha Johnson is a senior at Broughton High School who actively contributes to her school’s vibrant arts and leadership communities. As a dedicated member of the Broughton Dance Ensemble, she channels her passion for dance into expressive performances. Samantha is also part of Caps Crew, the school’s hip hop team, where she collaborates with fellow dancers to create dynamic routines. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Samantha is a valued member of the Student Leadership Team, where she helps guide and inspire her peers.
Ivana Jones is a junior at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School, currently at the Proficient Dance level. She began her dance journey in the second grade and soon added gymnastics to her repertoire, which has significantly influenced her movement and growth as a dancer. Ivana actively participates in various dance events at SRMHS, including Emerging Artists, the Spring Concert, and Semester Class showings, where she showcases the skills she’s developed in class. Additionally, she has contributed to freshman orientation and open house events. In her free time, Ivana enjoys reading books and watching movies. She is also a proud member of the National Honor Society, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and leadership.
Kai King is a 16-year-old senior at EWHS, where she has made significant contributions to both the dance team and dance company since her freshman year. She became captain of these teams her junior year, showcasing her leadership abilities and passion for dance. In addition to her dance commitments, Kai is actively involved in various clubs, including the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Warrior Ambassadors, and she proudly serves as the current Student Body President at EWHS. Outside of her academic and extracurricular activities, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends and focuses on studying her Bible. After high school, Kai plans to attend a four-year university to major in Business Management, with aspirations of moving on to law school to become a contract attorney.
Zoe Lewis is a sophomore at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School, currently in her second year of dance. With a passion for movement that began at the age of three, Zoe took a break from dance at ten but made a triumphant return during her freshman year. In addition to her dedication to dance, she is an active member of the SRMHS band auxiliary, Sapphire Reign, where she combines her love for music and performance. Zoe is also proud to be part of the National Honor Society, showcasing her commitment to academic excellence and leadership within her school community.
Kate Maness is a junior at Broughton High School who is deeply involved in both the arts and leadership. As a member of the Broughton Dance Ensemble and Dance Team, Kate dedicates herself to refining her skills and expressing her passion for dance. She also plays an active role on the Student Leadership Team, where she works to support and inspire her peers. Through her commitment to both dance and leadership, Kate makes a positive impact on her school community.
Catherine Missie is a junior at Broughton High School with a strong commitment to the arts and leadership. As a member of the Dance Ensemble, she dedicates herself to mastering the art of dance and showcasing her talent. Catherine also contributes her energy to Caps Crew, the school’s hip hop team, where she collaborates with fellow dancers to create powerful performances. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she is an active member of the Student Leadership Team, using her voice and initiative to make a positive impact within her school community.
Terrya "TJ" Jenai Montgomery, daughter of Ryan O. Montgomery, Sr. and Terrica M. Montgomery, has been passionate about dance since the age of three. Now a senior at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School, TJ has honed her skills in lyrical, ballet, and pointe, studying under Ms. Lisa Wilder and training with renowned studios like Peridance and Broadway Center in New York. Her vibrant performances have graced events such as the African American Cultural Festival, Pieces of Gold, and the 2024 City of Garner's Juneteenth Celebration. Beyond dance, TJ is an honor student, varsity cheerleader, student athletic trainer, and track team member. She plans to pursue a degree in Physical or Recreational Therapy, with a minor in Psychology, combining her love for movement and helping others.
Cristy Rivera Ruiz is a passionate dancer whose love for dance began in 3rd grade, practicing K-pop routines in her bedroom. Her dance journey took a pivotal turn at age 13, when she attended her first dance class and met a transformative teacher who opened her eyes to new styles. This teacher introduced her to the wider world of dance, an art form that would become an essential part of her daily life. Today, Cristy continues to embrace dance, both as a discipline and a form of self-expression.
Danielle Simpson is a dedicated dancer with four years of experience in the Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School Dance Department. Throughout her time at Southeast, Danielle has achieved notable accomplishments, including serving as Sapphire Reign Captain for 2024-25 and Co-Captain for 2023-24. She was also named SRMHS Dance Department Dancer of the Year in 2023-24 and crowned SRMHS Homecoming Queen for 2024-25. Danielle has performed in a variety of events, such as Pieces of Gold (2022-2025), the Raleigh Christmas Parade (2022-2025), and the Dreamville Block Party in 2024. After graduating, Danielle plans to attend Winston-Salem State University to pursue a degree in social work.
Sienna Urben is a junior at Broughton High School, where she brings her passion and commitment to various aspects of school life. As a member of the Dance Ensemble, she explores her love for movement and performance, while also contributing her energy and creativity to Caps Crew, Broughton’s hip hop team. Sienna is a dedicated member of the Student Leadership Team as well, using her voice and leadership abilities to positively impact her school community.
Jianna Wells, crowned 2024 Miss Hillside, is a distinguished senior at Hillside High School. With a robust background in dance that started at an early age, Jianna has honed her skills in tap, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop. A dedicated member of the school's esteemed travel dance company, "Sting," for three years, she led the team as captain during the 2023-24 season, showcasing her leadership and artistic vision. Renowned for her choreography talent, Jianna has previously partnered with Zya on duets, and 2024 marks their collaborative debut in choreographing for a small group.
Jaslyn Wooten is a senior at Broughton High School, where she is an active and dedicated student. She is an International Baccalaureate (IB) dance student, showcasing her passion and talent for movement.
Jaslyn is also a proud member of Caps Crew, Broughton's hip hop team, where she hones her skills and performs with her peers. Additionally, she plays a key role on the Student Leadership Team, contributing her insights and leadership to help guide her school community.
Isabel Young is a dedicated dance student at Heritage High School who began her dance journey at the age of 5. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to explore and learn various dance styles from a diverse range of instructors, enriching her experience and deepening her appreciation for the art of dance. These experiences have fostered a profound love for dance, which Isabel views as a powerful means of self-expression. Dance not only allows her to showcase her creativity but also serves as a source of comfort during challenging times, providing solace when she feels down or stressed. Congratulations Choreographers!
SRMHS Technical Theater Crew
Technical Theater Director Ms. Maretha Rawls
Stage Manager Cosette Woehl
Assistant Stage Manager Madii Sargent
Lightboard Operator Gabriel Hobbs
Spotlight Operator Victor Adigwe
Spotlight Operator Salma Sierra-Flore
Soundboard Naomi Launer
Run Crew Seanelle Adigwe
Run Crew Juliette Dushime
Run Crew Isreel Watson
Run Crew Mariel Slater
Run Crew Zavion Powell
Acknowledgements
The Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School Dance Department would like to thank the Dance Directors of Broughton High School; Betsy Graves, Heritage High School; Jennifer Parker, Hillside High School; Toya Chinfloo, and East Wake High School; Aisha Mayo for nurturing outstanding creative souls. The SRMHS Dance Department would also like to thank our principal Mr. Harden and the Southeast Raleigh faculty and staff for their support. Special Thanks to Deana Murrell, Shuntrelle Thornton- Jones, Mrs. Delores Jones, The Dance Boosters, Ms. Maretha Rawls, and the SRMHS Theater Tech students for giving their time and talents to ensure the success of this program.
Expressing Myself Through Movement
In rhythm's pulse, I find my voice, A language clear, a timeless choice. No need for words, my heart replies, In leaps and spins, I touch the skies.
Each step a story, woven tight, A burst of joy, or whispered night. From toes to fingertips, I glow, In movements only dancers know.
I twist and turn, release my care, Emotions raw, laid open, bare. The beat commands, I give my all, Rise, descend, then softly fall.
Hip-hop’s power, jazz ’ s grace, Contemporary’s tender embrace.
Tap’s sharp echoes, rhythm’s play, A symphony where shadows sway.
From the stage, I meet the crowd, Silence shared, then clapping loud.
But in that moment, eyes ablaze, I’m free, alive, wrapped in praise.
For here, in motion, I am true, Expressing what I never knew.
Through each pirouette, jump, and groove, I find myself in how I move.
