Good Evening Everyone,  

We are glad to present the MTSU Dance Theatre company in tonight’s performance. This semester’s Fall Dance Concert features faculty, guest artist, and student choreography. Through this semester’s guest artist experience, our students engaged in an intensive residency with guest choreographer, Herman Ramos. He is a dynamic dance artist and educator that utilizes a versatile approach that utilizes a fusion of contemporary and hip hop movement vocabulary with culturally poignant emphasis. This choreographic residency was made possible through the generous support of the MTSU Distinguished Lecture Fund. Professional experiences like these, provide the opportunity to bring a diversified knowledge and expertise of dance to MTSU. Students are able to expand their preparation for the artistic landscape of the dance profession while developing their professional networks.  

Tonight’s concert will also feature choreography by dance major, Emma C.W. Loy, who’s creative process was funded through the MTSU URECA grant program. Through this grant funding, she invested in developing her choreographic methods by attending the prestigious American Dance Festival at Duke University. Through this experience, she engaged in development through the guidance of former members of the Doug Varone and Dancers company, Adrienne Fang and Stephanie Liapis. Since this experience, Emma’s work has continued to evolve through faculty mentorship, continued collaboration with composer Briggs Copeland, her cast of dancers, and the production design team.    

All student performers you will see in tonight’s concert are company members of the MTSU Dance Theatre. This company experience is modeled to reflect the professional landscape of concert dance performance. Through the creative process of preparing for tonight’s concert, these dancers have invested extensive hours in both the studio and classroom to heighten their physical, intellectual, and artistic awareness. It is through this process, that we as an artistic community are able to celebrate diversity, investigate perspectives, collaborate, and appreciate our collective contributions to the artform.  

We in the MTSU Dance Program believe that dance performance has the ability to evoke powerful responses and connections for our audiences. On behalf of our students and faculty, we invite you to enjoy tonight’s concert, and we thank you for your support in cultivating the dance community.  

Jade Treadwell

Herman Ramos is a native of Northern Virginia. His initial training came from local Hip Hop crews of the DC metro area where he specialized in breakdance and Hip Hop choreography. He remained active in the culture and battled in the North Florida areas until 2010. Upon beginning his classical training in Florida he simultaneously toured regionally with Apocalypse Dance Crew and worked locally with the Danscompany of Gainesville where he has frequently returned as a guest artist.   

Herman received his MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Florida State University in 2016; shifting some focus to improving his pedagogy with various teaching opportunities at the University of Florida, the South Eastern Regional American College Dance Association and the annual American Dance Festival in Durham, North Carolina. Through studies in Jazz dance practices, Herman holds a teaching certification in Giordano dance technique. Recently, Herman has worked with dance departments at University of Tampa, Texas A&M, and the College of Charleston  to set new work and provide additional lectures in African Diasporic practices of Jazz and Hip Hop; receiving the Quattlebaum Guest Artist residency at the lattermost school. As a guest teacher, Herman has taught various contemporary styles at many local dance studios and high schools across the state of Florida; appearing as a guest artist for the Volusia County Performance Dance Assessment All-County squad.    

As a dance performer/choreographer, he is currently immersed in the Orlando contemporary dance scene and is a contributing artist with Non-Profit Company: Emergence Dance. Other notable choreographic project interactions from Herman’s career include work with members of Florida State University dance faculty, the Red Project (NYC), Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre (Miami), and T Lang Dance (ATL). Herman holds adjunct dance faculty positions at Santa Fe College and the University of Florida. 

Title: Acceleration

choreographers: Jade Treadwell and Kim Holt 

Music: Original composition by Kevin O’Donnell 

Lighting Designer: Sarah Hall 

Costume Designer: Trish Clark 

Dancers: Xan Barrell, Elizabeth Boyd, Rae Bracey, Amelia Brown, Anna Conar, Joy Echols, Brooke Harman, Morgan Hayes, Miranda Laurent, Naomi Laurent, Emma C.W. Loy, Rylee Mallicoat, Kenzie McCroskey, Natalie McCutcheon, Millie Miles, Keke Moore, Rhonwyn Moore, Julia Peasall, Emma Pickett, Laci Rose, Maya Siciliano, Jakhia Smith, Emma Sutt, Brittany Tillery, and Shelby Williams 

Program Note:  

 In the spirit of collaboration, community, and connection, Acceleration was created to introduce the vibrant MTSU Dance Theatre company.  

Title: a soft place to land

Music: “Landing” an original composition by Briggs Copeland 

Choreographer: Emma C.W. Loy 

Rehearsal Assistant: Joy Echols 

Lighting Designer: Lauren Roddy 

Costume Designer: Katie Sellers 

Dancers: Xan Barrell, Rae Bracey, Amelia Brown, Anna Conar, Brooke Harman, Morgan Hayes, Rylee Mallicoat, Natalie McCutcheon, Keke Moore, Cara Paty, Emma Pickett, Allyson Ruble, Maya Siciliano, Brittany Tillery, Shelby Williams, and Julia Peasall (understudy) 

Program Note: 

Do you think the stars feel lonely? They may, but they aren’t alone.   

Choreographer’s Note: 

Thank you to my cast of dancers, for your commitment, energy, and creativity.  

To URECA for funding the research and experience of this creative process.  

To Jade Treadwell, for your mentorship and guidance. 

To Briggs, for creating a beautiful sound to ground the movement. 

To Elisha, I love you endlessly.  

Title: Featherlight

Choreographer: Jade Treadwell 

Music: “Pale Blue Dot” and “Melodies” by Cubicolor 

Lighting Designer: Sarah Hall 

Costume Designer: Trish Clark 

Dancers: Joy Echols, Morgan Hayes, Naomi Laurent, Emma C. W. Loy, Kenzie McCroskey, Millie Miles, Rhonwyn Moore, Cara Paty, Laci Rose, Allyson Ruble, Jakhia Smith, and Shelby Williams 

Program Note:

This is a contemporary modern dance piece designed to explore the various elements of joy and memorable experiences that contribute to it. Featherlight embodies joy in solitude in a peaceful, calm, serene, individualistic nature in the first section, followed by collective, robust, energetic joy in the second section. 

Choreographer’s Note:

Much gratitude is extended to this cast for engaging in the collaboratively structured choreographic process. The dancers committed to exploring movement prompts to investigate joy and youthful play as impetus in the initial rehearsal phases of this piece’s development.  

INTERMISSION (10 MINUTES) 

Title: [Don’t] Tell Me More

Choreographer: Alexandra Winer (in collaboration with the dancers) 

Music: “Kaleidoscope” by Nils Frahm 

Lighting Designer: Darren E. Levin  

Costume Designer: Trish Clark 

Dancers: Elizabeth Boyd, Rae Bracey, Anna Conar, Joy Echols, Brooke Harman, Morgan Hayes, Miranda Laurent, Emma C.W. Loy, Rylee Mallicoat, Natalie McCutcheon, Millie Miles, Laci Rose, Maya Siciliano, Brittany Tillery, and Rhonwyn Moore  

Program Note:

Drawn towards the light, we see more than we were ever meant to see. We seek out endless stimuli. We are served the bad and get stuck in the glow.   

Choreographer’s Note:

Thank you, dancers, for following me on this creative journey. I’m forever grateful for your willingness to take risks and fall into the unknown. 

Title: It Echoes Between 

Choreography: Jee Ahn (in collaboration with dancers) 

Music: “Partita for 8 Voices: III. Courante” by Caroline Shaw; “An Overwhelming Hope of Heartbreak” by Michael Wall; “The 3 Gs” by Kenji Bunch

Lighting Designer: Logan Purcell 

Costume Designer: Trish Clark 

PROP Designer: Josh Bennett

Dancers: Xan Barrell, Maya Siciliano, Joy Echols, Laci Rose, Allyson Ruble, Emma Sutt, Cara Paty, Natalie McCutcheon, Julia Pearsall, and Emma C.W. Loy (Understudy)   

Program Note:

It Echoes Between is a journey through the stages of grief, symbolized by the white chrysanthemum, a flower representing sorrow, remembrance, and resilience. The movements reflect layers of denial, resentment, bargaining, despair, and acceptance, inviting us to honor loved ones while embracing a quiet strength within. This piece is dedicated to those who have experienced loss. 

Choreographer’s note:

This piece is dedicated to those who have experienced loss, as well as to my family. My deepest appreciation to the dancers for their artistry, commitment, and collaboration in this journey.  

Title: The Train 

Choreography: Herman Ramos 

Rehearsal Assistant: Kim Holt 

Music: Excerpts from the Documentary “The Hippest Trip in America” from VH1; "Do it Tonight" by Cedric Gervais; "Boogie Wonderland" by Mr. Belt & Wezol; "Good Times" by Mr. Belt & Wezol; "Workin' Day and Night" by Michael Jackson 

Lighting Designer: Logan Purcell 

Costume Designer: Costumes For Dance Class, led by Trish Clark 

Dancers: Xan Barrell, Amelia Brown, Anna Conar, Brooke Harman, Miranda Laurent, Rylee Mallicoat, Kenzie McCroskey, Keke Moore, Rhonwyn Moore, Julia Peasall, Emma Sutt, Emma Pickett (understudy), and Allyson Ruble (understudy) 

Program Note:

Funkstyles dance and Soul Train go hand in hand. It is difficult to study one without the other. In a similar fashion, the future of Hip Hop dance hinges on its roots and it would be ill-advised to discuss that future without the mention of Funkstyles. 

MTSU Department of Theatre and Dance would like to thank the MTSU Distinguished Lecture Fund for their generous support. Through this support, MTSU Dance students of MTSU Dance Theatre had the opportunity to engage in a choreographic residency with Florida based guest artist, Herman Ramos, for the development of a new work presented in tonight’s concert, The Train.

MTSU Dance Student Society Board President: Joy Echols 

Board representatives:  Julia Peasall (Vice President), Morgan Hayes (Treasurer), Emma C.W. Loy (Secretary), Millie Miles, Kai Wahba  (Student Gala Coordinator)/Assistant Student Gala Coordinator), Allyson Ruble (Social Media Rep), Natalie McCutcheon, Kenzie McCroskey, Naomi Laurent (Volunteer/Major/Minor Rep), Emma Sutt (First Year Rep), Anna Conar, Maggie Gilchrist, Miranda Laurent, Maya Siciliano, Brittany Tillery (Members at Large)

MTSU Dance Theatre would like to give a very special thank you to the following businesses that donated items to our Silent Auction. All amounts raised from this event will go to the Dance Enrichment Fund which helps fund program scholarships for our dance majors and future program developments. 

Bellissimo, Cracker Barrel, Kim Deale, Marathon Pilates, Miller’s Ale House, Area 54, Metro Parks Dance Division, The Children’s Ballet Theatre, Nolia Newsom- Afro Inspirations, Main Event, Pamela Davis, Cinnaholic, Red Bicycle, Kroger, Five Senses, Cannon Arts Dance Studio, Barnes and Noble College Bookstore, Chuy’s Tex Mex - Murfreesboro, Station Grill - Murfreesboro, Chop House, and The Dance Store.

The MTSU Dance Theatre would like to acknowledge the generous support of the MTSU College of Liberal Arts, Ascend Federal Credit Union, the MTSU Distinguish Lecture Committee, the faculty and staff of the Department of Theatre and Dance, and the production crew. Finally, a special thank you to the dancers of the MTSU Dance Theatre for their tireless dedication and devotion. 

Xan Barrell

Elizabeth Boyd

Rae Bracey

Amelia Brown

Anna Conar

Joy Echols

Brooke Harman

Morgan Hayes

Miranda Laurent

Naomi Laurent

Emma C.W. Loy

Rylee Mallicoat

Kenzie McCroskey

Natalie McCutcheon 

Millie Miles

Keke Moore

Rhonwyn Moore

Cara Paty

Julia Peasall

Emma Pickett

Laci Rose

Allyson Ruble

Maya Siciliano

Jakhia Smith

Emma Sutt

Brittany Tillery

Shelby Williams

Artistic Director

Jade Treadwell 

Guest Choreographer

Herman Ramos 

Choreographers

Jee Ahn, Kim Holt, Emma C.W. Loy, Jade Treadwell, 

and Alexandra Winer 

Costume Design Coordinator

Trish Clark 

Costume Designers 

Trish Clark, Katie Sellers, and Students of THEA 4280 

Lead Lighting Designer

Logan Purcell 

Co- Lighting Designers 

Sarah Hall, Darren E. Levin, and Lauren Roddy 

Sound Design/Composition

Kevin O’Donnell 

Properties Design

Josh Bennett

Production Coordinator

Kim Holt 

Stage Manager

Kayley Eaton 

Asst. Stage Managers 

Abigail Creekmore, Mac Adkins, and Grace Grieshop 

Technical Director

Scott McElheney 

Production Electrician

Susie Monk 

Sound Engineer

Kevin O'Donnell

Wardrobe Head

Bailey Dorflinger-Slee 

Wardrobe Crew

THEA 3200 

LX Board Operator

Sean Stepnowski 

Deck LX

Eyan Saunders and James Nash 

Scenic Shop Supervisor

Josh Bennett 

Costume Shop Supervisor

Katie Sellers 

Marketing Content Coordinator

Aaron Johnson 

Production Manager

John Underwood 

Dance Faculty Advisors 

Jade Treadwell, Jee Ahn, and Alexandra Winer 

Stage Management Faculty Advisor

Kate Goodwin 

Costume Design Faculty Advisor

Trish Clark 

Lighting Design Faculty Advisor

Darren E. Levin 

Scenic Design Faculty Advisor

Scott Boyd 

Sound Design Faculty Advisor

Kevin O’Donnell 

 
Technical Direction Faculty Advisor

Scott McElheney

Thank you, Ascend Federal Credit Union, for sponsoring MTSU Arts.

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, part of the
Rubenstein Arts Access Program, is generously funded by
David and Alice Rubenstein.

Special thanks to The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust for supporting the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

Additional support is provided by The Honorable Stuart Bernstein and Wilma E. Bernstein; the Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; and Beatrice and Anthony Welters and the AnBryce Foundation.

KCACTF is part of JFKC: A Centennial Celebration of John F. Kennedy, inspired by five enduring Ideals often ascribed to JFK: Courage, Freedom, Justice, Service, and Gratitude. Support for JKFC: A Centennial Celebration of John F. Kennedy is provided by Ambassador Elizabeth Bagley, Chevron, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, and Target.

Kennedy Center education and related artistic programming is made possible through the generosity of the National Committee for the Performing Arts and the President's Advisory Committee on the Arts. This production Is entered In the Kennedy Center American College Theater
Festival (KCACTF). The aims of this national theater education program are to identity and promote quality in college-level theater production. To this end, each production entered is eligible for a response by a regional KCACTF representative, and selected students and faculty are invited to participate in KCACTF programs involving scholarships. internships, grants, and awards for actors, directors, dramaturgs, playwrights, designers, stage managers and critics at both the regional and national levels.

Productions entered on the Participating level are eligible for invitation to the KCACTF regional festival and may also be considered for national awards recognizing outstanding achievement In production, design, direction and performance.

By entering this production, our theater department is sharing in the KCACTF goals to recognize. reward. and celebrate the exemplary work produced in college and university theaters across the nation.