Mirror: Fall Dance Concert

ST. AGNES ACADEMY ARTS PRESENTS

Mirror

FALL DANCE CONCERT featuring works by guest artists

JESUS ACOSTA JOEL AGUILERA SAMI DEAKIN KEN EPTING JESSICA LUZ FIGUEROA DORRELL MARTIN MICHELLE McKAY TEMPEST McCLENDON BRI SANFORD BOBBI JENE SMITH AMBER TAYLOR and special guest

ST. AGNES TIGER GIRLS KAYLEE HOFFNER, Director Scenic & Lighting Design JON BONNER Sound & Props Design ROBERTO AGUILAR Production Stage Manager CAMILLE GREELEY '24

Director of Dance JOHN BEASANT III MEYER HALL December 2, 2023

program The Hopeful Parents \\ Lost Mountain Excerpt (a dance film) Choreography: Bobbi Gene Smith Performers: Bobbie Gene Smith and Or Meir Schraiber Collapse Choreography: Jesus Acosta Performer: Alexandra Wong ‘26 Sorrow Choreography: Dorrell Martin Performer: Elle Bradley ‘25 Calligraphy Choreography: John Beasant III Performers: John Beasant III and Jessica Luz Figueroa Ain’t No Way Choreography: Ken Epting Performer: Annabelle Patman ‘24 Party Mix (Tiger Girls Competition Pom) Choreography: Sami Deakin Performers: Elle Bradley ‘25, Phoenix Chen ’24, Nikki Cortez ‘24, Mariah Dominguez ’24. Ella Etlinger ‘25, Ashlyn Gehrt ’24, Lilly Goodman ‘25, Natalie Halphen ’25, Ciara Lyon ‘26, Lucy Miggins ’25, Emma Olsen ‘25, and Alexandra Wong ‘26 To Love Somebody Choreography: Amber Taylor Performer: Ellen Norvell ‘26 Check the Style!

Choreography: Joel Aguilera Performers: Elle Bradley ‘25, Sachi Javle ’27, Amaya Rodney ‘25, and Georgie Rawson ‘26

program - continued XO Choreography: Michelle McKay Performer: Phoenix Chen ‘24 Silencio Flor Choreography: Jessica Luz Figueroa Performer: Amaya Rodney ‘25 Inertia Choreography: Tempest McClendon Performers: Annabelle Patman ‘24 and Fiona Yang ‘26 Voices (Tiger Girls Competition Jazz) Choreography: Bri Sanford Performers: Elle Bradley ‘25, Phoenix Chen ’24, Nikki Cortez ‘24, Ella Etlinger ’25, Ashlyn Gehrt ‘24, Lilly Goodman ’25, Natalie Halphen ‘25, Suejin Lee ’24, Ciara Lyon ‘26, Lucy Miggins ’25, Emma Olsen ‘25, Georgie Rawson ’26, Chandler White ‘27, and Alexandra Wong ‘26 Tribute to the Lost Choreography: John Beasant III Performer: John Beasant III

There will be NO intermission *The videotaping or other video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

THE CHOREOGRAPHERS Jesus Acosta, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, discovered his passion for dance at eighteen, igniting a career that recently transitioned from full-time dancing to exploring diverse avenues in the dance world. As a founding member of the Houston Contemporary Dance company for three seasons and NobleMotion Dance for nine seasons, where he also served as rehearsal director, Acosta has left an indelible mark. His dance journey includes Houston Metropolitan Dance Company (4 yr.) and the Kista Tucker MA Dance and Auxiliaries (18 yr.), where he excelled as a choreographer and judge nationwide. Beyond high school collaborations, he choreographed for the Houston Texans Cheerleaders and judged prestigious events like The Dance Worlds. Currently teaching jazz at Dance du Coeur in Sugar Land, TX, and Boni’s Performing Arts Studio in the Woodlands, TX, Acosta, a dedicated Company Director for eight years, is also a loving dad to two dogs and three cats—Gwen, Ivy, Josey, Penny, and Regina.

Joel Aguilera is a Houston-based choreographer, instructor, and performer with an MFA in Dance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and BFA in Dance from the University of Houston. As a performer, Aguilera has performed nationally and internationally including countries such as Albania, Montenegro, and Costa Rica. In Houston, Aguilera has opened for John Legend, Pitbull, and Lil’ Wayne alongside Kreate Inc., entertained with Houston Rockets Launch Crew for two seasons, and currently spends his time as an Adjunct Professor teaching Hip Hop dance at The University of Houston and teaches at several studios in the Greater Houston area. Aguilera is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Mezclada Dance Company and has presented his work in Houston, New York, Milwaukee, Austin, and St. Louis. Most recently Aguilera presented work In WORLDWINDS alongside the Multi Grammy Award Winning Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra at the Chelsea Factory in. New York, New York.

John Beasant III, an American performer, teacher, and choreographer of Colombian heritage, is the Artistic Director of John Beasant and Dancers, a project-based dance company.

Hailing from Denver, Colorado, he earned his MFA in dance (with a choreography emphasis) from the University of Utah.

Beasant has collaborated with renowned NYC-based companies including Doug Varone and Dancers, the José Limón Dance Company, the Metropolitan Opera, and Elisabeth Motley/Motley Dance. As a founding member of Andrea Miller's Gallim Dance (2007), he contributed significantly to its early success. Beasant's choreography has been commissioned globally, with credits including the Compañia de Cámera Danza of Costa Rica and the Juilliard School. With a broad reach, he has danced, taught, and created throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

THE CHOREOGRAPHERS Sami Deakin, a dance enthusiast hailing from Muskego, WI, honed her skills at Starz Dance Academy, specializing in pom, jazz, lyrical, and ballet. Her dedication led to numerous National Championships and a World Championship in the AllStar circuit. A four-year member and senior captain of Muskego High School Varsity Dance team, Sami earned multiple team and individual titles. Currently pursuing a master’s in accounting at the University of Wisconsin, she is concluding her fifth and final year on the Wisconsin Dance Team, serving as captain for four years. In this role, Sami contributes to choreography for fight songs, time-out performances, and the team’s Home Routine at UDA College Camp. Graduating in May 2023, Sami reflects her passion for dance and leadership throughout her impressive journey.

Kenneth Epting, a Chicago native in Houston for twenty-six years, holds a Metallurgical Engineering degree from Purdue University and a counseling master’s from Prairie View A&M University. Certified in secondary mathematics, he's a lifelong member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity. As an acclaimed dancer and choreographer, Kenneth trained at Joseph Holmes Dance Theatre and Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, earning the Horton Pedagogy Certificate in 2014. A 1984 Chicago NAACP ACT-SO Gold Medalist in Dance and 2008 Houston NAACP ACT-SO Alumni Honoree, Kenneth's influence extends beyond dance, serving as a judge and Artistic Director for the Classic Dance Ensemble at Prairie View A&M University. Currently, the Purchasing and Technology Manager for the Houston Academy of Dance and West University Dance Centre, he also owns Kenneth Epting Educational Consultants. As the founder and Artistic Director of Exclamation Dance Company, Kenneth dedicates his art to his late mother, Beatrice Epting.

Jessica Luz Figueroa, born in Havana, Cuba, is a versatile artist with a passion for dance and choreography. Immersed in a rich artistic environment from a young age, she began flamenco dancing at 4, weaving her cultural roots into her craft. Alongside her proficiency in flamenco, Jessica boasts a diverse dance background, spanning hip hop, commercial dance, contemporary, jazz, and modern styles. Graduating with a BFA in Dance from The University of Houston in 2020, she forged valuable connections and went on to perform with renowned companies like Chapman Dance, 6 Degrees, Sophonia, and Alas Dance. Committed to community engagement, Jessica produced two full-length shows in 2021—Upturn, focusing on post-Covid-19 recovery, and a Christmas fundraiser featuring diverse artists. With over 5 years of teaching experience in Houston schools and a role as an artist/performer at Ciel Restaurant and Lounge, Jessica continues to evolve as an independent artist, embracing each day's opportunities with a fervor for dance and singing.

THE CHOREOGRAPHERS Dorrell Martin is a seasoned dance professional with a rich background in teaching, choreography, and directing. He is the founder and former director of the Jazz and Contemporary Program at the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School in New York City and has served as the Artistic Director of the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company. A passionate educator, Martin travels extensively across the country sharing his expertise in jazz and contemporary dance, guiding aspiring dancers at colleges, universities, and dance institutions. His choreographic works have graced the stages of various performance venues, captivating audiences with their artistry and creativity.

Currently, Martin leads the 713 Dance Ensemble and heads the upper school dance program at St. John's, continuing to inspire and nurture the next generation of dancers. His dedication to the art form and his commitment to fostering talent make him a respected figure in the dance world.

Michelle McKay, a Houston native and Sam Houston State University BFA in Dance graduate, excels in Vaganova ballet and diverse styles like contemporary and jazz. As a Chi Tau Epsilon member, she prioritized community service, integrating dance into local schools. Certified in Mat 1&2 Pilates, Michelle values its impact on body strength. Her training spans coast to coast, working with renowned choreographers like Mia Michaels and Travis Wall. Attending prestigious programs on performance scholarships, Michelle evolved from competitive dancer to award-winning choreographer. Eager to explore and share diverse dance styles, she remains passionate about her art.

Tempest McClendon holds a B.A. in Dance with double minors in Technology Leadership and Innovation Management, and Studio Arts from the University of Houston. As a recent graduate of the 22-23 Artist-in-Residence program with Dance Source Houston, their improvisational piece "dih-loo-zhuhn" premiered at the June 2023 Barnstorm Dance Festival. Actively engaged in the dance community, Tempest serves as the cochair of Houston Ballet's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee, a member of the Advisory Leadership Alumni Group for Diversity and Inclusion at UH Dance Department and was a 20-21 Dance Ambassador for Dance Source Houston. They are also a company member of 6' Degrees Dance. Tempest, who began dance studies in 2017, has performed, choreographed, and taught in diverse venues such as MATCH, Zilkha Hall, Houston City Hall, and Miller Outdoor Theatre. Committed to fostering connection, equality, and positive change, Tempest embodies these values in their collaborative practices.

THE CHOREOGRAPHERS Bri Sanford, a Louisiana native, emerged from a background of studio competitions and award-winning NDTC High School dance teams. With an impressive choreographic talent, she has garnered numerous awards for both studios and dance teams.

In her role as head coach, Bri has remarkably transformed Southside High School's dance team into a nationally top-ten ranked powerhouse within just five years. Recognized as a trendsetter, her choreography stands out for its innovation and edginess. Beyond winning, Bri sees choreography as a transformative experience, aiming to create moments that leave a lasting impact on both the team and the fortunate audience.

Bobbi Jene Smith, born in Centerville, Iowa, and now residing in New York City, she was a Batsheva Dance Company member (2005-2014) under Ohad Naharin's direction. Since 2014, she's been part of Punchdrunk's Sleep No More, Dido and Aeneas, and Orphic Moment by Zack Winokur. A Juilliard, North Carolina School of the Arts, and Royal Winnipeg Ballet School alum, her choreography featured at Batsheva, PS122, Israel Museum, Luminato Festival, and more. She's the focus of a Tribeca Film Festival premiered documentary by Elvira Lind. Her film credits include Annihilation, MA, and Yossi. A certified Gaga technique teacher, she's taught Naharin's repertory worldwide.

Amber Taylor is a current manager of retail & design and credits her confident and well-rounded dance journey to the Memorial Dance Center of Houston (MDC). As a graduate of the University of Houston (2020), she serves as the Cougar Doll Dance Team Co-Captain Alum. Beyond the university stage, Amber has showcased her talents as a Big 3 dancer for Ice Cube's basketball tournament, touring across the country and combining her love for dance with travel. Grateful for the motivation instilled by her teachers at MDC, Amber acknowledges the foundation that propelled her to reach her full potential in the world of dance.

CONNECT WITH US! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK St. Agnes Academy Arts

POST YOUR PHOTOS ON INSTAGRAM @stagnesarts

WHO’S WHO THE CREW

SPECIAL THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Courtney Shopoff ‘24 - Light Board Katherine Olivero ‘26 - Deck Manager Lily Webber ‘26 - Deck Manager Daniela Bascom ’27, Emma Johnston ‘27, Kaylyn Learned ’27, Tess Pacetti ‘26, Lola Ridgway ‘26, Olivia Stanich ’27, Sarah Grace Zucker ‘27

Deborah Whalen, Head of School Carleen Raymond ‘00, Principal Dale Grassman, Director of Facilities NHS Student Ushers

THE SPEAKER & THE POET

Aaron McAllister Director of Fine & Performing Arts Jeremy M. Wood Performing Arts Department Chair & Director of Music Kim Fuselier Mendoza Associate Director of Music Jewell Handy ‘88 Director of Theatre Jon Bonner Technical Director Roberto Aguilar Asst. Technical Director John Beasant III Director of Dance Kaylee Hoffner Dance Terry Suprean Fine Arts Department Chair Laura Costa ‘78 Fine Arts Claire Loft Fine Arts Sharon Gehbauer ‘89 Fine Arts

AyoOluwa Cardozo ‘24 (The Speaker) J. Andrew Schrecker (Author of Insomniacs, We - book of poetry)

VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU to the following parent volunteers who have gone above and beyond in time and talents Michele Rawson Friends of the Arts (FOTA) Dance Chair Lori Etlinger Melanie Gehrt Denisse Lyons Abby Miggins

Tickets for future events here

ST. AGNES ACADEMY ARTS

2

8-9