Horowitz Center Playbills and Programs
HCC Dance Showcase
Artistic Director Elizabeth Higgins
Friday, November 7, 2025 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 2 and 7 p.m.
The RCF Studio Theatre
PRODUCTION TEAM
Artistic Director: Elizabeth Higgins
Assistant Artistic Director: Miguel Ledesma
Production Manager: A. Lorraine Robinson
Lighting & Projection Design: Peter Leipold VI
Costume Design: Kate Twilley
Sound Design: Alex Armbruster
Stage Manager: Tarythe Albrecht
PROGRAM
Hard to Hold
Choreography: Ryan Bailey in collaboration with Clarisse Lukban
Performers: Ryan Bailey & Clarisse Lukban
Sound: Design By Ryan Bailey, Music: “Collapsed, Still Falling” by Magnus Westwell, “Oro Hjartans” by Susanne Sundfor, “The Substance” by Raffertie, “The Slow Descent Has Begun” and “Keep it Dark, Deutschland” by A Winged Victory for the Sullen
Heretic On Trial
Choreography: Julianne Rohner-Preston
Performers: Leah Ferreira-Silva, Cyrus Hallingquest, Cara Caitlin K, Mia Oliver, Lauren Stevens
Sound: “Which Witch” by Florence + the Machine
Lucky Number Five
Choreography: Darion Smith
Performers: Jenelle Figgins, JhayVince Manlangit, Kai Mortellaro, Tom Resseguier, Jazmine Rutherford
Sound: “I Want You” by Marvin Gaye, “San-Ho-Zay” by Freddie King, “LuckOUT” by Jonathan Melville Pratt
If We Touch
Choreography: Levi Coy & Drew Scammell
Performers: Levi Coy & Drew Scammell
Sound: “Dissolving Edges” by Carmen Villain and “Variation VIII: Section I” by William Basinski
Sweet Dreams
Choreography: Devinne Cook
Performers: Gbemiro Agape Ajuwon, Anna Baumert, Brianna Caesar, Jordan Ayana Dawson, Leah Garey, Rizkin Haider, Brioni Jacole, Jaylen Johnson, Cara Caitlin K, Jasmine Kondor, Keyarna Lesane, Iman Mansaray, Haley Simmons, Eli Singhal, Zander Prett, Naii Aunyai, Anna Wang, Shaughnessy Williams
Sound: “Sweet Dreams” by Beyoncé
INTERMISSION
Toward the Pelagic
Choreography: Ren Reiter
Performers: Gbemiro Agape Ajuwon, Anna Baumert, Julianne Rohner-Preston, Eli Singhal, Lauren Stevens
Understudy: Leah Williams
Sound: “The Stars We Follow” by Ferderico Albanese, “Idea 10” by Gibran Alcocer, “Beginning to End” by Handyamps Studios
STONE: One way in, One way out
Choreography: Jorden Ayana Dawson
Performers: Jorden Ayana Dawson, Brioni Jacole, Haylee Simmons, Jaylen Johnson, Leah Garey, Shaughnessy Williams, Jasmine Kondur, Niaya Aunyai, Lin Shen
Sound: “James Piano” by Sweek, “Code name Vivaldi” by Al Van der Beek, Antonio Vivaldi, “Experience” by Ludovico Einaudi
Finding Inner Freedom
Choreography, Director, Videographer, and Editor: Christine Thalasinos
Performers: Ren Reiter
Sound: “3 100”, “3 96”, “3 147”, “3 73” by Michael Wall
Reverie
Choreography: Emily Drecshler
Performers: Gbemiro Agape Ajuwon, Anna Baumert, Cyrus Hallingquest, Brioni Jacole, Jasmine Mikesdottir Kondor, Mia Oliver, Julianne Rohner-Preston, Lauren Stevens
Sound: “Music for 18 Musicians” by Steve Reich
Funky Cold Nina
Choreography and Performers: Ama and Chris Law of Project ChArma in collaboration with Malari Moore
Sound: “Are You Ready” a Poem by David Nelson and Original Percussive Rhythms by Malari Moore
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION TEAM
Lighting Associate: Mitchell Cronin
Wardrobe: Jahaan Rickards, Olivia Murray
Deck Run Crew: Taylor Porter, Christopher Martin
Light Board Operator: Carlos Hernandez Jr.
Sound Board Operator: Allen Baker
PROGRAM NOTES
"If We Touch" explores the fragile yet transformative moment of softness that emerges after being steeped in the weight of fragile masculinity. The work traces the tension between restraint and release, navigating how touch is guarded, withheld, or distorted under the pressures of fragile masculinity.
PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS
Tarythe Albrecht (Stage Manager) is thrilled to return to HCC for her 6th show here! She graduated from the University of Maryland, summa cum laude in 2010. Since then she has spent her time freelancing in DC (stage managing both in the performing arts and corporate worlds) and trying to keep up with her 13-year-old and twin 5-year-olds (all boys!). Select stage management credits: Lounge Regime: 100 Years of Ambient Music and Of Land and Sea (Kennedy Center); Foolish Fairytales (Faction of Fools); Zaubernacht and Mahagonny: Songspiel at UMD's Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, where she has also done Noises Off and many, many dance shows. Tarythe has also worked for Project ChArma, Orange Grove Dance, UpRooted Dance, Dana Tai Soon Burgess, Maida Withers, Happenstance Theatre, and Round House Theatre, among others.
Alex Armbruster (Sound Designer) is a percussionist, audio engineer, and music teacher born and raised in Baltimore, MD. Alex recently joined HCC Dance as an Adjunct Professor, Audio Coordinator, and Accompanist for Modern Dance classes. They also teach 4th-8th grade Band at Hampstead Hill Academy, and private drum lessons at Peabody Prep and Patterson Park Academy of Music. Alex graduated from UMBC with a B.A. in Jazz Studies and a B.A. in Global Studies. They are thrilled to be working on their first production here at HCC!
Peter Leibold VI (Lighting and Projection Designer) is based in Washington DC and is excited to be back at HCC! Peter has worked across the country at theatres including The Kennedy Center, Signature Theatre, Ford’s Theatre Society, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Andy’s Summer Playhouse, The Spoleto Festival, and many more. Peter won the New Hampshire Theatre Alliance award for Best Lighting for his work with Orange Grove Dance at Andy’s Summer Playhouse and was a finalist for Live Design’s Design Achievement Awards, also for his work with Orange Grove Dance. See more of his work at www.peterleibold.com
A. Lorraine Robinson (Production Manager) is an award-winning theatre director, producer, and community arts educator. She’s previously worked at Arena Stage, Dallas Theater Center, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and ran her own theatre company, MuseFire Productions. Lorraine has a bachelor’s degree in Theatre & Psychology from St. Mary’s College of MD, where she’s been adjunct faculty/guest director, and has a master’s degree in Theatre from Brown University. She is thrilled to be in residence at the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center and supporting her first HCC Dance show!
Kate Twilley (Costume Designer) is excited to get a chance to come back to design/collaborate with HCC's Dance Department. Her recent credits include Anomalous, Twelfth Night, HCC Dance Company 2025, The Importance of Being Earnest, Ride the Cyclone, HCC Dance Showcase 2024, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, Medea, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Kate holds a B.A. in Theatre from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a focus in Costume Design.
ARTISTIC DIRECTORS BIOS
Elizabeth Higgins (Artistic Director/HCC Dance Program Coordinator) has been a creative artist and educator for over 30 years. She serves as Professor and Coordinator of Dance at Howard Community College (HCC) and Artistic Director of the HCC Dance Company. Her choreography has been presented throughout the US and in South America. She received the Turner Choreography Award and the New Moves NY State Choreography Award. She was also awarded the Mark Ryder Original Choreography Award by the Howard County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council Creativity Grant. Elizabeth performed nationally and internationally with Murray Louis and Nikolais Dance, Dance Compass, the Brian Brooks Moving Company, Soundance Repertory Company, Mark Jarecke Dance, Pick of the Crop Dance and The Don Redlich Dance Company. She received her MFA in Dance from Florida State University as a University Fellow and her BFA in Dance from Rutgers University as a Garden State Scholar. Her teaching credits include roles as Assistant Professor of Dance Composition at Marymount Manhattan College and Adjunct Professor at Manhattanville College. In addition, she taught at Columbia University, Florida State University, Peridance, the Spence School and was a teaching artist in residence for the NYC Ballet Education Program for six years. Elizabeth has served on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Dance Education Association and Kinetics Dance and is a member of the Nikolais Legacy Committee. She was granted a sabbatical from HCC fall 2024 during which she completed research in Dance and Disability. She is grateful to be collaborating with this talented group of artists and students to present this production.
C. Miguel Ledesma (Assistant Artistic Director) Miguel Ledesma is a distinguished dance artist from Maryland, whose professional journey in the world of dance is marked by excellence and a profound commitment to the arts. His foundational education began with an Associate of Arts in Dance from Howard Community College, obtained in 2017, he then pursued a bachelor’s degree in dance from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, graduating in 2019. Further enriching his academic and professional pursuits, Miguel completed his Master of Fine Arts at Hollins University. During his time there, he served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, a role in which he excelled and refined his pedagogical skills as well as participated in Hollins International Gathering in Berlin, Germany.
Miguel's performance career is distinguished by his collaborations with several prominent dance companies. He has had the honor of performing with notable ensembles such as the Baltimore Dance Project, Kinetics Dance Theatre, Misako Ballet Company, and Connect the Dots Dance Company. His versatility and passion for contemporary dance are evident in the diverse repertories he has embraced, including works from the Eric Hampton Foundation and the Paul Taylor American Modern Dance Company. Miguel has been an integral part of the Titans of Dance Convention since its inception in 2012. Initially joining as a travelling Pro-Force Dance Assistant, he has since evolved his role to become one of the Lead Operations Technician.
Miguel has expanded his professional repertoire through involvement in high-profile projects with global brands such as Adidas, USDA, USA Today/Gannet Co., and The D.C. Bridal Show. These collaborations highlight his capacity to merge dance with broader cultural and commercial contexts, as well as his ability to adapt to varied creative environments. Currently, Miguel Ledesma imparts his extensive knowledge and experience to aspiring dancers in his role as a Full-time Professor at Coppin State University and as an Adjunct Professor at Howard Community College. His educational endeavors are complemented by over 18 years of teaching and choreographic experience across the DMV area, where he is recognized for his innovative choreography and dedication to nurturing the next generation of dance professionals.
CHOREOGRAPHER BIOS
Ryan Bailey is a dancer and choreographer based in the DMV & NYC. Upon graduating with a BA in dance from UMBC in 2016, Ryan was granted outstanding senior in choreography and dance after he was awarded an American College Dance Association Gala Finalist. He then furthered his education by attending training programs with dance companies in Chicago, NYC, LA, Portland, and Tel Aviv. In 2017, Ryan premiered his company Pacing Bodies first evening length show funded by Earl and Darielle Linehan which premiered at UMBC. Ryan was featured on national television on season 14 of So You Think You Can Dance that same year. Ryan has danced professionally for MADBOOTS DANCE company on various projects and performances at Gibney Dance, New York Live Arts, and at the Joyce Theater in NYC. He has also had the opportunity to dance for Project 44 Dance Company, performing at the Jack Crystal Theater in NYC. Additionally, Ryan has performed with Priore Dance directed by Robert Priore based in D.C. Commercially, he was also a background dancer for the music video “Moons” by Micah McLaurin. Currently, Ryan teaches and choreographs dance at various studios, conservatories, and universities, setting work for Peabody Dance Conservatory and for Howard County and Anne Arundel County Community Colleges. Ryan has also presented 3 evening length pieces in Baltimore Dance Project, a medley of various professionals showcasing their work. Ryan has danced for PVMNT dance company in NYC for three seasons.
Devinne Cook is a dance educator, choreographer, and adjudicator whose work blends technical precision with artistry and dynamic storytelling. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where she trained extensively in contemporary and jazz techniques and studied dance pedagogy. During her time at UNCSA, Devinne performed works by renowned choreographers including Martha Graham, Doug Varone, and Merce Cunningham, among others, which deepened her appreciation for the craft and versatility of concert dance.
Devinne also holds a Master’s in Business Management from Wake Forest University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). A former NFL cheerleader for the Carolina Panthers, she brings her diverse background in concert, commercial, and professional dance to her teaching and choreography. Devinne currently serves as Adjunct Faculty at Howard Community College, where she teaches Jazz Dance, and continues to choreograph and adjudicate for studios and competitions nationwide. Her work emphasizes musicality, performance quality, and the fusion of strength and style.
Levi Coy (they/he) is a queer choreographer, director, performer, filmmaker, and educator. Since graduating from Ball State University in 2019 with a BFA in Dance, Levi has broadened their horizons by relocating to Baltimore, MD. Here, Levi’s artistry has been showcased through performances in the DMV area with companies including Kinetics Dance Company, GRIDLOCK Dance, Extreme Lengths Productions, and Orange Grove Dance. As an educator, Levi serves as an Adjunct faculty member for the Howard Community College dance program as well as an instructor and choreographer for the Kinetics Dance Theatre Youth Ensemble. Most recently, Levi has been drawn to the transformative power of dance on film, embracing it as an expansive medium where choreography and cinematic storytelling meet, opening up new pathways for creative discovery and expression. Instagram @levi_coy_
Originally from upstate New York, Drew Scammell (he/they) now lives in Washington, DC, and dances/choreographs across the DMV area. He has danced with Compañia Medusa, the Effervescence Collective, Capitol Movement, the Rae Grey Dance Collective, and various individual choreographers. He has also worked extensively with Kyoko Fujimoto, Will Miller, Zachary Frazee, Caitlin Mahon, Cynthia Williams, and Bill Evans. He graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 2018 with degrees in Physics (B.S.), Mathematics (B.A.), and Dance (B.A.). Building off his education in physics and mathematics, Drew’s choreography thematically explores physical principles, logic, and patterns in the context of human relationships. His movement is rooted in stability, athleticism, and floorwork. Outside of dance, Drew works at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), contributing to their mission of advancing science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all.
Jorden Ayana Dawson, a biomedical engineering student, finds solace in dance. Her passion for dance has blossomed into a love for choreographing. Her latest piece draws inspiration from her enchanting trip to Paris.
Emily Drechsler (she/her) graduated from Loyola University with an M.S. in Clinical Psychology and George Washington University with an M.A. in Education/Human Development, and has been dancing for 15 years. Growing up, Emily studied at multiple studios including Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and the company of Ballet Theatre of New Mexico. She is currently a ballet instructor and professional dancer, dancing with several Maryland companies, and continuing her dance education at HCC. Emily is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Emily is excited and grateful to choreograph in her second showcase at Howard Community College under the mentorship of Elizabeth Higgins and Miguel Ledesma and deeply appreciative of the wonderful dancers in this piece and their commitment to this process.
Project ChArma We are a project-based dance theater company dedicated to using art as activism. We collaborate with teaching artists, hip hop lovers, DMV representatives, parents, and students to promote social change through movement. Pronounced “Karma” because it guides our lives. Follow us on IG & FB: @projectcharma or at www.projectcharma.com
Ren Reiter currently has an Bachelor of Arts degree in dance and psychology, and received it in May 2024. Prior to choreographing this work, Ren choreographed three works at their university, including DisEMBODIED, a work that discusses the strong gender binary that occurs in dance and the impact it has on people who are not included in the binary; and Element, a work that explores the relationship between fire and water. Currently, Ren is a member of Kinetics Dance Company, directed by Liz Quinones. They are super excited to showcase their current work Toward the Pelagic at Howard Community College.
Julianne Rohner-Preston is in her second year as a communications major at HCC. She has previously choreographed 2 pieces and performed with the 2025 HCC Dance Company. She has danced for 14 years; formally studied ballet for 9 years and contemporary modern for 1 year.
Darion Smith is a dance artist and educator. Smith is an Associate Professor of Dance at the Howard Community College in Columbia, MD. He is the artistic director and cofounder of Jansuphere Dance Company (JDC). Smith’s choreographic works have been presented throughout the United States and in Spain and Mexico. Smith blends dance genres, incorporates visual art, interactive set designs and life size props to create his work. He’s dedicated to his vision for JDC, since its founding in 2007, as a platform for collaborative exploration, providing opportunities for professional dancers, and community engagement through performances and workshops. In 2024, Smith was awarded an IAM Creativity grant from Howard County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council.
Smith graduated from Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany, and studied ballet at the Bolshoi Academy in Moscow. He later earned an MFA in Dance from the University of Oregon. He started his professional career with the State Street Ballet and went on to dance with Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Buglisi Dance Theatre, New York Theater Ballet, and other companies. While at Dance Theatre of Harlem, he taught in their education and community outreach programs. Find out more about Darion Smith’s artistic work at www.januspheredance.com
Christine Thalasinos is currently studying science and dance at HCC. This is her fifth semester of contemporary modern at HCC. In high school, she performed in the dance company and studied ballet, modern, and jazz. Prior, she studied ballet for ten years. This past summer, Christine worked with HCC dance professor Levi Coy on an independent study project to learn about the history of dance on film and create a dance film. Through her dance film, Christine hopes to share with the audience how experiencing nature and practicing mindfulness can be grounding and freeing.
COLLABORATORS -
Ama and Chris Law are the co-founders and co-directors of Project ChArma, a dance theater collective rooted in the DMV’s vibrant movement culture. High school sweethearts turned artistic collaborators, both earned MFAs in Dance and Choreography from the University of Maryland. Ama’s foundation comes from decades of training with Kankouran West African Dance Company, influenced by her parents, who were founding members, and her experiences at Broadway Dance Center. Chris’s work fuses Hip-Hop, roller skating, martial arts, and modern dance, creating a unique choreographic voice. Together, they champion dance as a vehicle for activism and dialogue. In 2023, they co-curated National Dance Day at the Kennedy Center and premiered new work there in 2024 as recipients of the Local Dance Commissioning Project. Their international and community-based work centers cultural preservation, engagement, and connection through movement, inspiring change across generations and communities.
Malari Moore, affectionately known as "Baba M," is a West African percussionist with a passion for educating youth on traditional West African Drumming and the African roots of their environment. As a master performer and expert in the genre, Mr. Moore has shared his talent on stages worldwide and has even been featured on popular platforms such as Amazon Music, YouTube, and SoundCloud. Through his engaging teaching style, Mr. Moore creates a safe and supportive learning environment that fosters confidence and encourages peer instruction and evaluation. His pedagogy teaches the art of West African Drumming and instills valuable life skills such as stage presence and teamwork.
Moore's commitment to educating the next generation of West African Drumming experts and educators is truly inspiring. By sharing his cultural heritage with students, he is preserving his ancestors' traditions and creating pathways for future generations to continue this important art form. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, learning from "Baba M" is a unique and enriching experience that you won't want to miss.
HCC DANCE PROGRAM
Bill Gillett, Chair, Performing Arts
Eilzabeth Higgins, Coordinator and Professor of Dance
Darion Smith, Associate Professor, Dance
HOROWITZ CENTER STAFF
Janelle Broderick - Horowitz Center Director
Jessica Chaney - Content Coordinator
John Elder - Technical Director
A. Lorraine Robinson - Production Manager
Darius McKeiver - Business Associate
Linwood Milan – Technical Coordinator
Eric Moore - Production Electrician
Mark Smedley - Associate Technical Director
Julie Via - Audience Services Manager
Bill Watson – Gallery Manager and Curator
SPECIAL THANKS
Sonny Via, Huff Productions (Video), Hank Wang (Photography)
This performance is made possible through generous support from the Maryland State Arts Council.
