April 16, 17, 18 / 8:00 p.m.
Space Place Theater
This performance will feature works choreographed by undergraduate students from the University of Iowa Department of Dance and one guest work.
Please be advised this performance includes haze and strobe lights.
Program
Practice of Return choreographed by Lindsey Wildman and Tyler Phi along with contributions from the cast
The World Ends With You choreographed by Madison Burkhart
in a world of blue choreographed by Emily Pyburn in collaboration with the dancers
dx/dt [the limit does not exist] choreographed by Claudia Jacobson
– Intermission –
Only I know. choreographed by Ruby Gentzler
Unbecoming choreographed by Allyson Meinders in collaboration with the dancers
She. choreographed by Evelyn Becker in collaboration with the dancer
Freedom to Flourish choreographed by Seth Robinson and Jeff Wolfe
Act I:
Practice of Return
Emotional sensations shift the way we perceive and move through the world. How can opposing feelings exist at once? This work traces Lindsey’s journey of noticing and honoring discomfort, allowing it to color the present while choosing to return to joy and manifesting its loudness among the negative.
Choreographed by Lindsey Wildman and Tyler Phi along with contributions from the cast
Music by Lindsey Wildman and Bea Beaman. Vocals by Lindsey Wildman. Lyrics by Billie Eilish.
Lighting Design: Lindsey Wildman and Jim Albert
Costume Design: Lindsey Wildman and Juliana Waechter
Sound Design: Kevin Swenson
Projection Design: Lindsey Wildman
Projection/Camera Installation and Operation: Emily Berkheimer and Bea Beaman
Dancers: Samantha Leverence, Harley Nielsen, Grace Noonan, Tyler Phi, Avery Provorse, Lindsey Wildman
Special thanks to to my mom for her reassurance and belief in my creative endeavors. Thank you to Mindy for her mentoring. Thank you to Dan for his mentoring and sharing his digital media knowledge with me. Thank you to Bea for helping create the music. Thank you to Tyler for helping create this work and for believing in and seeing the vision. Thank you to the cast for all your time, energy, and creativity. Thank you Toby for your emotional support during my 5 years of undergrad.
This World Ends With You
"One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began," - Mary Oliver
Choreographed by Madison Burkhart
Music: "Wh3n you're 0ut..." by Jason Palamara
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter
Sound Design: Jason Palamara
Dancer: Madison Burkhart
I would like to extend my thanks to Mindy Myers, for your guidance and support throughout this project. To my family, for supporting me in my journey of pursuing the arts. And to my fellow cohort, merde!
in a world of blue
This piece was built on themes of loneliness, doubt, depression, not feeling you're enough, and feeling a lack of belonging in the world. All of these themes have continuously resurfaced throughout my life and have made me into who I am today. Thank you to the friends I have gained along the way, I finally feel like I am seen and am excited for my future. Although this piece may not portray my life today, it's the start to my story. Thank you so much for coming:)
Choreographed by Emily Pyburn in collaboration with the dancers
Music composed and performed by Kevin Swenson
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter
Sound Design: Kevin Swenson
Dancers: Lilly Aylward, Illiana Banu, Addison Boon, Clare Danz, Sydney Gorak, Madeline Greenberg, Norah Jordan, Kelly Kramme, Lindsey McCord, Marley Mokosak, Sam Patterson, Emily Pyburn, Olivia Raebel, Olivia Shaw, Joy Singer, Sadie Vannieuwenhoven, Ava Waddilove
Please be advised this piece includes haze.
Special thanks to Kevin for working with me on the music and helping me bring my vision to life. A thank you to Juliana for guiding me through the costume process and making some decisions for me. And a massive thank you to Jenn Pray for supporting me through this challenge and for seeing me. Lastly a thank you to my dancers for trusting me in this process and for giving me your time to dance. Without you all this piece wouldn't be what it is!
dx/dt [the limit does not exist]
dx/dt [the limit does not exist] draws from the idea of rate of change with respect to time, understanding it less as a fixed answer and more as an ongoing process. In calculus, derivatives rely on limits, approaching something without ever fully arriving. This work connects to that sense of continual becoming, where meaning is found in the doing rather than the outcome.
The piece stays with process, valuing attention, listening, and the act of existing in time as it passes. There is a tension between seeing and being seen, where quiet and boldness can coexist, both equally present and valuable.
Time stretches and compresses, and the in-between begins to hold more weight than any clear result. The gap, the almost, the not-quite becomes a place to sit, even when it is uncomfortable. The work plays with nonlinearity, where time and change do not unfold in a straight line, but loop, shift, and return in unexpected ways. Everything is temporary, but nothing fully disappears; each experience and person leaves an imprint, shaping who you become.
Rather than seeking resolution, this work remains inside that ongoing change, considering what it means to stay with something as it unfolds.
Choreographed by Claudia Jacobson
Music composed by Douglas Baker
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter
Dancers: Chiara De Matteo, Noah Fox, Claudia Jacobson, Brenna Labus, Addison Magruder
Special thanks to my parents, Christine and Brent Jacobson, for their constant support, and to the University of Iowa Dance faculty for their guidance throughout my time here. Thanks to Zena Bibler, my faculty advisor, for her mentorship on this work. And to my amazing BFA cohort, for the inspiration, encouragement, and for sharing this experience alongside me.
Act II:
Only I know.
Beyond myself
somewhere
I wait for my arrival
-From “The Balcony” by Octavio Paz
Choreographed by Ruby Gentzler
Music: "Silk and vapor" by Douglas Baker
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter
Sound Design: Douglas Baker
Dancers: Madison Burkhart, Ruby Gentzler
My many thanks to Douglas Baker for sharing your brilliant sounds with us, and to my advisor Tony Orrico for your guidance. To Madison, for being the greatest partner in this dance and such a meaningful friend over the past four years—thank you. To my parents, for your unwavering support and endless love, I am so grateful. And to my favorite teammates in life—Duke, Doc, Carol, Maxx, and Gudge—thank you, thank you, thank you.
Unbecoming
Perfectionism becomes a world of crowded, frantic, and unexpectedly fragile energy. At its center is a pull between striving, masking, and a slow internal pressure that builds until it reaches a breaking point. The emotional landscape traces the exhaustion of holding everything together—the sharpness of self-critique, the numbness that replaces emotion, and the desperate attempt to stay connected while still hiding behind carefully constructed walls.
Expectations, pressures, memories, relationships, and internal voices shift in presence, overlapping and competing for control. At times they feel supportive; at others, suffocating, revealing both the strengths of perfectionism and the moment those same qualities begin to twist into burden.
A counteracting presence shapes a world balanced between chaos and control, where stability feels increasingly fragile. Beneath it all, the mind gradually frays under the weight of its own demands, exposing the cost of sustaining an unattainable ideal.
Choreographed by Allyson Meinders in collaboration with the dancers
Music: "The Wound Spring" by Douglas Baker
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter
Dancers: Lilly Aylward, Payton Contad, Jaidyn Davis, Madeline Greenberg, Jemma Hoffman, Ella Kempen, Kennedy Klubertanz, Allyson Meinders, Alexis Metzger, Natalie Prill, Allyson Radke, Ava Waddilove, Trinity Woody
Special thank you to my dancers for dealing with crazy intense process. My friends who came tonight and who have helped push me to the point I am now. Biggest shoutout to my family for being the biggest supporters throughout my journey.
She.
"I don't want to be liked. I want to be respected. And if I can't be respected, I will be feared. But I will not be ignored." -Margaret Atwood
Choreographed by Evelyn Becker in collaboration with the dancer
Music by Colin DeJong
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter
Dancer: Samantha Lorenc
Dedicated to my mom. Growing up under your wing has been nothing short of extraordinary. In moments when I have doubted myself, you have believed in me even more and given me the strength to continue on. Your love, support, and guidance have shaped every part of my life. You are the strongest woman I will ever know, and you inspire me everyday. I am forever grateful for your sacrifices, your wisdom, and your heart. I would not be the woman I am today without such a positive example of what a strong woman looks like. Without you, I am not me.
Thank you Jim Albert for the gorgeous lighting, Juliana Waechter for the gorgeous costume, and Colin DeJong for the gorgeous music.
Freedom to Flourish
There is a direction that cannot be taught, but only felt.
While others dissolve into motion, one remains tethered to it.
Misunderstood, set apart, drawn forward.
And in that surrender, finds the space to become.
Choreographed by Seth Robinson and Jeff Wolfe
Music: "Break the Disk" by Dreamt (bensound), "Slow Life" by Benjamin Lazzarus (bensound), "The Inside" by Benjamin Lazzarus (bensound)
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter
Dancers: Evelyn Becker, Madison Burkhart, Ruby Gentzler, Claudia Jacobson, Ally Meinders, Emily Pyburn, Lindsey Wildeman
Please be advised this piece includes strobe lights.
Meet the Team
Evelyn Becker | Choreographer Evelyn Becker is an accomplished dance major at the University of Iowa and is expected to graduate in May 2026. In addition to her primary focus in dance, she is pursuing a certification in Entrepreneurial Management. Evelyn began her dance training at the age of four at Main Street Dance Academy, cultivating her expertise in various styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance. Since enrolling in the university in 2022, she has showcased her talent in multiple performances and festivals and has received the Iowa Center for the Arts scholarship all four years in recognition of her dedication to dance. Post graduation she aspires to teach and to eventually establish her own dance studio in Arizona, combining her educational background and passion for the arts. |
Madison Burkhart | Choreographer Madison Burkhart (she/her) is a dance artist, choreographer, and educator from Homer Glen, IL. During her time at Iowa, she has had the opportunity to perform original works by Melinda Jean Myers, Jennifer Kayle, Stephanie Miracle, Danielle Russo, and Aaron Samuel Davis, along with restaged works by Martha Graham, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and Trisha Brown in their companies’ national tours (Graham 100 and Dancing with Bob). Throughout the 2024-25 academic year, Madison was a member of Trifecta Dance Collective 2, as a company artist under the direction of Carrie Patterson and Krissie Odegard Geye. This year, she has had the privilege of taking part in Dance Colony + Artists as a company artist, performing an improvisation solo and a work by Luca-Andrea Lino Tessarini. She is excited to share this work with you tonight! |
Ruby Gentzler | Choreographer Ruby Gentzler (she/her) grew up in Manhattan Beach, California dancing as part of the Redondo Ballet Company at Dance 1 Redondo. At the University of Iowa, she performed in GRAHAM100, dancing Martha Graham’s Panorama, and in the restaging of Trisha Brown’s Foray Forêt for the 2025 Dancing with Bob tour. In 2024, Ruby served as the rehearsal director for the Youth Melody cultural exchange touring in Beijing and Shanghai. She performed as a company artist with Trifecta Dance Collective 2 under the direction Carrie Patterson and Krissie Odegard Geye. Ruby is thrilled to showcase her work tonight! |
Claudia Jacobson | Choreographer Claudia Jacobson is a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of Iowa, pursuing a BFA in Dance, a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and a minor in Mathematics. She is from Gilman, Iowa, and began dancing at the age of 5 at Dance Konnection under the direction of Kimberlee Benson. At Iowa, she has performed in works by Zena Bibler, Trisha Brown, Martha Graham, Jennifer Kayle, Stephanie Miracle, and Danielle Russo, among others. Claudia also enjoys creating choreography, often drawing from her engineering and mathematics background to inspire the structures, patterns, and problem-solving approaches in her work. |
Allyson Meinders | Choreographer Allyson Meinders will graduate with highest distinction in May 2026 with a BFA in Dance and a Minor in Business Administration from the University of Iowa. Originally from Sibley, Iowa, she trained at Kay William Prunty’s The Dance Academy. Allyson has furthered her training with intensives at DanceWorks Chicago, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, St. Louis Dance Theatre, and Threads Dance Project. As a performer, Allyson has contributed to works by artists including Trisha Brown, Martha Graham, Aaron Samuel Davis, Paula Sousa, and the Faculty of the University of Iowa. Allyson is truly grateful to the University of Iowa Department of Dance, as well as the faculty, graduate students, and fellow undergraduates, for their support and inspiration over the past four years. |
Emily Pyburn | Choreographer Emily Pyburn is a fifth-year undergraduate student at the University of Iowa, graduating with honors in May 2026. She will earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance along with a certificate in Entrepreneurial Management. Emily began her dance training at the age of three at Academie de la Danse and Wisconsin Rapids School of Performing Arts in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, where she studied a variety of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, musical theatre, and pointe. During her time at the University of Iowa, Emily has focused primarily on contemporary and ballet, performing in multiple productions each year while continuously developing her artistry and technique. Following graduation, she hopes to pursue a professional dance career, performing on a cruise ship, at Walt Disney World, or with a dance company. As she takes these next steps, Emily is excited to explore new opportunities and looks forward to what the future holds. |
Seth Robinson | Choreographer A native of Indiana, Seth Robinson is a passionate educator, choreographer, and visionary whose work continues to shape the next generation of dancers across the country. A graduate of Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science in Dance, Seth's journey has been defined by a tireless pursuit of artistic excellence and a commitment to authentic storytelling through movement. In 2011, Seth founded TRIBE Dance, a touring intensive built for dancers seeking not just training, but transformation. Since then, he has traveled nationwide, inspiring artists of all levels with his dynamic teaching style and grounded approach to dance. After college, Seth made his mark in Chicago’s vibrant dance scene, performing with Elements Contemporary Ballet, guesting with Chicago Dance Crash, and honing his craft training at Visceral Dance Center. Seth has spent over a decade on the national convention circuit, joining faculties of both REVEL Dance Convention and The Streetz Dance Convention, where he is now celebrating his 11th season. His work continues to resonate with pre-professional and competitive companies, who seek his fresh movement vocabulary and deep understanding of performance artistry. In 2019, Seth co-founded THE HIVE—a Chicago-based creative dance hub offering drop-in training for adults along with THE COLONY, a pre-professional program designed to develop young artists through rigorous training and artistic exploration. Seth’s most recent performance credits include Netflix’s Soundtrack (choreographer, James Alsop) and dancing in Kanye West’s DONDA Listening Experience at Soldier Field. Now stepping into a new chapter with DC+A, Seth brings his signature energy, depth, and artistic clarity to the role of Artistic Director. He is thrilled to lead a team of passionate, skilled artists, and is eager to continue building work that moves—literally and emotionally. |
Lindsey Wildman | Choreographer Lindsey is a fifth-year senior graduating in May with a BFA in Dance and a BA in Theatre Arts. She is passionate about multidisciplinary performance, integrating theatre, dance, music, and digital media. During her time at the university, she has had the honor of performing in Dance Gala 2023, the ACDA National Conference 2025, the Faculty Concert 2026, as well as Undergraduate and Graduate Concerts, MFA Thesis Performances, and BFA Concerts. Her choreographic works presented at the university include Frequency Space (2024), Loops in Layers (2025), and You/Me/You (2026). After graduation, Lindsey looks forward to continuing her training in dance while pursuing choreography, teaching, and professional performance opportunities. |
Jeff Wolfe | Choreographer Jeff Wolfe is an accomplished dancer, educator, and studio owner whose versatile career spans ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, and aerial performance. Originally from Clearwater, Florida, he began formal ballet training at the Academy of Ballet Arts in St. Petersburg and went on to train with the Houston Ballet Academy, where he was joined into Houston Ballet’s second company. He danced four seasons with BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio, and then joined River North Dance Chicago for a season before embarking on years of freelance work across the United States and Canada. Over the course of his freelance period, Jeff held leading and principal roles with companies such as Montgomery Ballet, Eugene Ballet Company, Ron De Jesus Dance, Jose Navas / Compagnie Flak, Owen/Cox Dance Group, and Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance. In addition to performance, Jeff has built a strong reputation as a master educator. Since around 2013 he has led technique-focused instruction, in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, at conventions and intensives including EPIC Dance Weekend, Dance Fever, The Streetz Dance Convention, among others. He also co-directs the in-studio intensives TRIBE Dance and Ballet Matters, which aim to support dancers’ technical growth and artistic expression. Jeff prides himself in being a multi-studio owner with his husband. Together they run the Chicago- based studios THE HIVE (an adult-focused creative dance hub) and DANCE COLONY Studios (youth-focused training, geared toward beginner to elite-level dancers). |
Matt Tepfer | Stage Manager Matthew Tepfer (he/him) is a first-year MFA candidate in the Department of Theatre Arts' Stage Management program. Matthew recently earned his BA in Theater Design and Technology from Rutgers University–Camden. He looks forward to this next chapter and continuing his development as a dedicated and collaborative storyteller. Have fun and be well. |
| Crew – Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Booth Crew | Delaney Mann, Sydney Williams |