On Jan. 31, 2026, the School of Theater Arts presented their annual Student Choreographed Dance Concert in the Young Main Lounge. While it was sponsored by IWU faculty Anna Covera and Jessica Riss-Waltrip, the showcase itself was completely student-run.
The dancers and choreographers have been rehearsing their dances in preparation for the concert since auditions took place on Sept. 27, 2025.
With 13 dancers and five dances choreographed, the concert showcased the incredible versatility and technique of the students involved.
“My favorite part is getting to see all of the choreographer’s visions come to life and getting to see dance styles that we don’t typically learn in class,” said Dani Miller, a sophomore who was a dancer and the administrative specialist for the board of SCDC.
Before each dance was performed, the choreographers spoke to the audience about the story they wanted to tell with the dances they had choreographed.
“Anxiety,” choreographed by sophomore Brooke Mason, portrayed the feelings of anxiety, the dancers’ movements representing the changes of emotions that anxiety causes. “Fever Pitch,” choreographed by junior Ella Barrick-Baldwin, represented the collective excitement of artistic excellence. Sophomore Josie Wolbers choreographed two dances, “Call Failed” and “Proctor’s Ledge.” The first dance was in a jazz-funk style, the dancers’ movements emulating a call and response. The latter was inspired by the Salem Witch Trials. “Sweetheart,” choreographed by sophomore Lauren Zomcheck, was inspired by the choreographer’s relationship with her siblings.
“I’m looking forward to getting some more choreographers involved next year and getting to dance again,” said Miller on what she’s most excited about for next year’s concert. SCDC offers an opportunity for students at Illinois Wesleyan to grow more in their choreography and performance skills.
