The CSN Spring Formal Dance Concert recently took place, offering an evening filled with diverse dance styles and cultural expressions. The event was presented by the Dance Program and included new works by faculty, students, and guest artists. The performances ranged from ballet to Afro-fusion and paid homage to legends such as Katherine Dunham, Pina Bausch, and Paul Taylor.
Charlene Gibson, a professor in the Department of Communication, commented on the event: “Through beautifully curated dances that showcased a wide variety of styles and cultures, the entire night was breathtaking. The whole audience, myself included, was moved from start to finish.”
Faculty choreographer Carrie Lee Miles presented “Walking on a Tightrope,” inspired by her time at the American Dance Festival. This piece featured guest artist Alexandra Swaim from Meraki Dance Theatre. Denise Darnell’s tribute to Pina Bausch titled “Pina: A Love Story” resonated with those familiar with Bausch’s fusion of theatre and dance.
“The Search,” choreographed by Pendu Malik, celebrated Katherine Dunham’s legacy with cultural pride. Malik also collaborated with Liezel Marie Guzman on “Roots and Rhythm,” an Afro-Fusion and hip-hop piece that advanced in the World Cultural Dance Competition in Los Angeles.
Ballet specialist Dolly Kelepecz brought classical precision with “Divertissements,” featuring UNLV alumna Brooke De Soto. Guest dancers from Somerset Losee Academy were also highlighted as Monica Armstrong introduced student performers Emily Gastelum and Mia Ledezma with their original work “Statius Achilleid.”
CSN student choreographers Aaron Sullivan, Gonzalo Castro Barbosa, and Natalia Richard presented innovative pieces that engaged the audience. Sullivan noted the impact of Carrie’s “Echoes of the Deep,” saying it was unforgettable due to its sensory engagement.
Senior dancer Gonzalo Castro Barbosa reflected on his experience: “From this concert I discovered that dance is more than movement — it’s expressing your feelings to the world.”
Robert Bonora, chair of the Department of Fine Arts, described witnessing multiple shows’ final curtains: “As I was witness to the final curtain at multiple shows with the entire cast hugging, dancing, yelling, laughing… it brought joy to my heart,” he said. He praised the group for their performance quality.
This year’s concert reinforced CSN’s status as a creative force within Las Vegas’ dance community.
