December 11, 12, 13 // 8:00 p.m.
Space Place Theater
This performance will feature ten works choreographed by graduate and undergraduate students from the University of Iowa Department of Dance.
Please be advised this concert includes strobe, haze, adult language, and dancers entering the aisles. In Act II, Reckoning contains subject matter that may cause distress or trigger challenging emotions from some audience members, including strong language and sexually suggestive choreography.
Program
Loops in Layers choreographed by Lindsey Wildman in collaboration with the dancers
untitled choreographed by Jennifer Kayle
The Pig, The Snake, The Rooster, and A Choice choreographed by Bea Beaman
Dream choreographed by David Liu in collaboration with the dancers
Something so Ordinary, It’s Eternal choreographed by Jaidyn Davis
– Intermission –
Ricochet directed by Stephanie Miracle in collaboration with the dancers
Reckoning (Excerpt) choreographed by Rachel Carpenter
How to Deal choreographed by Hutch Hagendorf
The Opening choreographed by Rosie DeAngelo
The Mad Writer choreographed by Yoshito Sakuraba in collaboration with the dancers
Act I:
Loops in Layers
Choreographed by Lindsey Wildman in collaboration with the dancers
Music by Lindsey Wildman and Bea Beaman, live mixed by the dancers
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter
Sound Design: Kevin Swenson
Media Projection: Emily Berkheimer, Rachel Duncan, Chris Jensen, Don Schneider
Dancers: Bea Beaman, Jade Kratochvil, Katie Martin, Alexis Metzger, Harley Nielsen, Grace Noonan, Samantha Patterson, Tyler Phi, Avery Provorse, Leyla Roosa, Sadie Vannieuwhenhoven, Lindsey Wildman
Loops in Layers explores the three main pillars of house (movement, music, and culture) through the act of layering, examining how these schools of thought (and their characteristics) manifest physically. This work is an ongoing practice of witnessing and being seen, of being in community, and of being in conversation with self, others, and music.
Special thanks to this amazing cast. I am continuing to learn from them each and every day, without them, this work would in no way be what it is. I feel grateful to have shared some space and time with such amazing souls.
untitled
Choreographed by Jennifer Kayle
Music:
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter
Dancers:
The Pig, The Snake, The Rooster, and A Choice
Choreographed by Bea Beaman
Music: "Book of Names" by Bea Beaman
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter, with additions by Bea Beaman
Dancers: Leila Bipes, Declan Ryan, Juliet Saydah, Lindsey Wildman
Special thanks to Allison Wright and Nicolette Mayer with their help generating music motifs and to Zena Bibler and Tony Orrico for advising the choreographic process.
Dream
Choreographed by David Liu in collaboration with dancers
Music: "Lost Treasure" by Virtual Boy, "Heart Cry" by Drehz
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter
Sound Design: David Liu
Video Design: David Liu
Dancers: Amelia Fisher, Ella Kempen, David Liu, Chiara De Matteo, Maggie Nolan, Avery Provorse
Dream slips between geometry and sleep. Built from tutting’s sharp angles, the piece treats the body like a recurring dream: the same shapes return, slightly altered, as if memory is editing itself in real time. Projected close-ups of hands enlarge tiny decisions into shifting architecture, inviting you to watch how a single gesture can bend a whole world.
Thanks to all the people who helped me and inspired me through my journey as a tutter and choreographer.
Something so Ordinary, It’s Eternal
Choreographer: Jaidyn Davis
Music: "Ordinary" and "Eternity" by Alex Warren
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter
Dancers: Emily Ballin, Leila Bipes, Chiara De Matteo, Sydney Gorak, Ella Greene, Kennedy Klubertanz, Keira Kopsky, Jade Kratochvil, Ellen Lee, Alexandra Lekkas, Alexis Metzger, Declan Ryan
I wanted to create a piece with LA styled contemporary. It is a style that isn’t offered much in the department. I really wanted to play with different types of movements and incorporating duets, trios, etc. to create this piece. Some crazy ideas were thrown at the dancers and they took them on like champs. Excited to see the dancers shine and bring this piece to life!
Thank you to the dancers who help me bring this piece to life and for dealing with some of my crazy ideas.
Act II:
Ricochet
Directed by Stephanie Miracle in collaboration with the dancers
Music by Omar Zubair
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter
Dancers: Carolina Bada Lappi, Olivia Borsheski, Sarah Halverson, Katie Martin, Lindsey McCord, Mallory McDonald, Sadie Meisenheimer, Alexis Metzger, Marley Mokosak, Leyla Roosa, Declan Ryan
Special thanks to this incredible group of dancers. From day one they came into this experience with openness and generosity.
Reckoning (Excerpt)
Choreographer: Rachel Carpenter
Music: Dead Men Don't Rape by Delilah Bon
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter, Rachel Carpenter, & Dancers
Dancers: Rachel Carpenter, Payton Conrad, Jaidyn Davis, Olivia Farmerie, Victoria Lefler, Garianna Clinton-Nelson, Harley Nielsen, Emily Pyburn, McKenna Stephens, Madissen Wallentin, Trinity Woody
Please be advised that Reckoning contains subject matter that may cause distress or trigger challenging emotions from some audience members, including strong language and sexually suggestive choreography; Reckoning contains strobe lights and dancers will enter the aisles.
Reckoning is the moment the bottle cracks.
The moment the voice rises.
The moment the rage refuses to stay quiet.
Shaped through neo-burlesque, this piece pulls apart the expectations placed on women, to smile, to shrink, to swallow the fury that burns beneath the surface. Here, those buried emotions aren’t just revealed, they’re amplified, magnified through a form historically shaped by the male gaze and now reclaimed as a site of power. And the discomfort that emerges isn’t born from the rage itself, but from witnessing it so boldly, so unapologetically, in a space where society has taught us it doesn’t belong.
Reckoning exposes the rupture between who we are told to be and what we are no longer willing to hide. It is a confrontation, an unraveling, a liberation.
I want to give such a big thank you to my cast who worked so hard throughout this whole process. For being open, honest, and supportive to the process, to each other and really witnessing and hearing what was being shared within the group. I know that this piece is a step outside of most of the dancers' comfort zones, I am so grateful they were willing to take a risk for this work. I couldn't be more proud and filled with utter gratitude. Love you all!!
How to Deal
Choreographer: Hutch Hagendorf
Music: "Blue Lady" by René Aubry, "Bounce Bounce" by Hilary Hahn & Hauschka, "marshmallows (by the fire)" by cloudcrush
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter
Dancers: Leila Bipes, Sasha Lotz, Juliet Saydah
Life will sneak and trip you up, but we will learn to accept.
Special thank you to the dancers for making this dance possible.
The Opening
Choreographer: Rosie DeAngelo
Music: sampled score, arranged by Rosie DeAngelo
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Rosie DeAngelo
Dancers: Andi Bartlein, Katie Martin, Alexis Metzger, Sam Patterson, Christina Yu
Please be advised that The Opening contains haze.
The Mad Writer
Choreographed by Yoshito Sakuraba in collaboration with the dancers
Lighting Design: Jim Albert
Costume Design: Juliana Waechter
Sound Design: Yoshito Sakuraba
Video Design: Yoshito Sakuraba
Dancers: Bea Beaman, Lola Buczkowski, Rosie DeAngelo, Noah Foxm Jade Kratochvil, Alexandra Lekkas, MJ Van Ostrand, Tyler Phi, Natalie Prill
This work unfolds through a dual-world system: a stylized narrative realm where characters appear to follow the mad writer’s world, and a psychological realm where the body reveals what the narrative refuses to say. As these worlds alternate, the balance of power shifts. What begins as the author’s domain gradually exposes its own autonomy.
I’d like to thank my mentor, Daniel Fine, for his invaluable feedback that shaped my work; my cast for bringing a unique physical score to life; and KatyBeth for her unwavering support; and Julianna for the wonderful costumes; and the faculty and production team for their guidance.
Meet the Team
Bea Beaman
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Rachel Carpenter Rachel Carpenter (she/her) is a Cleveland, OH native and a second-year Master of Fine Arts candidate in Dance at the University of Iowa, where she focuses on performance. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Akron. Since graduating, Rachel has performed with Cleveland Dance Project for the 2023-2024 season and became a member of BurlesCLE, a neo-burlesque troupe that allowed her to explore the importance of expressing her femininity, sensuality, and self-love. Rachel’s current research interrogates the notions of "sexy" and deconstructs the male gaze, critically examining the hierarchical structures in the dance world that often overlook burlesque and its artistic contributions. Her work challenges these norms, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of dance as a tool for empowerment and self-expression. Her work challenges these norms, advocating for greater recognition of neo-burlesque's artistic value and its role in promoting empowerment and self-expression. Through her research and practice, Rachel aims to disrupt traditional dance hierarchies within institutions and push for systemic change. |
Jaidyn Davis I am a junior majoring in Dance and Enterprise Leadership, blending my passion for movement with skills in creative leadership. With 17 years of training in various styles, I’ve grown into a versatile and dedicated artist. I’ve had the honor of dancing with the Martha Graham Dance Company, an experience that deepened my commitment to the field. I aspire to pursue commercial dance or to become a company artist professionally, using my artistry to inspire others and build a meaningful career in dance. |
Rosie DeAngelo
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Hutch Hagendorf Hutch Hagendorf, from Houston, Texas, began dancing at age nine at West University Dance Center. After receiving his BFA in dance at the University of Arizona, he danced for Royal Caribbean International Curies, iKADA Contemporary Dance Company (NYC) and De Funes Dance (NYC), and Spectrum Dance Theater (Seattle, WA) (director Donald Byrd). His choreography has been featured on/in Social Movement Contemporary Dance Theater, Exclamation Dance Company, Austin Dance Festival, and Brazos Contemporary Dance Festival. He is a first-year MFA student in Dance at the University of Iowa and is thrilled to be sharing his voice and choreography in the Grad/Undergrad Concert. |
Jennifer Kayle
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David Liu David Liu, a Shanghai-born street dancer and creative explorer, embodies diverse passions across dance and technology. He recently graduated from Duke University, studying Computer Science and Dance, and is deeply interested in exploring opportunities in dance and dance technology, interactive art forms, and innovative performance design. As a street dancer, he practices tutting, a form that uses precise, geometric movements not only as a style but as a means of storytelling, often integrated with stage effects and lighting to expand the audience’s experience. |
Stephanie Miracle Stephanie Miracle is an assistant professor in the Department of Dance, a certified teacher of Klein Technique™️, and the artistic director of FAKERS CLUB: a live-cinema public performance. Her choreography has been described as“iconic and nuanced…with an irreverence that makes you smile unconsciously”, and has been presented across the USA and abroad in Germany, Russia, Mexico, Portugal, Turkey, Italy, Hungary, France, and Ireland. From 2014-15 she was a US Fulbright Fellow to Germany, following which she became a company member and guest choreographer with the Folkwang Tanzstudio. Her professional history includes dancing for Susan Marshall, Liz Lerman, Deborah Hay, Shannon Gillen/VIM VIGOR, Deganit Shemy, Laura Peterson, and David Dorfman. She continues to perform with Jennifer Kayle, and PEARSONWIDRIG. stephaniemiracledances.com |
Yoshito Sakuraba Yoshito Sakuraba is a Japanese choreographer whose work has been presented across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, including The Joyce Theater, BAM Fisher, Jacob’s Pillow, and Kaatsbaan. He has received the Best Choreography Award at the FINI Dance Festival (Italy) and the Audience Award at Masdanza (Spain). His commissions include Bayerisches Staatsballett, NW Dance Project, Whim W’Him, Louisville Ballet, and Ballet Arkansas. As an educator, he has taught at the Martha Graham School, Joffrey Ballet School, Alvin Ailey/Fordham, Barnard, Vassar, and UNCSA. Sakuraba’s choreography fuses Japanese aesthetics with theatricality, abstraction, and emotionally charged physicality. |
Lindsey Wildman Lindsey Wildman is in her fifth year of her undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa. She is pursuing a BA in Theatre Arts and a BFA in Dance. Previously at the university, she has been seen in Graduate Independent Projects/Thesis Concerts, Dance Gala, and her own work Frequency Space. After graduation, she is hopeful to pursue a career in the performing arts. |
Isabella Kruser Isabella is a first-year stage management graduate student from Bloomfield, Iowa. She is a recent graduate of Oklahoma City University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Dance Management. Her recent credits include Dance Gala 2025, Move! Dance for the World of Entertainment, and Holiday Spectacular. |
| Crew | |
|---|---|
| Deck Crew | Gianna Cardamone, Clare Danz, Allie Fairman, Norah Jordan, Lillie Smithhart |
| Booth Crew | Delaney Mann, Madeline Greenberg, Samantha Lorenc |