On Thursday, the NIU School of Theatre and Dance stage came alive for the Fall Dance Concert 2025. From the light, airy movements of classical ballet to the grounded energy of street dance, the dancers performed with a confidence that showcased their versatility, earning the cheers of the audience.
The concert, which will run through Sunday in the Stevens Building, began with Richard Grund’s adaptation of “Napoli – Act III,” originally choreographed by August Bournonville. The piece opened the show with a light and whimsical tone. Elias Dennis’s costume design utilized bright colors to create a happy atmosphere that matched the upbeat choreography.
The performers maintained expressive, joyful energy throughout the piece. Junior dance major Thomas Readling stood out during this performance. He remained light on his feet, displaying a dexterity and fluidity in his movements that handled the difficult choreography with ease.
The tone shifted for Michel Rodriguez-Cintra’s “States of Change.” A cool blue curtain lighting designed by Ross Wheeler accompanied the waving of the back curtain, creating an immediate atmospheric change.
“Early in the creation process, the idea of water continued to resurface,” Rodriguez-Cintra wrote in the program notes. “The choreographer and dancers focused on their different states as a starting point to convey emotion and tension.”
This was evident on stage, where the ensemble flowed together, as if they were water. Senior Antonio Houston displayed a mix of strength and lightness in his movements that set in stone the tension of the piece.
The concert continued with Sarita Smith Childs’s “Remembering Who We Are.” This four-movement work was theatrical and emotional, with every movement the dancers made feeling intentional and cohesive. The choreography alternated between unity and personal movement, reflecting the focus on resilience and community support.
The evening ended with “On to the Other,” a narratively driven piece originally choreographed by Elijah Motley and restaged by KC Bevis. The performance effectively connected the personal stories of the dancers, culminating in a cohesive and energetic finale.
For those who missed the Thursday performance, the concert will also be performed on Friday at 7:30 p.m. with two matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online.
For those interested in future School of Theatre and Dance performances, the season will continue with Antigone Furiosa. Written by Griselda Gambaro and directed by Frankie DiCiaccio, the production is set to run from Feb. 20 through Feb. 28. Tickets for the upcoming spring season will be available online.
