#ArtsAtWCU
RE:AWAKENING
Fall Dance Concert 2024
Friday, November 8, 2024 at 7:30
Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 2:00 & 7:30
Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, Swope Music Building
817 S. High St.
The focus of the UDC is to promote dance as an art form at West Chester University and to provide students with interests in arts administration, choreography, design, performance, and stage management the opportunity to create and shape their voice within this art form. As a member of this organization, students will receive a complete understanding of the workings of a dancecompany as well as the aspects of being involved in a university organization. UDC has two concerts every season; the fall concert focuses on faculty and guest artist work, while the spring concert mainly presents student choreography and design. Students work with both faculty and guest artists in the creation and management of new choreography and design. Community outreach and service is a component of membership to this organization as it currently is for all professional arts organizations. UDC also offers students the opportunities to attend, present and perform at various conferences annually to add to their dance and movement education.
The University Dance Company is an SSI-sponsored organization.
Biographies
Gretchen Studlien
Gretchen Studlien-Webb, Director, is the coordinator for the dance minor program in the Department of Theatre and Dance at West Chester University. She holds an M.F.A. from Temple University and a B.F.A. from The Ohio State University's Department of Dance. As the advisor for the University Dance Company, she has directed more than 33 full-length concerts and choreographed over 50 dances. Studlien-Webb has taught and presented work internationally at the Ladek Zdroj International Dance Festival in Poland (2008 and 2013) and Claremont Project in London, England (2014). Her scholarly research for the past fifteen years often focuses on environmental sustainability which translates into her choreographic compositions; E.A.R.T.H. (Evolution Arises Revealing True Humanity) (2007), Shared Ignorance (2011), Re[F]use (2013), Continuous Cycle (2015), and Environmental Intervention (2016), Carnival of Ruin (2021), and re(surge) (2022). Privately Studlien-Webb also enjoys teaching and practicing yoga.
Lydia Ciaffone
Lydia Ciaffone, Guest Choreographer, is a dance artist and educator originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is the owner and director of Formerly&Tomorrow, an all women dance collective. Lydia has earned her Masters of Arts in Choreography from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Dance and Music in London, England (2022). There, she worked closely with artists Gary Lambert and Vania Gala. Lydia was a 2021 artist resident at La Macina Di San Cresci where she presented her newest solo work segnalibro in Tuscany, Italy. Lydia graduated with her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of The Arts, under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield. There, Lydia performed in works by Beth Gill, Sidra Bell, Jesse Zaritt, Paul Matteson, Anne White and more. Her unique processes and international education in dance making gives her a wide perspective on choreography and contemporary techniques. Lydia yearns to help expand knowledge, give tools, and create safe environments to learn and make.
Albert Quesadais
Albert Quesadais, Guest Choreographer, is a Spanish dancer and choreographer trained at MDT (Amsterdam), PARTS (Brussels), and Goddard(US). At the heart of Quesada's work is the exploration of musical structures and the invitation to perceive music more deeply. Albert is intrigued by group movement and dynamics, inspired by Thomas Hauert. He creates works for the stage, screen dances, and educational settings. Solo works include Solo on Bach & Glenn (2008), Hundred Eighty (2008), Solos Bach & Gould (2010), Rewrite (2016). Duet works include Trilogy (2011), created with Vera Tussing, OneTwoThreeOneTwo (2015). Group Choreography includes Ensemble (2012), Slow Sports (2012),Wagner & Ligeti (2014), Slow Sports Outdoors (2014), Slow Sports Kids (2015), VIVA (2016). It's time (2017), a collaboration with Octavi Rumbau, Federica Porello, and Zoltán Vakulya. We Will Meet Again (2021), with Katie Vickers. Flamingos (2019), which won the BEST NATIONAL DANCE PIECE 2019, Fire Burns Slowly at First (2021), Desert (2022), Are You Talking To Me? (2022), Dancing Biodiversity (2023). Mercat de les Flors associate artist (2018-2021). Since 2009 Albert has been dancing with the company ZOO –Thomas Hauert. Currently working on Beneath Flamenco, Unicornsaurus, and with Katie Vickers on The Sun is Always the Sun. http://acmearts.xyz/
Jillian Glace
Jillian Glace, Guest Choreographer, is a Philadelphia and surrounding area-based choreographer, dance teacher, former University of the Arts Adjunct Professor, master’s level Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT), and Owner/Founder of Belonging Counseling LLC, a private practice offering dance/movement therapy groups for women in West Chester, PA. Choreographic credits include collaborative and self-produced shows for the Philly Fringe Festival (2011, 2016); reprised work set on WCU University Dance Company chosen for the American College Dance Festival Northeast Regional Gala (2009); and commissioned choreography set on students from local university, high school, and studio companies (2008-present). Professional International credit includes traveling to Poland with West Chester University and performing a self- choreographed solo for the Ladek Zdroj International Dance Festival (2006). As a choreographer, Jillian’s intention is to create meaningful and provocative work which elicits authentic emotion that resonates with both performers and audience members. Jillian is also a passionate advocate for dance and movement as a clinical creative art therapy as well as a therapeutic artistic medium to foster physical/mental health integration and a more profound connection with self and others.
Hailey Semmel
Hailey Semmel, President, Choreographer, is a third-year Communication Sciences and Disorders major following the Honors College Pathway. She started dancing at the age of five and was in it for the Chick-fil-A she would receive after. She grew to love dance and wanted a chance to expand her craft. She is a second-time choreographer and has been performing with the University Dance Company for five semesters. She is beyond grateful for the opportunities UDC has provided her with and is motivated to lead this extremely talented group of dancers. She thanks her family, friends, and mentors for being a constant source of love and support; also, her fellow company members and faculty for continuously inspiring her and providing a safe space to share her love of dance. She cannot wait to see where the next chapter of her life takes her. After her undergrad, Hailey hopes to receive her masters in Speech-Language Pathology. She hopes you love the show and join her in congratulating these dancers on their efforts, put forth this semester. AHHH OKAY LET'S DANCE!!!!!
Lucy Morrin
Lucy Morrin, Vice President, is a Junior majoring in Early Grades Preparation Prek-4 with a minor in literacy. She has been dancing for almost 18 years, competing for most of them. This is her 5th semester with UDC and she has loved every single second of it. She is eternally grateful that UDC gave her the space to do what she loves most with the most talented and amazing people. She is so excited for her first show as an executive member and can’t wait to see what the future holds for UDC!
Meredith Steirer
Meredith Steirer, Secretary, is a Junior majoring in communication studies and is minoring in digital marketing. This is her 3rd semester with UDC and first semester on the executive board. Meredith has been dancing for over 10 years and is glad she found UDC to continue her passion through college. She would like to thank all of her teaches, friends, and family that have helped her grow into the person she is today!
Kayla Danzi
Kayla Danzi, Treasurer, is a senior Early Grades Preparation and Special Education dual major. She was a competitive dancer growing up at Touch of Class Dance Studio, being apart of the Performance Team and Competitive Company. This performance marks her 7th concert as a company dancer. Kayla is so excited for her last year in UDC and cannot wait to see the final product of this show!
Emily Schulingkamp
Emily Schulingkamp, Historian, is a senior Psychology major with a Health Science minor. She has been dancing for 18 years, her love for dance started at a young age at Jane Lopoten School of Dance, and it has been growing and flourishing since then. This is her 5th semester performing with the University Dance Company. She is honored to be the Historian for the 2024-2025 school year and has loved every minute of it. She would like to thank her family, friends, dance teachers, professors, and the University Dance Company for their ongoing support and love, she would not be where she is today without them!
Jorja Quirk
Jorja Quirk, Social Chair, grew up in Montgomery County PA. She was trained at a dance studio in Bucks County called Kelly Richards School of Dance. Her dance teacher Kelly Richards shaped her into the dancer she is today. Jorja has been dancing since she was 2 and competitively dancing since she was 6. Jorja is now on West Chester University’s Dance Team where they specialize in pom, jazz, and hip hop. She continues to broaden her horizons with dance by taking master classes and teaching at many different studios. Jorja would also like to bring appreciation to her mom Jill Quirk for being her absolute biggest supporter. She is so grateful to have the opportunity to dance in so many aspects of her life and how it has led her to so many amazing things.
Brooke Beheran
Brooke Beheran, Choreographer, is a sophomore interdisciplinary studies major with minors in dance and Latin american and latino/a studies. This is her third semester dancing with UDC and her first semester as a choreographer. Brooke loves to teach and works as a teacher for dancers at local studios as well as working as a certified instructor for barre fitness classes. She is grateful to all the professors in the dance department for helping her continue to grow as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer and especially to Gretchen for giving her the chance to show her work in this concert.
Teagan Bittner
Teagan Bittner, Choreographer, is a current sophomore studying Early Childhood Education. She has been a proud member of UDC for the past year, and looks forward to continuing her dance experiences here at West Chester. Teagan began her versatile dance training at the age of 2, and values trying new things and discovering new ways to move daily. Teagan also currently teaches dance at Pennsylvania Academy of Dance Arts located in Collegeville, PA, and she hopes to instill her same passion for dance in all her students. Teagan would like to give a big thank you to Gretchen and everyone involved with UDC for their support and making this such a special experience.
Emily Gilligan
Emily Gilligan, Choreographer, is a senior, early grades preparation major with a minor in dance and special education. This is her fourth year performing with the company. Emily is on the executive board of the West Chester University Dance Team, where she currently serves as captain. Outside of school, she works as a teacher and choreographer, helping to develop the next generation of young talented dancers. Emily has 18 years of training in all disciplines of dance. She would like to thank her amazing family, friends, and teachers for always supporting her throughout the years.
Jordan Groeber
Jordan Groeber, Choreographer, is a senior majoring in Early Education with a minor in Dance. She has been dancing since the age of four and has been a dedicated member of the University Dance Company for three and a half years. Additionally, Jordan is an active member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, where she held an executive position from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023. She is passionate about igniting a love for learning and dance in children. She wanted to thank Gretchen as well as the rest of the dance staff for giving her the opportunity to choreograph for this amazing company. Jordan cherishes all the relationships she has made within the company which will last way beyond her college years. Jordan also wanted to thank her mom, dad, sister and grandparents for always believing in her dreams, providing unwavering support, and filling her life with love and inspiration, shaping her into the person she is today.
Courtney Parker
Courtney Parker, Choreographer, Courtney Parker (she/her) is a fourth year Honors student majoring in Secondary Education: English with a minor in Theatre Arts. Courtney serves as choreographer for multiple organizations outside of UDC, including the Annual BC/EFA Benefit Concerts and High Street Harmonix. Courtney also performed in the recent WCU production of Be More Chill as an ensemble member and the dance captain. Other WCU performance credits include The Birthday Wish (Character), Kiss Me Kate (Isabelle, Dance Captain), Into the Woods (Giant, Sleeping Beauty, u/s Florinda, Lucinda, & Little Red), and Charlotte’s Web (Charlotte). Courtney also serves as the Vice President for University Theatre, the Dramaturg for Alpha Psi Omega, and the creator of VariDance. She’d like to thank her parents for their consistent support and love!
Emily Spatz
Emily Spatz, Choreographer, is a Senior with an early education major and dance minor. She has been dancing for 18 years. This is her fourth semester performing with the company and second year choreographing. Emily is also part of SPSEA, an organization for emerging teachers and Vice President of the Pickleball Club. Emily enjoys teaching young inspiring dancers as well as visiting her mom in England. She thanks Gretchen for giving her the opportunity to show her work inspired by her Aunt Jo and her friends and family for all their love and support.
Brenna Walukonis
Brenna Walukonis, Choreographer, is a Junior with a marketing major and dance minor. She has been dancing for the past 18 years. This is her fourth semester with UDC and first time choreographing. Brenna has also been Irish dancing for the past 14 years where she has performed throughout the East Coast as well as having the opportunity to compete in prestigious competitions in the U.S and Canada. She is the treasurer and a choreographer for the WCU Irish Dance Team. Brenna also teaches dance to young students and helps them gain more experience and further their technique in dance. She is thrilled to have been given the opportunity to show her passion for dance by choreographing for UDC this semester.
Laura Whittaker
Laura Whittaker, Choreographer, is a senior majoring in communications and media with a minor in dance performance. She has been dancing for 18 years, and this is her 4th year performing with the company. She has served on the executive board last year and is enjoying her time as a second time choreographer. She applauds the cast for an amazing performance this semester. She also thanks her awesome family and friends for their ongoing love and support. She would not be where she is today without them!
Katy Polowczuk
Katy Polowczuk (she/they), Stage Manager, is a 5th year student at West Chester University. She is a General Theater Major who plans to graduate in the spring of 2025. Katy has been an Assistant Stage Manager for the Spring UDC Concert 2024 and is so excited to be taking on the role of Stage Manager for the Fall Concert. She loves the Dance Concert and is so proud of this group for creating such an amazing show all together.
Emma Brophy
Emma Brophy (she/her), Assistant Stage Manager, is a junior majoring in Theatre Arts with a Concentration in Musical Theatre and minoring in Spanish at West Chester University. Emma’s WCU Theatre Credits include: Rocky Horror Picture Show 2024 (Narrator/Ensemble); Be More Chill (Spot Op); Three Sisters (Costume Crew); Kiss Me, Kate, Me, War, and Toy Grenade, and UDC Fall 2022 (Box Office Attendant), BC/EFA Benefit Concert Performer (2022, 2023, and currently 2024). She is so excited to be a part of this amazing production!
Calley Kender
Calley Kender (she/her), Assistant Stage Manager, is a junior Musical Theater major with a minor in creative writing. She has been an ASM on Three sisters and a Spot Op for Be More Chill. Outside of school, she works at Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center as a teacher's assistant and a stage manager over the summer, teaching kids about the different parts of theatre. She is so excited to get to help these wonderful dancers put on a beautiful show for everyone.
Ty Tansy
Ty Tansy (he/him), Assistant Stage Manager, is a 4th year Theatre Design/Production student at West Chester University who found his passion for lighting when his technical school's director asked him to program the lighting for how rock band. Memorable productions he has worked on at WCU include Into the Woods, Spring Awakening, University Dance Company concerts, Student Written One Acts, Me War & Toy Grenade, the Studio Music Ensemble's Future Nostalgia, and Be More Chill. Outside of school, he works as a performance technician at Longwood Gardens, a lighting overhire at People's Light, and a lighting programmer at his local church. He also had the opportunity to volunteer at events such as the Berks County Jazz Festival, USITT, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra's performance in Sunnybrook Ballroom. For more, visit his website: https://www.thebigtanz.com
SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS
The WCU Dance program in the Department of Theatre and Dance currently offers two scholarships:
- The Barbara J. Lappano ’67, M’73 Dance Scholarship
- The Emerging Dance Minor Scholarship
Donations received would increase the amount of the funds awarded to students each year. Contact the WCU Foundation at 610-436-2868 for more information or mail a check to:
WCU Foundation
Dance Program Endowment Fund 2475-852
P.O. Box 541
West Chester, PA 19381
Please include Dance Program Endowment Fund 2475-852 on the memo line.
Donate HereLand Acknowledgement
“The land upon which we gather is part of the traditional territory of the Lenni-Lenape, called “Lenapehoking.” The Lenape People lived in harmony with one another upon this territory for thousands of years. During the colonial era and early federal period, many were removed west and north, but some also remain among the continuing historical tribal communities of the region: The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation; the Ramapough Lenape Nation; and the Powhatan Renape Nation, The Nanticoke of Millsboro Delaware, and the Lenape of Cheswold Delaware. We acknowledge the Lenni-Lenape as the original people of this land and their continuing relationship with their territory. In our acknowledgment of the continued presence of Lenape people in their homeland, we affirm the aspiration of the great Lenape Chief Tamanend, that there be harmony between the indigenous people of this land and the descendants of the immigrants to this land, “as long as the rivers and creeks flow, and the sun, moon, and stars shine.”
From the Nanticoke Lenni- Lenape Tribal Nation website (nlltribe.com)