Jim Henson Academy of Visual and Performing Arts
at
NORTHWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL
Dance Department Presents...
April 24, 2026
7 PM
Justice Auditorium
Northwestern High School
7000 Adelphi Rd.
Hyattsville, MD 20782
Bayardo Martinez, Dance Department Director
Program
act 1
Efflorescence
Choreographer: Bayardo Martinez
Performers:
Level 1: Emily Charles, Khia Forbes, Phoenix Hamlett, Jada Porter, Janye Porter, Laci Sydnor, Dominion Ubani
Level 2: Traniya Brown, Ariella Fabio, Wencelly Garcia Mercedes, Kassidy Moton, Chinaza Ozokwelu, Aiya Robinson
Level 3: Chastelyn Cosigua, Lidia da Cruz, Keala Jacobs, Benedi Perdomo Encarnacion,
Anadilia "Annie" Romero Berrios, Peyton Spence
Level 4: Nigisti Bohadgo, Brianna Brewley, Shenoa Medina, Ressa Pinnock, Mariana Ramos
Class/Level: VPA Dance Majors
Dance Style: Contemporary
Music Performed by: Antonio Vivaldi, Max Richter
Choreographer's Notes: A ceremony of emergence. The VPA dancers map the journey from buried root to vibrant bloom, mirroring the human need to break through the dark and start over. It is a formal greeting to the stage—an unfolding that proves the most beautiful things happen when we finally reach for the light.
Notas del Coreógrafo: Una ceremonia de emergencia. Las bailarinas de VPA trazan el viaje desde la raíz sepultada hasta la flor vibrante, reflejando la necesidad humana de abrirse paso a través de la oscuridad y volver a empezar. Es un saludo formal al escenario: un despliegue que demuestra que las cosas más hermosas suceden cuando, por fin, tendemos la mano hacia la luz.
Maybe God's Tryin' Tell You Somethin'
Choreographer: Tammy Hurt
Performer:
Level 1: Emily Charles, Khia Forbes, Phoenix Hamlett, Jada Porter, Janye Porter, Laci Sydnor, Dominion Ubani
Level 2: Traniya Brown, Ariella Fabio, Wencelly Garcia Mercedes, Kassidy Moton, Chinaza Ozokwelu, Aiya Robinson
Dance Style: Contemporary
Music Performed by: Quincy Jones
Choreographer's Notes: This contemporary work, set by guest artist Tammy Hurt of The Washington Ballet, features the VPA Level 1 and 2 students in a moving exploration of faith and resilience. Set to the soul-stirring gospel sounds of The Color Purple, the choreography blends modern athleticism with liturgical grace. Through soaring collective movement, the dancers embody a journey of spiritual awakening and the search for inner strength.
Notas del Coreógrafo: Esta obra contemporánea, montada por la artista invitada Tammy Hurt de The Washington Ballet, presenta a los estudiantes de los niveles 1 y 2 de VPA en una conmovedora exploración de la fe y la resiliencia. Coreografiada al compás de los conmovedores sonidos góspel de *The Color Purple*, la pieza fusiona el atletismo moderno con la gracia litúrgica. A través de un movimiento colectivo de gran elevación, los bailarines encarnan un viaje de despertar espiritual y la búsqueda de la fortaleza interior.
Journey
Choreographer: Mher Kandoyan
Performer: Chastelyn Cosigua, Lidia da Cruz, Keala Jacobs, Benedi Perdomo Encarnacion,
Anadilia "Annie" Romero Berrios, Peyton Spence
Class/Level: Modern 3
Dance Style: Modern
Music Performed by: Bad Bunny
Choreographer's Notes: Journey is part of an ongoing, lifelong project by choreographer Mher Kandoyan. It explores the cycles of life, cycles of joy and grief, from our brightest "blooms" to our hardest "breaks." Through a blend of choreography and structured expression, our juniors show us what it means to carry our history with us while finding the strength to move forward. This performance is a tribute to the highs and lows that connect us all on our collective journey.
Notas del Coreógrafo: "Journey" forma parte de un proyecto continuo y de toda una vida del coreógrafo Mher Kandoyan. Explora los ciclos de la vida —ciclos de alegría y de duelo—, desde nuestros más luminosos «florecimientos» hasta nuestras más duras «rupturas». A través de una fusión de coreografía y expresión estructurada, nuestros jóvenes nos muestran lo que significa llevar nuestra historia con nosotros, al tiempo que hallamos la fuerza para seguir adelante. Esta representación es un tributo a los altibajos que nos conectan a todos en nuestro viaje colectivo.
Gossip Truth
Choreographer: Darryl Pilate
Performers: Emily Charles, Khia Forbes, Phoenix Hamlett, Jada Porter, Janye Porter, Laci Sydnor, Dominion Ubani
Class/Level: Jazz 1
Dance Style: Musical Theatre
Music Performed by: Cheryl Freeman, Lililas White
Choreographer's Notes: A fast-paced, spirited journey from the sidelines to the spotlight. This dance explores the energy of a sudden rise to fame, blending sharp movement with a playful, heroic flair. It is a fun, sassy celebration of finding your strength and owning your legendary status.
Notas del Coreógrafo: Un viaje dinámico y vibrante: de la periferia al centro del escenario. Esta danza explora la energía de un ascenso repentino a la fama, fusionando movimientos precisos con un estilo lúdico y heroico. Es una celebración divertida y audaz del descubrimiento de la propia fortaleza y de la apropiación del estatus legendario.
Cabo Verde Nights
Choreographer: Bayardo Martinez
Performers: Marissa Boone, Mikiel Grady, Annaliese Morrison, Caoilainn Pilkerton, Ranique Pitterson,
Jasmine Romero Bonilla, Maria Tejada
Class/Level: Comprehensive Dance 2
Dance Style: Latin Jazz
Music Performed by: Anane
Choreographer's Notes: Bringing a sleek, tropical sophistication to the stage, this piece explores the intersection of island soul and jazz structure. The dancers lean into the syncopated pulse of a soft samba, focusing on the subtle weight shifts and timing that define the style.
Notas del Coreógrafo: Aportando al escenario una sofisticación tropical y elegante, esta pieza explora la intersección entre el alma isleña y la estructura del jazz. Los bailarines se entregan al pulso sincopado de una suave samba, centrándose en los sutiles cambios de peso y en el *timing* que definen este estilo.
Bora
Choreographer: Julia Smith
Performer:
Level 1: Emily Charles, Khia Forbes, Phoenix Hamlett, Jada Porter, Janye Porter, Laci Sydnor, Dominion Ubani
Level 2: Traniya Brown, Ariella Fabio, Wencelly Garcia Mercedes, Kassidy Moton, Chinaza Ozokwelu, Aiya Robinson
Class/Level: Ballet 1 & 2
Dance Style: Ballet
Music Performed by: Antonio Vivaldi
Choreographer's Notes: Set to the driving rhythms of Vivaldi’s Winter I, Bora personifies the powerful, cold wind of the Adriatic coast. This contemporary ballet piece translates the music's sharp, crystalline energy into a display of technical intensity—embodying the relentless spirit and frozen beauty of a winter gale.
Notas del Coreógrafo: Coreografiada al compás de los ritmos impetuosos del "Invierno I" de Vivaldi, "Bora" personifica el viento potente y gélido de la costa adriática. Esta pieza de ballet contemporáneo traduce la energía aguda y cristalina de la música en una exhibición de intensidad técnica, encarnando el espíritu implacable y la belleza helada de un vendaval invernal.
Paper Corsage
Choreographer: Bayardo Martinez
Performers: Brianna Brewley (VPA Senior Dance Major)
Class/Level: Royale Dance Company (National Honors Society for Dance Arts)
Dance Style: Contemporary
Music Performed by: Rosez
Choreographer's Notes: A reflection on a love that felt fragile and temporary. This piece captures the vulnerability of a girl expressing her deepest feelings as her prom night falls apart. It is a moving tribute to the beauty and the pain of a heart that isn’t ready to let go.
Notas del Coreógrafo: Una reflexión sobre un amor que se sentía frágil y efímero. Esta pieza captura la vulnerabilidad de una joven que expresa sus sentimientos más profundos mientras su noche de graduación se desmorona. Es un conmovedor tributo a la belleza y al dolor de un corazón que no está listo para dejar ir.
Ah Ya Zein
Choreographer: Lori Clark
Performer: Chastelyn Cosigua, Lidia da Cruz, Keala Jacobs, Benedi Perdomo Encarnacion,
Anadilia "Annie" Romero Berrios, Peyton Spence
Class/Level: World Dance
Dance Style: Raqs Sharqi (Oriental Dance/Middle Eastern Dance)
Music Performed by: Unknown
Choreographer's Notes: A classic belly dance opening followed by a drum solo, showing off dancers’ technique and musicality. The movement and music highlight Egyptian and Ottoman roots including a nod to the whirling dervish.
Notas del Coreógrafo: Una clásica apertura de danza del vientre, seguida de un solo de percusión, que exhibe la técnica y la musicalidad de las bailarinas. El movimiento y la música realzan las raíces egipcias y otomanas, incluyendo un guiño a los derviches giróvagos.
Sirocco
Choreographer: Julia Smith
Performer:
Level 1: Emily Charles, Khia Forbes, Phoenix Hamlett, Jada Porter, Janye Porter, Laci Sydnor, Dominion Ubani
Level 2: Traniya Brown, Ariella Fabio, Wencelly Garcia Mercedes, Kassidy Moton, Chinaza Ozokwelu, Aiya Robinson
Class/Level: Ballet 1 & 2
Dance Style: Ballet
Music Performed by: Antonio Vivaldi
Choreographer's Notes: Named after the fierce hot Mediterranean wind, Sirocco blends the structure of classical ballet with the expressive freedom of contemporary movement. The work captures a journey of atmospheric change—moving from stillness to a whirlwind of motion—as the dancers embody the heat, intensity, and relentless spirit of the wind.
Notas del Coreógrafo: Bautizada en honor al feroz y cálido viento mediterráneo, Sirocco fusiona la estructura del ballet clásico con la libertad expresiva del movimiento contemporáneo. La obra plasma un viaje de transformación atmosférica —pasando de la quietud a un torbellino de movimiento—, a medida que los bailarines encarnan el calor, la intensidad y el espíritu indomable del viento.
10 - Minute Intermission
Moonflower
Choreographer: Bayardo Martinez
Performers:
Level 1: Emily Charles, Khia Forbes, Phoenix Hamlett, Jada Porter, Janye Porter, Laci Sydnor, Dominion Ubani
Level 4: Nigisti Bohadgo, Brianna Brewley, Shenoa Medina, Ressa Pinnock, Mariana Ramos
Class/Level: Modern 1 & Modern 4
Dance Style: Modern
Music Performed by: Audiomachine
Choreographer's Notes: A glimpse into the garden after dark. This piece captures the mystery of those who wait for the moonlight to finally reveal their true colors. It is a tribute to the hidden strength found in the shadows—a reminder that we don’t always need the sun to find our own way to shine.
Notas del Coreógrafo: Un vistazo al jardín tras la caída de la noche. Esta obra captura el misterio de aquellos que aguardan a que la luz de la luna revele, por fin, sus verdaderos colores. Es un tributo a la fuerza oculta que reside en las sombras; un recordatorio de que no siempre necesitamos el sol para encontrar nuestra propia manera de brillar.
Idiom
Choreographer: Kevin White
Performer: Traniya Brown, Ariella Fabio, Wencelly Garcia Mercedes, Kassidy Moton, Chinaza Ozokwelu, Aiya Robinson
Class/Level: Jazz 2
Dance Style: Modern-Jazz
Music Performed by: Jungle
Choreographer's Notes: Idiom is a lighthearted piece centered around childlike freedom and fun. Mixes of social dance, broadway jazz, and modern are incorporated to show the dancer's personal style and technique.
Notas del Coreógrafo: "Idiom" es una pieza desenfadada, centrada en la libertad y la diversión propias de la infancia. Se incorporan fusiones de danza social, jazz estilo Broadway y danza moderna para exhibir el estilo personal y la técnica del bailarín.
Spring Fiesta
Choreographer: Mher Kandoyan
Performer: Blessing Adamas Sisa, Kiya Davis, Damon Dixon, Serenity Harrell, Anthony Harris, Guadalupe Martinez Espana, Juliana Mata Martinez, Jason Monroy Miner, Karla Montero, Hector Ortiz Monterroso,
Ressa Pinnock, Yesli Ramirez Reyes, Jordan Rucker, Emeli Santamaria-Gomez, Ethelvina Velasquez Flores
Class/Level: Comprehensive Dance 1
Dance Style: Latin Dance
Music Performed by: Bad Bunny
Choreographer's Notes: Salsa is more than just steps; it’s a party! Set to "Baila Inolvidable," this piece showcases the versatility of our dancers as they navigate complex footwork, elegant partner work, and the fun of a traditional Rueda. This dance is a simple reminder of the power of music to bring people together in celebration.
Notas del Coreógrafo: La salsa es mucho más que simples pasos: ¡es una fiesta! Al ritmo de «Baila Inolvidable», esta pieza exhibe la versatilidad de nuestros bailarines mientras ejecutan complejos juegos de pies, un elegante trabajo en pareja y la diversión de una tradicional Rueda. Este baile es un sencillo recordatorio del poder que tiene la música para unir a las personas en celebración.
Hauntings
Choreographer: Julia Smith
Performer: Blessing Adamas Sisa, Kiya Davis, Damon Dixon, Serenity Harrell, Anthony Harris, Guadalupe Martinez Espana, Juliana Mata Martinez, Jason Monroy Miner, Karla Montero, Hector Ortiz Monterroso,
Ressa Pinnock, Yesli Ramirez Reyes, Jordan Rucker, Emeli Santamaria-Gomez, Ethelvina Velasquez Flores
Class/Level: Royale Dance Company (National Honors Society for Dance Arts)
Dance Style: Contemporary
Music Performed by: Max Richter
Choreographer's Notes: Hauntings explores the thin veil between the living and the otherworldly. Guided by the evocative sounds of Max Richter and Arvo Pärt, an ensemble of spirits weaves through the memories of a central figure. As she journeys through time—marked by the presence of a lone red umbrella—we witness the graceful, inevitable transition from the physical world to what lies beyond mortality.
Notas del Coreógrafo: "Hauntings" explora el tenue velo que separa a los vivos de lo sobrenatural. Guiado por los evocadores sonidos de Max Richter y Arvo Pärt, un conjunto de espíritus se entreteje a través de los recuerdos de una figura central. A medida que ella viaja a través del tiempo —marcado por la presencia de un solitario paraguas rojo—, somos testigos de la grácil e inevitable transición del mundo físico hacia aquello que yace más allá de la mortalidad.
Rounds and Rites
Choreographer: Alvin Mayes
Performer:
Level 1: Emily Charles, Khia Forbes, Phoenix Hamlett, Jada Porter, Janye Porter, Laci Sydnor, Dominion Ubani
Level 2: Traniya Brown, Ariella Fabio, Wencelly Garcia Mercedes, Kassidy Moton, Chinaza Ozokwelu, Aiya Robinson
Class/Level: Modern 1 & 2
Dance Style: Modern Dance
Music Performed by: Alvin Mayes
Choreographer's Notes: This dance celebrates the rituals of spring.
Notas del Coreógrafo: Esta danza celebra los rituales de la primavera.
The Last Bird
Choreographer: Julia Smith
Performers:
Level 3: Chastelyn Cosigua, Lidia da Cruz, Keala Jacobs, Benedi Perdomo Encarnacion,
Anadilia "Annie" Romero Berrios, Peyton Spence
Level 4: Nigisti Bohadgo, Brianna Brewley, Shenoa Medina, Ressa Pinnock, Mariana Ramos
Class/Level: Ballet 3 & 4
Dance Style: Ballet
Music Performed by: Zoë Keating
Choreographer's Notes: Set to the intricate, layered cello compositions of Zoë Keating, Vector and Veil is an exploration of the architecture of movement. Utilizing a cast of 11 dancers, the piece navigates the tension between rigid geometric canons and fluid, organic transitions. From sharp, staccato allegros to sweeping collective shifts, the choreography mirrors a Murmuration—a constant state of mathematical precision meeting natural grace.
Notas del Coreógrafo: Con el telón de fondo de las intrincadas y superpuestas composiciones para violonchelo de Zoë Keating, "Vector and Veil" constituye una exploración de la arquitectura del movimiento. A través de un elenco de 11 bailarines, la pieza navega por la tensión existente entre rígidos cánones geométricos y transiciones fluidas y orgánicas. Desde allegros incisivos y staccato hasta amplios desplazamientos colectivos, la coreografía evoca una murmuración: un estado constante en el que la precisión matemática se funde con la gracia natural.
Weather Girls: reimagined
Choreographer: Bayardo Martinez
Performers:
Dance 2: Marissa Boone, Mikiel Grady, Annaliese Morrison, Caoilainn Pilkerton, Ranique Pitterson, Jasmine Romero Bonilla, Maria Tejada
VPA Level 2: Traniya Brown, Ariella Fabio, Wencelly Garcia Mercedes, Kassidy Moton,
Chinaza Ozokwelu, Aiya Robinson
Guest Performers: Dean Williams
Class/Level: Comprehensive Dance 2 & Jazz 2 (VPA)
Dance Style: Musical Theatre
Music Performed by: The Weather Girls
Choreographer's Notes: A high-energy exploration of expression and movement set to an iconic anthem. This dance focuses on the joy of sharp, sassy choreography and the fun of taking up space. It is a vibrant display of style and spirit that brings the forecast to life on stage.
Notas del Coreógrafo: Una exploración de alta energía de la expresión y el movimiento, coreografiada al ritmo de un himno icónico. Esta danza se centra en la alegría de una coreografía incisiva y descarada, y en la diversión de ocupar el espacio. Es una vibrante exhibición de estilo y espíritu que da vida a la previsión sobre el escenario.
Welcome to A.I.
Choreographer: Devon Wallace
Performers:
Level 3: Chastelyn Cosigua, Lidia da Cruz, Keala Jacobs, Benedi Perdomo Encarnacion,
Anadilia "Annie" Romero Berrios, Peyton Spence
Level 4: Nigisti Bohadgo, Brianna Brewley, Shenoa Medina, Ressa Pinnock, Mariana Ramos
Class/Level: Dance Composition 1 & 2
Dance Style: Hip-Hop
Music Performed by: Beyonce, Tyler the Creator, Flawed Mango, Northwestern High School students,
and Little Simz
Choreographer's Notes: This performance explores the fluid intersection of human intuition and algorithmic precision, highlighting the expansive potential of artificial intelligence through high-concept choreography. The piece highlights the inherent tension between automated logic and the irreplaceable spark of human emotion. Ultimately, the dancers demonstrate that while AI can mimic form, it requires the depth of human creativity, emotion, and lived experience to achieve true resonance and soul.
Notas del Coreógrafo: Esta representación explora la fluida intersección entre la intuición humana y la precisión algorítmica, destacando el vasto potencial de la inteligencia artificial a través de una coreografía de alto concepto. La obra pone de relieve la tensión inherente entre la lógica automatizada y la chispa insustituible de la emoción humana. En última instancia, los bailarines demuestran que, si bien la IA puede imitar la forma, requiere de la profundidad de la creatividad humana, la emoción y la experiencia vivida para alcanzar una verdadera resonancia y alma.
Acknowledgments
Northwestern High School Administration & Staff
NKenge Barker - Principal
Cordelia Polley - Visual & Performing Arts Administrator
Sandra Atkinson, MA - Visual & Performing Arts Magnet Program Coordinator
Malik Savage - Justice Auditorium Technician
Northwestern High School Dance Department
Bayardo Martinez, MFA - Dance Department Director
Julia Smith, MFA - Ballet Mistress
Mher Kandoyan, MFA - Dance Faculty
Kevin White - Dance Adjunct
Production Team
Bayardo Martinez - Artistic Director
Julia Smith - Stage Manager
Eva Gonzalez-Dorsey - Lighting Operator
Venkatesh Batni - Sound Operator
Mher Kandoyan - Box Office Manager
Kevin White - Concessions Manager
Ridwan Billal & Nyan Htut - Photographers
VPA Media Arts Director - Andre Lee
VPA Media Arts Team - Videographers
PGCPS Specialty Programs and The Arts Office
Desann Manzano-Lee - PGCPS Director of Specialty Programs and The Arts
Temisha K. Richardson - PGCPS Coordinating Manager of Creative and Performing Arts
Jaclyn Martin - PGCPS Dance Resource Teacher
Georshele Turner - PGCPS Dance & Arts Office Secretary II & Costume Fairy
Artist-in-Residence Program - Guest Choreographers
Lori Clark - Dance Instructor- The Washington School of Ballet
Tammy Hurt - School Principal - The Washington School of Ballet, SE Campus
Alvin Mayes - Dance Professor - University of Maryland, College Park
Darryl Pilate - Dance and Theatre Specialist - Baltimore County Public Schools
Devon Wallace - Teaching Artist and Performer - ClancyWorks Dance Company
Northwestern HS Backstage Crew & Student Support
Talia Fogle
Bryce Hearns
Malia-Rose Ollivierre