Knights Move From Within: An Evening of Dance

Program

From the Artistic Director: Welcome to this vibrant evening of concert dance. Tonight, you’ll experience a variety of styles, including tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and compelling storytelling through movement. This is truly a celebration of the University of Central Florida’s dance community.

When I first envisioned this concert, one of my main goals was to feature UCF alumni, students, and faculty choreographers. Together, tonight’s dancers and choreographers represent the strength and artistry of UCF dance. Each spring, I look forward to continuing this tradition of showcasing guest artists from our alumni. We’re thrilled to have you with us—enjoy the performance!

CREATIVE TEAM

Artistic Director: Judi Siegfried

Assistant Directors: Gabriela Benzi*, Julia Jensen

Lighting Designer: Keith Sales

Production Stage Manager: Chris Wilson

Calling Stage Manager: Jaz Griffiths

Assistant Stage Managers: Lila McMorris, Caiden Talbert, Savanah Schaller

Videographer: Kevin Siegfried

CHOREOGRAPHERS:

Gabriela Benzi*

Jillian Cossetta

Lindsey Cunkle

Lydia Gauta

Tyler Ham**

Cindy Heen**/***

Chynna Mills**

Madison Morris

Alex Nash

Amarah Presley

Cristina Perez**

Judi Siegfried***

Maisy Surman

Victoria Trautwein

Geri Weinbaum***

Bobby Wojciechowski*

                                                       ***Faculty

                                                                                       **UCF alumni dance Minors

                                                                                  *UCF Graduate Students

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Ascend

Choreographed by Cindy Heen

Music: “I Could Use a Boost” by Kris Bowers

Ascend explores resilience and perseverance, reflecting the journey of overcoming obstacles and rising above challenges, inspired by The Wild Robot.

Mia Gjonbalaj

Savannah Jackson

Bellamy Kopesec

Mika Latourelle

Natalia Martinez

Caroline McHale

Madison Morris

Jacqueline Navarette

Isabella Rojas

Imani Sainfort

Alexis Schilling

Katherine Schofield

Devynn Sunderman

Kylee Werner

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Surreal

Choreographed by Chynna Mills

Music: “Vogue” by Madonna & “Din Daa Daa” by George Kranz

A NYC fashion designers’ sketch comes alive to reveal that dreams can be surreal.

Shariah Brown

Lindsey Carstens

Zachary Christian

Makayla Gray

Caroline Schelenker

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The Parting

Choreographed by Lydia Gauta

Music: “Scott Street” by Phoebe Bridges

The grieving process that follows the loss of a loved one.

Elizabeth Beattie

Kaitlyn Grey

Samara Majeed

Anna Paladino

Amarah Presley

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Life of A Girl

Choreographed by Alex Nash

Music: “Nocturne in E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2” by Frédéric Chopin

The Struggles of one’s identity and the expectations that surround it.

Sydney Brown

Makenna Finley

Lydia Gauta

Caroline McHale

Mickey Titus

Isabella Verdecchia

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Healing Hands

Choreographed by Victoria Trautwein

Music: “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” and “Follow Me” by Jorge Mendez

The healing hands of healthcare workers, tender and steady, lift the weight of illness from the shoulders of both patient and family, restoring faith with every touch.

Ashley Brinkman

Jayla Call

Savannah Jackson

Mika Latourelle

Devynn Sunderman

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Wait For A Minute

Choreographed by Cristina Perez

Music: “Wait for a Minute” by Tyga & Justin Bieber

“A high-energy hip-hop dance that combines smooth, flowing movements with sharp, rhythmic beats, highlighting confidence and style.”

Gabriela Benzi

Haley Enea

Makayla Gray

Jimena Macias

Madison Morris

Jacqueline Navarette

Tarah Nerette

Anna Paladino

Amarah Presley

Ashley Reep

Hope Reyes

Alexis Schilling

Olivia Wagner

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Two Hearts, One Dance

Choreographed by Jillian Cossetta

Music: “Luck Be a Lady” by Frank Sinatra

Sitting on the same bench, their eyes met, and in that fleeting moment, love blossomed like a quiet promise between strangers.

Faith Alfieri

Julian Amores

Miguel Cabrera

Mason Materdomini

Rachel Mertz

Carter Wegman

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Waltz of the Knights

Choreographed by Gabriela Benzi

Music: “Über den Wellen” by Juventino Rosas, Vienna Volksoper Orchestra, Franz Bauer-Theussl

A graceful and enchanting ballet waltz, where dancers glide effortlessly across the stage in a mesmerizing display of elegance and harmony.”

Polly Austin

Mallory Barrass

Shirley Borges

Ashley Brinkman

Angelina Curatelli

Mackenna Finley

Lydia Gauta

Sophia Henke

Savannah Jackson

Isabella Rojas

Caroline Schelenker

Megan Schiller

Katherine Schofield

Victoria Trautwein

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Intermission

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BLUE

Choreographed by Tyler Ham

Music: “BLUE” by Billie Eilish

Inspired by the music, a piece about the feelings surrounded by a platonic friendship turned romantic.

Sydney Brown

Jayla Call

Victoria Calloway

Lindsey Cunkle

Lydia Gauta

Makayla Gray

Julia Jensen

Mika Latourelle

Madison Morris

Alex Nash

Anna Paladino

Amarah Presley

Devynn Sunderman

Mickey Titus

Victoria Trautwein

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Murder Mystery

Choreographed by Maisy Surman

Music: “Livin’ it Up on Top” by Anaïs Mitchell & “Roxie’s Suite” by Danny Elfin

On the train, a mysterious tragedy happens! Find out who did it!

Julian Amores

Ava Boyd

Miguel Cabrera

Haleigh Mish

Jordan Stahler

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The Duel

Choreographed by Madison Morris

Music: “The Untold” by Secession Studios

Two friends in line for the same throne in this fantasy world of forbidden friendship

Shirley Borges

Mia Gjonbalaj

Kaitlyn Grey

Samara Majeed

Alexis Schilling

Olivia Wagner

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Here We Go Again

Choreographed by Lindsey Cunkle

Music: “Here We Go (Uh Oh)” by Coco Jones

A tangled rhythm of manipulation and toxicity between a man and the women he leaves spinning. Can they break free from his spell?

Paige Antonik

Elizabeth Beattie

Luci Blanco

Alex Nash

Isabella Verdecchia

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News At 9

Choreographed by Bobby Wojciechowski

Assistant Choreographer: Judi Siegfried

Music: News At 9 by Peter McPoland

“What makes a tragedy news worthy?”

Julian Amores

Miguel Cabrera

Zachary Christian

Mason Materdomini

Athan Miller

AJ Morales

Marquis Stubbs

Mickey Titus

Carter Wegman

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Good To Be Alive

Choreographed by: Geri Weinbaum

Music: “Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah)” by Andy Grammar

“Life’s rhythm is music and it’s too short to waste, so live it to the fullest!”

Gabriela Benzi

Haley Enea

Trinity Feikert

Amelia Gomez

Sophia Henke

Julia Jensen

Bellamy Kopesec

Chloe Ogles

Molly Zerza

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Don’t Wander Alone

Choreographed by Amarah Presley

Music: “Corner Dance” by Travis Lake

“Five kids are playing hide and seek in the woods; what happens when one wanders off too far?”

Elizabeth Beattie

Sydney Brown

Samara Majeed

Isabella Verdecchia

Victoria Trautwein

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Speakerphone

Choreographed by Judi Siegfried

Music: “Speakerphone” by Kylie Minogue

  “A stylized Jazz Piece to conclude our Movements from Within”.

Polly Austin

Mallory Barrass

Gabriela Benzi

Shirley Borges

Ashley Brinkman

Angelina Curatelli

Mia Gjonbalaj

Sophia Henke

Jimena Macias

Caroline McHale

Hope Reyes

Caroline Schlenker

Katherine Schofield

Kylee Werner

Natalie Wynne

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Finale

Entire Cast

Thank You to Our Supporters

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

• The Judith and David Albertson Endowment in the Arts
• Cartwright Family Humanities & Arts Endowment
• Phil and Jane Easterling
• LIFE at UCF
• Orlando Downtown Development Board
• OUC – The Reliable One
• Women’s Club at UCF, Inc.

Thank You to Our Festival Partners

• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
• National Young Composers Challenge
• Orlando Family Stage
• Orlando Shakes
• Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
• UCF College of Health Professions and Sciences
• UCF School of Modeling, Simulation and Training