SPECIAL THANKS TO
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New season starts August 14th!
SERENA WEBB DANCE THEATER PRESENTS
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
Story based on EMILY BRONTE'S "Wuthering Heights"
Artistic Director: Serena Webb
Created and Choreographed by: Serena Webb
Music by: Olafur Arnalds and Ursine Vulpine & Annaca
Lighting Designer: Glenn Linder
Stage Managers: Brian and Kirsten Tucker
Backstage Crew: Janson Smith and Trajan Tucker
Seamstress: Erin White
Videographer: Keston Moore
Photography: Karyn Andrasko
Sets and props provided by: Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy and Scera Theater
*Photography and Videography of tonight's performance is strictly prohibited
Artistic Director: Serena Webb
Created and Choreographed by: Serena Webb
Music by: Olafur Arnalds and Ursine Vulpine & Annaca
Lighting Designer: Glenn Linder
Stage Managers: Brian and Kirsten Tucker
Backstage Crew: Janson Smith and Trajan Tucker
Seamstress: Erin White
Videographer: Keston Moore
Photography: Karyn Andrasko
Sets and props provided by: Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy and Scera Theater
*Photography and Videography of tonight's performance is strictly prohibited
DIRECTOR NOTES
Wuthering Heights, although now widely regarded as one of the greatest novels ever written in English, faced severe criticism upon its initial publication. The novel was deemed controversial due to its portrayal of mental and physical cruelty, including instances of domestic abuse, as well as its bold challenges to established moral values, religious beliefs, and the rigid Victorian class system.
Unlike a conventional tale with a "Happily Ever After," Wuthering Heights does not present a cheerful narrative. Its characters are deeply flawed, and only a select few possess redeeming qualities. However, what captivates readers is the raw authenticity of their circumstances and the visceral reactions they elicit. Inspired by these elements, I contemplated numerous ideas for a spring show, and "Wuthering Heights" emerged as a compelling concept that stuck with me. The intensity of its characters, their complex emotions, and the captivating storyline would lend themselves exceptionally well to an expressive movement vocabulary, captivating the audience in a similar manner to the novel's literary allure.
It would be disingenuous to claim sole authorship of this show. The development of this project has been an immersive collaborative effort involving my peers, mentors, and the dedicated dancers themselves. Their unwavering dedication, invaluable ideas, and constructive feedback have played a vital role in shaping the final outcome.
I am immensely grateful for all those who have generously contributed their time and energy to this project and our company. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such a wonderful community that we have fostered within our modest studio space. As you experience this production of "Wuthering Heights," we hope it leaves you artistically fulfilled. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your patronage and support.
Special thanks to all my dancers, and a shout out to Erin White for creating miracles at the last minute AND BAKING MACAROONS, my sister Kirsten for pushing me to do this show and not take a break (lol), to her whole family including Brian for dropping everything to always help us, Aubry Rushton and Whitney Wyatt for doing anything I ask of them with willing hands, Chelsea Abbott for always supporting my "dance stuff and dealing with me for years on my "one year plan," Karyn Andrasko and Junior for everything you do for me, Meredith Nickle and Claire Bagley-Hayes for being my wing women and cheerleaders, and to my mom and dad who would do anything to help me fulfill my dreams.
Unlike a conventional tale with a "Happily Ever After," Wuthering Heights does not present a cheerful narrative. Its characters are deeply flawed, and only a select few possess redeeming qualities. However, what captivates readers is the raw authenticity of their circumstances and the visceral reactions they elicit. Inspired by these elements, I contemplated numerous ideas for a spring show, and "Wuthering Heights" emerged as a compelling concept that stuck with me. The intensity of its characters, their complex emotions, and the captivating storyline would lend themselves exceptionally well to an expressive movement vocabulary, captivating the audience in a similar manner to the novel's literary allure.
It would be disingenuous to claim sole authorship of this show. The development of this project has been an immersive collaborative effort involving my peers, mentors, and the dedicated dancers themselves. Their unwavering dedication, invaluable ideas, and constructive feedback have played a vital role in shaping the final outcome.
I am immensely grateful for all those who have generously contributed their time and energy to this project and our company. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such a wonderful community that we have fostered within our modest studio space. As you experience this production of "Wuthering Heights," we hope it leaves you artistically fulfilled. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your patronage and support.
Special thanks to all my dancers, and a shout out to Erin White for creating miracles at the last minute AND BAKING MACAROONS, my sister Kirsten for pushing me to do this show and not take a break (lol), to her whole family including Brian for dropping everything to always help us, Aubry Rushton and Whitney Wyatt for doing anything I ask of them with willing hands, Chelsea Abbott for always supporting my "dance stuff and dealing with me for years on my "one year plan," Karyn Andrasko and Junior for everything you do for me, Meredith Nickle and Claire Bagley-Hayes for being my wing women and cheerleaders, and to my mom and dad who would do anything to help me fulfill my dreams.
Photographer: Karyn Andrasko
PROGRAM
Synopsis
Prologue
In the late winter months of 1801, a wealthy individual named Lockwood rented a secluded manor known as "Thrushcross Grange" in the isolated moor country of England. Intrigued by the mysterious surroundings, Lockwood embarks on a perilous journey through a raging snowstorm to meet his landlord, Mr. Heathcliff, residing in the nearby manor called "Wuthering Heights." However, upon his arrival, Lockwood encounters a peculiar group of inhabitants: a disinterested and apprehensive housekeeper, an attractive yet reserved and even rude mistress of the house, a young man who appears to be part of the family but dresses and talks like a servant, and Mr. Heathcliff, whose demeanor and speech defy his gentlemanly appearance.
As the snowstorm intensifies, Lockwood finds himself stranded and compelled to spend the night. In the unfamiliar surroundings, he is led to an unused chamber where he stumbles upon a journal belonging to a former inhabitant named "Catherine." While he drifts off to sleep, a loud bang against the window abruptly awakens him, sending a shiver down his spine. Startled, he rushes to seek refuge with Mr. Heathcliff, only to be forcefully expelled from the room. The housekeeper, Nelly Dean, guides Lockwood back to Thrushcross Grange and unveils the captivating tale of the family residing at Wuthering Heights.
Act 1
The story unfolds with the Earnshaw family, who resided in Wuthering Heights. The family consisted of their father, Mr. Earnshaw, his son Hindley, and his daughter Catherine. One fateful day, Mr. Earnshaw journeys to Liverpool, where he encounters a destitute boy, whom he adopts and names "Heathcliff." Hindley, feeling alienated due to his father's newfound affection for the stranger, quickly develops a deep-rooted hatred towards him. In contrast, Catherine forms an unbreakable bond with Heathcliff. Tragedy strikes when Mr. Earnshaw passes away, leaving Hindley to return with a new wife named Frances and assume control of Wuthering Heights. Driven by his resentment, Hindley reduces Heathcliff from a family member to a lowly servant.
Heathcliff and Catherine continue to roam freely across the moors, until one night they venture to "Thrushcross Grange" to spy on its inhabitants, Edgar and Isabella Linton. Their reconnaissance mission is cut short when they are discovered and attempt to flee, resulting in Catherine tripping and spraining her ankle. Heathcliff, forced to abandon her, leaves Catherine in the care of the Lintons.
Five weeks later, Catherine returns to Wuthering Heights alongside the Lintons, transformed into a refined lady. She mocks Heathcliff's unkempt appearance, and Edgar Linton joins in the laughter. Enraged, Heathcliff retaliates, leading to a violent altercation and his subsequent confinement in the attic by Hindley. Following the Lintons' departure, Catherine climbs atop the roof to console Heathcliff, and he vows to exact revenge on Hindley.
The following summer, Frances gives birth to a child named Hareton but tragically passes away soon after. Hindley, consumed by grief, descends into a life of alcoholism.
10 Min Intermission
Act 2
As time passes, Catherine grows closer to Edgar, gradually distancing herself from Heathcliff. One day, while Edgar pays Catherine a visit and proposes marriage, she realizes that Heathcliff has witnessed the encounter and flees. Catherine attempts to chase after him but arrives too late. Seeking solace, she turns to Nelly, only to lash out and slap her in a fit of frustration. Shocked, Edgar contemplates leaving, but Catherine implores him to stay. In a moment of vulnerability, Edgar proposes once more, and Catherine accepts.
Three years after Heathcliff's disappearance, Edgar and Catherine marry.
Six months later, Heathcliff resurfaces as a refined gentleman, having grown stronger and wealthier during his absence. Through cunning means, he manipulates a drunken Hindley into gambling away his fortune, seizing control of Wuthering Heights and reducing Hindley's son, Hareton, to the status of a servant. Upon his return, Catherine rejoices at the sight of Heathcliff, and Isabella, Edgar's sister, falls madly in love with the transformed Heathcliff. Despite his disdain, Heathcliff encourages Isabella's infatuation, perceiving it as an opportunity for revenge against Edgar. An argument ensues between Catherine and Isabella, leading Edgar to intervene and demand Heathcliff's departure. The ensuing brawl prompts Catherine to lock herself in her room, where she falls gravely ill.
During Catherine's illness, Heathcliff elopes with Isabella, prompting Edgar to disown his sister. The newlyweds return to Wuthering Heights two months later, where Heathcliff subjects Isabella to a life of neglect and mistreatment. Isabella eventually flees, carrying Heathcliff's child. Upon hearing of Catherine's illness, Heathcliff forces Nelly to admit him into the Grange while Edgar attends church. Shortly after their reunion, Catherine gives birth to a daughter, Cathy, but tragically succumbs to her illness. Six months later, Hindley also passes away.
10 Minute Intermission
Act 3
Several years later, Cathy has blossomed into a beautiful and spirited young lady, confined to the borders of the Grange. Upon hearing of Isabella's impending death, Edgar departs to retrieve her son, Linton, as per Isabella's wishes. Edgar returns with a frail and sickly Linton, whom Cathy finds herself inexplicably drawn to, excited about the prospect of a new companion. Upon learning of Linton's arrival, Heathcliff coerces Edgar into surrendering the child to his care. Intrigued by the existence of her other cousin Hareton, Cathy insists on visiting Wuthering Heights. However, Edgar forbids her from doing so. In spite of the restrictions, Cathy and Linton embark on a secret love affair through exchanged letters. The following August, Edgar falls gravely ill, and the discovery of Cathy's letters unravels their clandestine connection. Fueled by her determination to flee her ailing father after a heated argument, Cathy flees to the moors, where she encounters Heathcliff and Hareton. After being captured by Heathcliff, she succumbs to his manipulation and reluctantly agrees to marry Linton as part of his revenge scheme against Edgar. After the marriage, Heathcliff releases Cathy, who swiftly returns to see her father before he dies. With her father's passing, she is left with no choice but to abandon the Grange and reside at Wuthering Heights. Linton's subsequent demise leaves Cathy embittered and sorrowful. It is at this point in the story that Lockwood arrives.
Lockwood eventually departs for London, leaving behind a mentally deteriorating Heathcliff haunted by the ghost of Catherine. Despite Cathy's initial mistreatment of Hareton, she gradually recognizes his inherent nobility and kindness concealed beneath his lack of education. As she takes on the role of his tutor, their relationship evolves, and love blossoms between them. Heathcliff, recognizing the striking similarities between Hareton and Cathy's dynamic and his own past with Catherine, no longer harbors the need for revenge. He passes away, finally reunited with his beloved Catherine in death.
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Paranormal Percussion, the ONLY annual Halloween-themed percussion show in the world, is a rhythmic theatrical production of Halloween-themed songs played by Warehouse 5 Drum Theatre, a demented drum group, using only percussion instruments.
Get your tickets to Paranormal Percussion 2023 season here: paranormalpercussion.com |
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Dancers: Daniel Carter and Lily Farrar
Photographer: Karyn Andrasko
Photographer: Karyn Andrasko
Purchase your official Serena Webb Dance Theater Merch right here!
CAST LIST
Heathcliff......Daniel Carter
Catherine Earnshaw.......Juliana Beers
Nelly Dean.......Jenna Gillis
Hindley Earnshaw/Hareton Earnshaw.......Jake Fields
Edgar Linton......Rick George
Isabella Linton.......Lily Farrar
Cathy Linton.......Sophia Rolfs
Francis Earnshaw/Ensemble.......Erin White
Mr. Earnshaw/Linton Heathcliff/Ensemble.......Jonah Smith
Lockwood/Ensemble.......Breanne Burby
Zillah/Ensemble........Chloe Chan
Catherine Earnshaw.......Juliana Beers
Nelly Dean.......Jenna Gillis
Hindley Earnshaw/Hareton Earnshaw.......Jake Fields
Edgar Linton......Rick George
Isabella Linton.......Lily Farrar
Cathy Linton.......Sophia Rolfs
Francis Earnshaw/Ensemble.......Erin White
Mr. Earnshaw/Linton Heathcliff/Ensemble.......Jonah Smith
Lockwood/Ensemble.......Breanne Burby
Zillah/Ensemble........Chloe Chan
Dancers: Juliana Beers, Daniel Carter, and Rick George
Photographer: Karyn Andrasko
Photographer: Karyn Andrasko
artistic director
SERENA WEBB
Serena Webb began dancing at a young age and has been dancing ever since. Serena Webb received her BFA Degree in Modern Dance from Utah Valley University, specializing in Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, and Jazz. During her time at Utah Valley University she performed with the pre-professional company, Contemporary Dance Ensemble. Serena has worked with a variety of other professionals in the dance community, such as Ballet West, Ririe-Woodbury, Repertory Dance Theater, Utah Metropolitan Ballet, and Alivin Ailey. Serena co-founded Body Logic Dance Company in 2009, where she took on the role of Artistic Director, dancer, choreographer, and board member. She also created Body Logic Dance Academy with Melanie Ewell in 2014 and they successfully ran it together for 8 years.
Serena made the exciting decision to create her own company and school in 2023, and continues to produce new works with her flare of dance theatrics. Her overall mission is to create art that any audience can connect with, by telling stories in a new and exciting way. Serena seeks dancers with commitment and passion for dance, professionalism, and the ability to get out of their comfort zones. Serena also aims to foster young dancers through their own individual dance journey, and she believes in cultivating their love for dance whether they excel to be professional dancers or simply keep it as a life skill. Her own passion for dance and teaching is evident as she works with dancers of all ages, and she believes there is no limit to a person's development as long as they have the will to succeed.
Serena made the exciting decision to create her own company and school in 2023, and continues to produce new works with her flare of dance theatrics. Her overall mission is to create art that any audience can connect with, by telling stories in a new and exciting way. Serena seeks dancers with commitment and passion for dance, professionalism, and the ability to get out of their comfort zones. Serena also aims to foster young dancers through their own individual dance journey, and she believes in cultivating their love for dance whether they excel to be professional dancers or simply keep it as a life skill. Her own passion for dance and teaching is evident as she works with dancers of all ages, and she believes there is no limit to a person's development as long as they have the will to succeed.
LIGHTING DESIGNER
GLENN LINDER
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Glenn has spent many years lighting theatre, dance, opera, live music, and corporate events around the country. He has no favorite shows, as every show can be fun and challenging. He also likes sunsets, long walks on the beach, and romantic dinners…usually by himself.
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Dancers: Jake Fields and Sophia Rolfs
Photgrapher: Karyn Andrasko
Photgrapher: Karyn Andrasko
CAST
DANIEL CARTER/HEATHCLIFF
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Daniel Carter has enjoyed exploring movement and dance in many forms throughout his life. He got his start in musical theater at the age of 8 in a production of Cinderella. At 14 he dived into ballroom dance and performed and competed into adulthood. In his undergrad he studied ballroom, clogging, jazz, and fell in love with modern dance! That love blossomed into a full relationship leading to him perform with The Dance Collaborative dance company in Idaho Falls. He then moved to Washington DC after graduating to do modern dance professionally at Dance Place, and with the dance company Clancyworks for a season. After a decade in Washington DC and a 6 year break from performing, Daniel moved to Utah and is overjoyed to have the opportunity to step back into the professional performance space as Heathcliff! He looks forward to being more integrated with the Utah modern dance scene, and thanks Serena for this amazing opportunity!!
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JULIANA BEERS/CATHERINE EARNSHAW
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Juliana Beers began dancing at age 7 at Spotlight Revue Dance Studio, training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, lyrical, and hip hop. She continued her training at BYU where she performed and toured with Theatre Ballet. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in dance magna cum laude. After college, she has danced with Cache Valley Civic Ballet, Illume Dance Company, and Serena Webb Dance Theater as well as taught dance throughout Utah and Davis counties. She is deeply grateful for the support of her husband and 2 daughters, her extended family, and many others as she continues to perform and share her love of dance.
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JENNA GILLIS/NELLY DEAN
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Jenna Gillis is a recent graduate from Brigham Young University. She received her bachelor’s in dance and performed on university’s top performing ballet team, BYU Theatre Ballet. She grew up in Littleton, Colorado and found her passion for dance there. Her favorite roles over the years have included the title role in Cinderella, Clara and Snow Queen in the Nutcracker, a Willi in Giselle, the Diamond Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, and a role in Paul Taylor’s Airs, Arpino’s Reflections, and Balanchine’s Serenade. She recently debuted as a professional with her role as Mouse Queen in Serena Webb Dance Theater's production of The Nutcracker and the Mouse Queen and is excited to return with us for her role of Nelly in Wuthering Heights. She is also excited to be expecting her first baby in early October!
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JAKE FIELDS/HINDLEY EARNSHAW AND HARETON EARNSHAW
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Jacob W.H. Fields was raised in Orem, UT. He stepped on stage for the first time at the age of two in Montignac, France with Morning Star Native American Performing Group, and has shared his culture worldwide since. He fell in love with Hip hop and Breakdance at a young age, and found his passion for Ballet at the age of 13, where he began performing as a Guest Artist for many local ballet companies at the age of 16. He added Ballroom Dance to his repetiour during High School, becoming Nationally Ranked in Latin at the National Ametuer Dancesport Championship. He studied at Utah Valley University as a Dance Major with an emphasis in Ballet. While a student at the University he also served as a choreographer and featured dancer in the Modern and Ballroom Dance Departments. Jacob’s talent extends far beyond ballet, ballroom, hip hop/breakdance and modern dance. He is also fluent in Contemporary, Irish, and Folk Dance, and has shared these gifts across the United States, and Internationally. His favorite performance destinations include Russia, Norway, and The Azores. Currently Jake considers himself to be “retired” from the dance world, but he just can’t stay away. Between fatherhood and his employment as a manager with Home Depot- Jake choreographs regularly for Rise Up Children’s Choir and is a featured Guest Artist in Residence for Lifehouse Performing Arts. Jacob’s passion is dance and he loves to share his passion with others. His ability to embody emotion and shine, no matter his role, is an incredible experience. He has enjoyed his experience with Serena Webb Dance Theatre, and hopes you enjoy this production of Wuthering Heights. He thanks you all for your attendance.
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RICK GEORGE/EDGAR LINTON
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Many moons ago, Rick began his journey through the dance program at North Bend High School on the Oregon coast. Later, He graduated from BYU with a BA in Dance. More recently, Rick has danced with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for several of their Christmas performances. For the past two years, he has danced several roles with Illume Dance Company in their presentation of Narnia. This is his second performance with Serena Webb Dance Theater, having performed in Nutcracker and the Mouse Queen last fall.
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LILY FARRAR/ISABELLA LINTON
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Lily Farrar, a Tennessee native, graduated with her BFA dance degree from Shenandoah University in 2021. Lily received her Master's in Performing Arts Leadership and Management in May 2023. While at school, she performed pieces by Lucina Child, Sidra Bell, Matt Pardo, Daniel Padierna, and Tiffanie Carson. Farrar has performed with DanceWorks Chicago and Contra Tiempo. She has trained with The Nashville Ballet Company, commercial Dance Intensive, LACDC, The Arch Ballet, Ekilibre Dance Contact Improv Workshop, New York Dance Project, Koresh, and Motion X in DC. Lily is a freelance dance teacher, choreographer, model, and social media manager. Lily got to tour and perform with Odyssey Dance Theatre as a company member for two seasons. While living in Utah, she has danced with Fem Dance Co, Wasatch Contemporary, Altitude Dance, and Shift Dance Company. She is so excited to be a part of Wuthering Heights!
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SOPHIA ROLFS/CATHY LINTON
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Sophia Rolfs has been dancing since she was five years old, competing since she was eight, and has been teaching dance for two years. This is her second performance with Serena Webb Dance Theater, She is a junior at the University of Utah pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Political Science, and plans on going to law school when she graduates next year. She loves performing and sharing her passion for dance with kids.
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ERIN WHITE/FRANCIS EARNSHAW AND ENSEMBLE
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Erin (Evie) White plays the role of Francis Earnshaw and Ensemble. She has received her BFA in Dance Performance from the University of Wyoming, and is now training to be a Certified Laban Movement Analyst. She has performed roles in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Petrushka, 29! A Musical, and The Nutcracker. In addition, she has trained across the country with Paul Taylor, Koresh, Colorado Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Spirit of Grace Liturgical Company, and locally with The Allure Creative, and now Serena Webb Dance Theatre.
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JONAH SMITH/MR. EARNSHAW, LINTON HEATHCLIFF, AND ENSEMBLE
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Jonah Smith started performing in High School and hasn't stopped since. He has performed roles in Newsies, Matilda, and played Jean Valjean in Les Miserables! He was recently a student in the University of Utah's Musical Theater program, and will be getting his degree in Musical Theater at Weber State University in the Fall.
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BREANNE BURBY/LOCKWOOD AND ENSEMBLE
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Breanne Burby started her Dance career in high school with a modern-contemporary dance class, after taking this class she continued dance through high school and into college, where she graduated from Dixie State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Dance. During her time at Dixie, she had the opportunities to explore different genres of dance such as ballet, jazz, tap, ballroom, ariel, and modern. Breanne has also had the opportunity to perform in multiple shows with the Dixie State Dance Department, which include student choreographed and faculty choreographed performances, along with collaborating with Repertory Dance Theatre. Breanne believes that dance will benefit dancers as long as they are willing to put their time and effort into growing as a dancer, as that is what she had done for herself. As of recently Breanne continues to teach and perform with Serena Webb Dance Theatre.
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CHLOE CHAN/ZILLAH AND ENSEMBLE
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Chloe grew up doing mostly ballet, with some training in jazz and hip-hop. She only started her journey with modern dance when she obtained her BA in Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies from UC Berkeley. Chloe loves performance art and has been involved in various roles within production, such as dancer, choreographer, music director, actress, model, lightboard operator, stage manager, etc. She then switched career paths for her graduate degree but never forgot about her passion for the Arts. She appreciates how the arts allow her to express herself beyond verbal language. She adores the power of music, photography, martial arts, and of course, dance.
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Photographer: Karyn Andrasko
Dancers: Juliana Beers and Daniel Carter
Dancers: Juliana Beers and Daniel Carter
Serena Webb Dance Theater is a registered non-profit organization.
We appreciate any donations that are made to support our future endeavors in bringing the arts to our community. Your donations help us to fund our shows with things such as; costumes, theater rental, staff salary, and lighting design. Donations will also help support our dancers, and help bring jobs to dance artists in the Midvale area. We appreciate your donations Thank You!
We appreciate any donations that are made to support our future endeavors in bringing the arts to our community. Your donations help us to fund our shows with things such as; costumes, theater rental, staff salary, and lighting design. Donations will also help support our dancers, and help bring jobs to dance artists in the Midvale area. We appreciate your donations Thank You!
