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MFA Dance Concert; Artist Bios

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Roel Seeber (Choreographer) is an Oakland-based dancer and artist. For the past thirteen years, he has dedicated himself to Vertical Dance or rope and harness-based dancing primarily with Bay Area vertical dance pioneer BANDALOOP. With BANDALOOP he has toured and performed in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa in the role of dancer, soloist, staging director, and master teacher. Memorable performances include the opening of the Africa’s cup in Gabon, the 2016 American Music Awards with P!NK, and the opening of The Edge in his home town of New York City right before the world shut down due to Covid 19. Before BANDALOOP, Roel danced with The Límon Dance Company for seven years under the direction of Carla Maxwell, performing master works by José Límon including the Moor’s Pavane as well as works by choreographers including Doris Humphrey Lar Lubovitch, Jiří Kylián, Donald McKayle, Neta Pulvermacher and others. Roel graduated cum laude with a BFA from Purchase College, State University of New York. He first fell in love with dancing through contact improvisation, he studied from amazing teachers including Julie Kane, K.J. Holmes, Martin Keogh and others.

Peter Bracilano (Lighting Designer/Stage Manager) graduated from North Carolina School of the Arts with a degree in lighting design. Peter has created the lighting designs for Teatro Zinzanni both locally and in San Francisco. He has designed for Seattle Opera’s Young Artist Program, Pacific Northwest Ballet, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle Men’s Chorus and Village Theatre. He has spent summers as a designer at the Spoleto Festival of the Two Worlds in Italy, and he also has designed lighting for the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC. Mr. Bracilano’s extensive design work on the East Coast includes 10 years with Civic Light Opera in Pittsburgh. Other companies he has worked with include Paramount Parks, Dallas Summer Musicals, and Theatre Under the Stars in Atlanta and Houston. He was the associate lighting designer for the European tour of Hair and Ken Hills’ Phantom of the Opera in Singapore as well as for several international productions of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Mr. Peter is a member of the United Scenic Artists, the national union for artists and designers in the entertainment industry.

Sarah Choi (Filmmaker) is a doctoral student in Cinema & Media Studies at the University of Washington, whose research interests include race and cinema, screen politics, ethnography, and new media. A recipient of Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship (SSHRC), her Master's research examined racial representations in contemporary cinema as a form of taxidermy. As a filmmaker, Sarah creates screendance and documentaries, and curates films for the Lights Dance Festival, which she founded in 2016. Sarah won the Best Director Award at the Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival in 2012 and Best Documentary Film at the 2020 Davis Feminist Film Festival. Sarah's latest film collaboration with Tapestry Opera and Canadian-Indigenous artists, Shanawdithit VR, was presented at the 26th International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA2020). She recently received the Barclay Simpson Scholars in Public Fellowship and won Third Place in the Society for Cinema & Media Studies (SCMS) Student Writing Award for her essay, “Photography as Taxidermy: Get Out.”

Jordan Fell (Costume Designer) (she/her) is a Los Angeles-based costume designer, hailing from Louisiana, with strong and valued connections to the Seattle performing arts scene. She received her M.F.A in Costume Design from the University of Washington School of Drama in 2019, culminating in a thesis show, Moliere’s The Learned Ladies directed by Jane Nichols. This is Jordan’s second consecutive season working with UW Dance to design and create costumes for the UW Dance Presents and MFA Dance concerts. Though working with UW Dance is always a rewarding and highly collaborative experience, this concert has been particularly meaningful as all involved have collectively pioneered new works, and navigated new ways of working, under extraordinary circumstances. Jordan is grateful for the opportunity to dive into realizing these dance films, and for the mutual trust, support, creativity, and willingness between every collaborator. Please enjoy our work, and tune in again for the MFA Dance Concert Spring 2021. Thanks especially to Ricky German, Val Mayse, and Isabelle Harris! Website: jordanemeryfell.format.com Instagram: @jordanemeryfell

Paul Sklar (Composer/Musician) is originally from New York City, where he received his Bachelor of Music from the Mannes College of Music. He went on to develop a career as a pianist for ballet, modern dance, and musical theater. He played piano for the School of American Ballet, The Martha Graham Center for Contemporary Dance, and The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, in addition to other dance schools and companies. Later on, Paul moved to Seattle, where he is currently a pianist for the University of Washington Dance Department, and Cornish College Music Theater Department. He has also played for Spectrum Dance Theater, and several other dance organizations in Seattle. Paul also teaches piano, and has directed numerous group piano programs for children.

Trevor Stam (Musician) is a software engineer based in Seattle. Originally from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Trevor enjoys playing violin in gypsy and jazz ensembles.

Raquel Gordon (Performer) is a senior studying dance and creative writing and is excited for her first MFA Concert! She is looking forward to graduating in June and hopefully avoiding moving back in with her parents. Raquel sings soprano and sometimes alto with the University Chorale, and serves as treasurer for the Dance Student Association. In her free time Raquel loves to write, choreograph, strum some guitar chords, and plot to steal the neighborhood cat Paprika. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Ariel Oswalt (Performer) is pursuing a B.A. with a major in dance and a B.S. with a major in biology at the University of Washington (UW). She works at the UW’s Burke Museum where she handles and photographs fossils. Ariel is currently conducting research that investigates the impact of dance training on nutritional beliefs. She serves as a secretary for the Dance Student Association and dances in student-led and department-led performances and projects.

Sweekruthi Raghunathan (Performer) is a senior pursuing a double degree in dance and computer science. She practices many dance forms including bharatanatyam, African styles, ballet and club/street styles, while mainly focusing on modern, contemporary, ballroom and Latin styles for the past six years. From 2015 to 2017, Sweekruthi danced with The Floor in Kochi, India and performed at their annual dance festivals, Dance A'fair 2016 and 2017. At the UW, Sweekruthi worked alongside choreographers Adele Nickel and Lucie Baker and performed in the MFA dance concert in 2018. She is currently one of the officers for the UW Salsa club.

Megan Sellman (Performer) is finishing her final year of college studying dance and education, with a minor in anthropology. She trained at her local dance studio, alongside various color guard programs, most notably the Blue Devils Drum Corps. During her time at the university, she has served as the president of the Dance Student Association, worked as the Assistant for the Chamber Dance Company, and is currently finishing an honors research project connecting dance, education, and color guard. She is looking forward to continuing a career in dance after graduation, and is thankful for the generosity, creativity, and community in the Department of Dance.

Aliona Vakulchik (Performer) is a second-year student at UW, majoring in dance and business. She is super excited to be dancing today. Although virtually, it's amazing we have still gotten to do what we love during this time.


dis|appear

Alia Swersky (Director/Choreographer) (she/her) is a Seattle-based movement artist, creator and performer. She graduated from Cornish College of the Arts with a BFA in dance. Alia has been dedicated to teaching movement and creative process, performing, and creating works in Seattle (as well as nationally and internationally) for the last two decades. She is currently an MFA candidate at the University of WA, graduating in Spring 2022.

Greg Mares (Editor) is an award-winning filmmaker and photographer with a focus on creating emotive content through empathy and intuition. His multifaceted portfolio includes promotional pieces, short films, music videos and feature-length documentary work. He is currently living on the road full time in a converted van and is inspired by the inherent impermanence of everyday life. (https://www.gregmares.com)

Daniel Mimura (Assistant Camera) is a Seattle-based cinematographer and cam-op, specializing in Steadicam and gimbals. He graduated from the film program at the University of Texas at Austin. Daniel has shot a wide range of local, national, and international productions doing features, documentaries (long form and short), TV shows, short films, music videos, dance films, as well as commercial work.  

Isabella Reed (Costume Designer) (she/her) is an undergraduate drama design major at the University of Washington. Isabella has been working with the Dance Department for three years. This is her first design credit with UW Dance. Previous works include Bodies of Water Directed by Shelia Daniels and Porcha Shaw, and Ada and the Engine directed by Kristie Post Wallace. As an artist, she is captivated by nature and people and how they intertwine. Isabella is grateful for all the opportunities UW Dance has provided her with to help grow as a designer. Special thanks to Jordan Fell, Ricky German, and Alia Swersky. Website: https://izreeddesign.wixsite.com/mysite @izreeddesign on Instagram  

Hannah Rice (Creative Collaborator and Production Assistant) (she/her)  is a movement explorer, artist and teacher committed to connecting with others through physical creative processes. Her work is inspired by color, connection, collective liberation and incongruency.  Hannah has spent the last couple of years in an intimate collaboration with Alia Swersky on various performance works including live theater and film.  When Hannah’s not making up dances, she rides her bike far away and sometimes comes back. 

Jonathan Rodriguez (Composer) is an emerging percussionist and composer from the borderlands of Douglas, Arizona, and Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. Currently, he is working on his Doctorate in Percussion Performance at the University of Washington in Seattle. His recent work focuses on community music making in border communities. 

Sebastien Scandiuzzi (Cinematographer) is an award-winning feature film and commercial cinematographer.  He is lucky to have worked with some of Seattle’s best directors, most notably on LANE 1974 & East of The Mountains. https://www.sebastienscandiuzzi.com/

Emma Conrad (Performer). I am Emma Conrad. I am a multiracial artist from California. I am constantly evolving and learning. I am grounded in where I came from and reaching to where I want to go. I am the soft exhale from the breath that travels along the wind; the shadow that lies still while shifting as the day shifts; a fleck of dust suspended within a sunbeam. I exist in multitudes beyond my body. I dis|appear.

Clara Herrera (Performer). I am a dancer. I identify as female. I am adventurous. I am energetic. I am always wanting something more. I am exploring as I go. I am excited for the future. I am a liability at times.  I am high and low like the tide, being generated by the moon. I am constantly moving. I am always changing. I am rapid like the ocean. I am still like the ocean. I dis|appear.

Benjamin Holroyd (Performer). I am Benjamin Holroyd. I am a serial optimist. I am a boy in a man’s body; a child at the reins of responsibility. I am a gay man. I am a revelation of self; an evolutionary mistake that is no mistake at all. I am beautiful. I am beautiful as a man can be beautiful; a flower borne of its own will to bloom. I am myself. I am the face in the mirror; always changing, always asking: Who Am I?

Andy Lobkov (Performer). I am so unlimited. I am becoming. I am regenerating. I am expanding. I am ever evolving, shifting, changing, and I am excited. I am a star in the universe. I dis|appear. I am the salt water splashing above my ankles. I am beyond imagination. I exist. I exist when it is unfathomable. I don’t give up. I have a voice. I am alive. I am love. I am full. I am full.

Alexa Ray (Performer). I am an artist. I am one with the sun and sand. I am stuck dreaming. My head in the clouds and future. I am a woman. I am sensual. I am bilingual. I am a Latin dancer and feel the rhythms in my bones. I am lost. I long for home and have yet to find it. I am always changing. I am proud of the person that looks back at me in the mirror and love what makes me who I am.

Juliet Romano-Olsen (Performer). I am Juliet, sometimes Jules. I was born in and still live in Seattle. I am a dancer, and I am a Highland dancer. I always have music playing. I like to groove. I desire connection. I want to make people smile. I am affectionate. I have destructive power. I am where the waves meet the shore. I give really good hugs. I am always changing. I am learning to let myself be.

Alyssa Vacheron (Performer). I am big. I am taking up space. I am picking myself apart. I am wearing contacts. I am from San Diego. I am a dancer. I am in love. I am always surprising myself. I am trying to focus. I was taken advantage of. I love myself. I love myself. I am trying to love myself. I am in between pants sizes. I dis|appear

Hadi Nazirool Bin Yusri (Performer). I was named Hadi. I am a filmmaker, dancer and music enthusiast. I miss my mother sometimes. I desire love and I deserve to be loved. I dis|appear; within the transformation of brightness and darkness. I am the tears of Earth that rule the ground. I am the leader of my own universe. I am very powerful; just like the superheroes in action movies. I am who I expect myself to be.


on the third side

Yebel Gallegos (Director/Choreographer/Editor) is a dance artist from El Paso, Texas. Yebel played an important role in the founding of Cressida Danza Contemporánea in Yucatán, MX. During his time with Cressida Danza he served as a dancer, company teacher, rehearsal director, and academic coordinator for the Conservatorio de Danza de Yucatán. While in Mexico, he also helped in the creation and implementation of the Festival Yucatán Escénica, an international contemporary dance festival hosted by Cressida Danza. Yebel recently concluded a six-year tenure working full-time with the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Yebel has had the fortune to travel internationally as a performer and educator to countries such as South Korea, Mongolia, France, Austria, and Chile. He earned his BFA in dance, both from the University of Texas at Austin and from the Escuela Profesional de Danza de Mazatlán, directed by Delfos Dance Company. He currently resides in Seattle, WA, where he is expected to receive his Master in Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in the Spring of 2021.

Florian Alberge (Director/Choreographer/Editor) is a multifaceted artist from France, living in Salt Lake City, UT. He is a collaborator with Heartland Collective, a multi-disciplinary collective directed by Molly Heller. He earned an MA in Performing Arts from the University of Artois and an MFA in modern dance from the University of Utah. Florian currently teaches at Utah Valley University where he is developing a course combining his history in theatre, dance, and technology. Additionally, he works as a graphic designer and social media marketer for Acrely Farms, a Utah-based boutique hemp farm.

Jordan Fell (Costume Designer) (she/her) is a Los Angeles-based costume designer, hailing from Louisiana, with strong and valued connections to the Seattle performing arts scene. She received her M.F.A in Costume Design from the University of Washington School of Drama in 2019, culminating in a thesis show, Moliere’s The Learned Ladies directed by Jane Nichols. This is Jordan’s second consecutive season working with UW Dance to design and create costumes for the UW Dance Presents and MFA Dance concerts. Though working with UW Dance is always a rewarding and highly collaborative experience, this concert has been particularly meaningful as all involved have collectively pioneered new works, and navigated new ways of working, under extraordinary circumstances. Jordan is grateful for the opportunity to dive into realizing these dance films, and for the mutual trust, support, creativity, and willingness between every collaborator. Please enjoy our work, and tune in again for the MFA Dance Concert Spring 2021. Thanks especially to Ricky German, Val Mayse, and Isabelle Harris! Website: jordanemeryfell.format.com Instagram: @jordanemeryfell

Vladimir Juarez (Sound Design) is from El Paso, Texas. He has been exploring sound engineering for a few years now. He is a sophomore at Pebble Hills High School and aspires to continue in music production after graduation. This is Vladimir’s first time working in a dance production.

Lawrence Parry (On-Set Assistant) is originally from Idaho. Lawrence works for a software company based in Salt Lake City, Utah and this is his first time working on a screen dance project. 

Melissa Younker (Editor), originally from California, is a movement artist based in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is a collaborator with Heartland Collective, a multi-disciplinary collective directed by Molly Heller. Melissa has a multifaceted dedication to dance; training in many movement forms, teaching extensively within a multitude of communities, touring nationally and internationally as a performing artist, designing costumes, and collaborating in a range of mediums. Her current choreography projects include a movement-based film “Deliquesce” with & Artists, and “The Ladies Room” with Marta Reeder and, EMMY® award-winning director, Amanda Stoddard. Melissa formerly danced with Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company from 2014-2020.

Ieva Bračiulytė (Performer) is a senior who is graduating in June with a major in dance and a minor in environmental studies and comparative history of ideas. She doesn’t know what the future holds but her plans involve dancing and fighting for a livable planet. She has had the honor to work with artists such as Yin Yue, Tracey Durbin, Katie Sherman, Lindsey McGill, Ching Ching Wong, Lucie Baker, Rachael Lincoln, Dani Tirrell and Majinn Mike O’Neal.

Sweekruthi Raghunathan (Performer) is a senior pursuing a double degree in dance and computer science. She practices many dance forms including bharatanatyam, African styles, ballet and club/street styles, while mainly focusing on modern, contemporary, ballroom and Latin styles for the past six years. From 2015 to 2017, Sweekruthi danced with The Floor in Kochi, India and performed at their annual dance festivals, Dance A'fair 2016 and 2017. At the UW, Sweekruthi worked alongside choreographers Adele Nickel and Lucie Baker and performed in the MFA dance concert in 2018. She is currently one of the officers for the UW Salsa club.

Piper Robertson (Performer) is a graduating junior, finishing degrees in dance and neuroscience. This is her first performance in a UW Dance Department concert, and she is thrilled to end her time at the UW with such an amazing experience! After graduating, she will be continuing her dance career as an instructor for dancers of all ages. She looks forward to sharing her passion for the overlap between dance and neuroscience. Thanks to Yebel, Florian, Ieva, and Sweekruthi!


Avifauna

Alexander Olivieri (Choreographer) (he/they) grew up in Newark, Delaware and danced professionally in New York City for 8 years. He toured internationally with 10 Hairy Legs, a male-identifying repertory dance company for five years, as well as danced for notable New York choreographers like Christopher Williams, Mike Esperanza, Yoshito Sakuraba, Shawn Bible, Kyle Barkin & Aaron Selissen, and Jackie Nowicki. As an educator, Alexander has taught workshops at academic institutions across the country, and in 2019 he served as an adjunct professor at Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York. He holds a BA in Theatre Arts and Philosophy from Boston College. His interests lie in choreography for film and stage, as well as editing film and videography. He is currently studying and researching screendance and queer studies as an MFA candidate, graduating in Spring 2022.

Jordan Fell (Costume Designer) (she/her) is a Los Angeles-based costume designer, hailing from Louisiana, with strong and valued connections to the Seattle performing arts scene. She received her M.F.A in Costume Design from the University of Washington School of Drama in 2019, culminating in a thesis show, Moliere’s The Learned Ladies directed by Jane Nichols. This is Jordan’s second consecutive season working with UW Dance to design and create costumes for the UW Dance Presents and MFA Dance concerts. Though working with UW Dance is always a rewarding and highly collaborative experience, this concert has been particularly meaningful as all involved have collectively pioneered new works, and navigated new ways of working, under extraordinary circumstances. Jordan is grateful for the opportunity to dive into realizing these dance films, and for the mutual trust, support, creativity, and willingness between every collaborator. Please enjoy our work, and tune in again for the MFA Dance Concert Spring 2021. Thanks especially to Ricky German, Val Mayse, and Isabelle Harris! Website: jordanemeryfell.format.com Instagram: @jordanemeryfell

Jenni Gile (Costume Designer) is a native of Madison, Wisconsin who has had the opportunity to live and work across the country. She returned last year to complete her degree in theatre and dramatic arts from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, after a very long hiatus during which time she was able to hone her skills in costume design working for a myriad of regional theaters. In her spare time, she designs and builds cos play costumes, props, and dabbles in mixed media art, using textiles, of course.  She is thrilled to be able to stretch and grow as a designer and teacher here at UW. 

Cameo Lethem (Videographer and Editor) (she/her) is a choreographer, performer, and video editor. Her choreography has been shown at On the Boards, Velocity Dance Center, Erickson Theater, 12th Ave Arts, Kirkland Performance Center, Base: Experimental Arts, Yaw Theater, Electric Lodge, and more. She’s performed for Alice Gosti, Kate Wallich, Coleman Pester, Hayley Shannon, and others. As a selected artist for Ellenore Scott’s The Breaking Glass Project, she received mentorships from Sidra Bell and Nia-Amina Minor. Cameo is also a recipient of SeattleDances’ 2017 DanceCrush award. 

Rose Amlin (Performer) is a third-year student majoring in dance and psychology. She is grateful to be a part of the MFA concert this year! In her free time, she enjoys riding her bike to class, shredding the gnar at Stevens Pass, and having karaoke nights with her roommates. Enjoy the show!

 Audrey Byrne (Performer) is a first-year student at the University of Washington intending to double major in public/global health and dance. She was born in Chicago, IL where she danced for 16 years both at the studio in her hometown and as a choreographer and dancer for her high school dance company. She also performed with a circus arts company for six years as an aerial artist and contortionist. 

Makayla Day (Performer) is currently a sophomore at the University of Washington, intending to double major in dance and social Work. She grew up in Burien and has been dancing for 17 years. Her focus has been mainly in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Tap. She looks forward to performing in her first MFA Concert with the UW Dance Department!

Faith Elder (Performer) is a second-year student who is majoring in political science and minoring in dance. She began her training at the British Dance Academy, where she learned ballet, tap, jazz, modern and lyrical dance. Since arriving at UW, she has also expanded into salsa and vertical dance. This is Faith’s second production with UW Dance, previously performing in UW Dance Presents 2021. Other credits include Greg Thompson’s Snowflake Lane and American Tap Festival.

Gabbi Masten (Performer) is a third-year pursuing a major in dance. During her time at UW, she has performed in UW Dance Presents, MFA Concerts, Dance Majors Concerts, and influx. When she is not dancing, Gabbi enjoys cooking and eating yummy food, practicing yoga, giggling with friends, and seeking out sunshine. 

Maisy Neill (Performer) is in her first year at UW. Born in Los Angeles, this is her first year living in Seattle. Maisy has been dancing for the past 10 years and intends on double majoring in dance and psychology. She loved being a part of the faculty dance concert and can’t wait to see what’s next in store for her at UW!

Elana Skeers (Performer) is a sophomore dance major from Southern California. This is her third UW dance film process and she feels so lucky to be able to continue dancing during this time. Prior to dancing at UW, she has had the opportunity to work with various artists in California and New York as well as participate in shows organized by the Joffrey Ballet School, Inland Pacific Ballet School, and her home studio, Dance Dynamics.

Anna Waltz (Performer) is an intended biology major and dance major in her second year at UW. She grew up in south Florida and moved to Issaquah, WA in high school where she competed and trained at Issaquah Dance Theatre. She currently teaches hip hop and tap at DASSdance in Seattle. This is her first time performing with the UW Dance Department, and she’s excited to create with Alexander and the cast!

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