The Union College Theater and Dance Department invites the campus community to experience ‘On the Edge’, this year’s Winter Dance Concert, performed by 29 Union student dancers. The concert will take place March 4–7 at 7:30 PM, with an additional 2:00 PM matinee on March 7, in Yulman Theater.
At the heart of ‘On the Edge’ are capstone works by six senior student choreographers Ashlesha Bhagat ’26, Melanie De la Cruz ’26, Ava DuBoff ’26, Vic Lucontoni ’26, Anthony Montás ’26, and Jennifer Vil ’26. Each choreographer brings their own movement style, personal experiences, and creative questions into the studio, creating works that reflect who they are at this moment in their artistic journeys.
Their pieces explore themes of vulnerability, resilience, identity, and transformation, inviting audiences into worlds shaped by curiosity and courage. For many of these students, the process has been both challenging and deeply meaningful.
“To be given the space to share complex ideas that reflect these powerful stories has been nothing short of inspiring,” shared Ava DuBoff ’26.
Anthony Montás ’26 added, “I’m truly excited for the stories that are told on our stage, finally escaping the boundaries of our minds.”
In addition to student choreography, the concert includes new works by faculty members Jasmine Roth ’14 and Laurie Zabele Cawley, as well as an original piece by guest choreographer Stephanie Pizzo, Artistic Director of Eisenhower Dance Detroit and the programs 2024 Stephanie C. Davis Resident Artist.
Reflecting on her return to Union, Roth shared, “as an alumna, being part of the Winter Dance Concert this year has been extra special to me. In my time as a student in the dance program, the winter dance concerts were something I participated in and looked forward to every year, including being a student choreographer my senior year. It is a beautiful full circle moment to now be able to choreograph a piece as a professional and member of the Union faculty.”
Behind the scenes, student performers work alongside a dedicated production and design team, including costume designer and production manager Brittney Belz, lighting designer Travis Richardson, and stage manager and sound design Mackenzie Trowbridge, helping to bring each choreographer’s vision fully to life.
Artistic Director Laurie Zabele Cawley emphasizes the importance of this experience for students.
“During this time, it feels that art and physical expression are more important than ever. To be able to work with both professional and emerging artists at this moment is a powerful and necessary exchange.”
‘On the Edge’ celebrates the creativity, commitment and community of Union’s student dancers and choreographers. This concert is an invitation to stand on the edge together, to witness, to reflect, and to discover what might be waiting there.
