Dance Escape 2025 Showcases Bold New Choreography from UC Irvine Graduate and Undergraduate Artists

IRVINE, Calif. – The Department of Dance at the UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts is proud to present Dance Escape 2025, a springtime celebration of innovation and artistry in movement. Performances run April 17–19, 2025, at the Claire Trevor Theatre, with evening shows and a livestreamed Saturday matinee.

Directed by Associate Professor Chad Michael Hall, Dance Escape 2025 features a dynamic collection of nine original works by graduate and undergraduate choreographers that reflect the bold, experimental spirit of UCI’s dance community. This year’s concert brings together four M.F.A. and six senior B.F.A. choreographers, whose works span contemporary ballet, modern, hip hop, jazz fusion, and beyond.

“These daring artists have all found the courage to experiment and take risks creatively,” said Hall. “The result is a vibrant program of innovative works offering fresh perspectives in the realm of concert dance. Their courage and vision are truly inspiring.”

Audiences will experience:

• ellipsed by Justin Cerda – a high-energy ensemble work shaped by classical music and modern design
• In the Mourning by Gabriella Padilla – a poignant trio exploring grief and remembrance
• Never Ending Story by David Cha – a bold fusion of hip hop and contemporary dance
• Fabric of Life by Ashley Cook – a layered and lyrical ensemble piece set to an original score
• Waiting Time by Katelyn Potyondy and Vanessa Bouranis – a duet work weaving jazz rhythms and emotional storytelling
• Wind Variation by Haihua Chiang – an elegant meditation on nature and movement, with music by faculty composer Alan Terricciano
• Chasing Shadows by Tyra Logan – an intimate collaboration between choreographer and dancers exploring memory and presence
• Ouroboros by Gwen Treston – a symbolically rich piece of transformation and cyclical time
• Pulso y Pasión by Alyssa Zavala – a vibrant, Latin jazz–infused celebration of rhythm and cultural identity

More than 50 dancers and a production team of designers, mentors, and stage managers bring the concert to life, in collaboration with the Department of Drama’s outstanding lighting and costume design programs.

Performance Dates and Times:

• Evenings: April 17, 18, 19 at 8 p.m.
• Matinee: April 19 at 2 p.m. (also livestreamed)
• Tickets range from $10-25
• Streaming Access: $15

Please note: Some performances may contain loud music, strobe/flashing lights, sudden sound effects, or fog/haze. The livestreamed matinee may include select muted segments due to music copyright.

For tickets and more information, visit www.arts.uci.edu/tickets.