Colorado State University’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance presents a compelling series of choreographic works created and performed by senior dance majors Nola Burgener, Hannah Essig, Kayla Eastwood, Emily Flaherty, Irie Green, Brady McCue, and Kaitlyn Tayntor. Through movement, each work offers a unique perspective on resilience, connection, and the search for identity, inviting audiences to reflect on the experiences that shape us and the spaces where we find belonging.
Nola Burgener’s piece explores how retrofuturism and technology shape the divide between artistic and corporate careers, challenging the idea that we must choose only one path in life. Hannah Essig’s The Woodwork explores personal experiences, both positive and negative, through a series of layered relationships and encounters. Kayla Eastwood’s piece examines the process of healing from trauma through growth, acceptance, and learning to cope with what we carry without allowing it to define who we become.
Emily Flaherty’s piece honors her father through his favorite Beatles songs while exploring the importance of self-discovery and human connection in the face of life’s hardships. Inspired by The Truman Show, Irie Green’s work explores Truman’s emotions and the challenges he faces as he discovers that his world is fabricated, prompting the question, “Is this all real?” In Unspoken Thoughts, Brady McCue explores the journey toward accepting one’s sexuality and embracing oneself. Kaitlyn Tayntor’s capstone examines how systems can fail individuals, drawing on her own experiences navigating spaces where she did not belong and her desire to make those spaces more inclusive for those who follow.
Join us for an evening of dance, storytelling, and personal expression as we explore the experiences that shape who we are and who we become. Through this diverse collection of capstone works, audiences are invited to reflect, connect, and discover something new through each artist’s unique perspective. Join us in celebrating these emerging artists, sharing their journeys, and experiencing the power of art to inspire reflection and connection.