Producer: Bailey Anderson

Dance Program Co-Director: Karen Clemente

Dance Program Co-Director: Jeanine McCain

Lighting Designer: Shannon Zura

Costume Designer: Kierceton Keller

Technical Director: Meghan Jones

Audio/Visual Technology Engineer: James Futter

Performance Technology Engineer: Sue Ragusa

Theater and Dance Administrative Assistant: Amy Gerberich

Digital Content Manager: Erin Hovey

CASE Events Assistant: Jordan Scharaga

Photography: Doug West, Bryon Calawa, Matthew Wright and Nancy Coe McLane 

Photo Editing: Bailey Anderson

Bailey Anderson (Producer/Choreographer) is an activist, artist, scholar, and teacher who mediates knowledge through the body. Bailey has explored disability and choreography with Alice Sheppard, Rosemarie Garland Thompson, and Victoria Marks as part of UCLA’s inaugural Dancing Disability Cohort and their work has been presented at the Canadian Society for Dance Studies, Sans Souci Dance Film Festival, in London at the Society for Dance Research, and at the Body-Mind Centering Association Conference. Bailey is currently working on a project funded through the New York Public Library’s Short-Term Research Fellowship entitled “Disability Aesthetics in Early Modern Dance.” Bailey received degrees in both Dance and History from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and an MFA in Dance from the University of Colorado Boulder. Bailey is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor at Ursinus College.

Ira L. Bond (Composer/Musician) M.Ed., (Ibramim Diabate) is a master teaching artist, African Masquerade professional and cultural enrichment specialist for 30 years. He has a school principal certification and a Master’s degree in Multicultural Education from Eastern University. He has also earned an honorary degree in Malian Cultural Arts from Antiock University and the National Dance and Drum Ensemble of Mali. He is currently lead percussionist for Kulu Mele African Dance Company, a member of Dunya Performing Arts and the founder of Malidelphia Performing Arts.

Daryl Kwasi Burgee (Musician) is a teaching artist with a professional career spanning more than forty years. As a native of Philadelphia, his unique ability covers a wide variety of drum styles and techniques from various parts of the world. Burgee has been playing drum sets from the age of six. His early development started in soul, R&B, and funk music. He quickly became passionate about Jazz and traditional West African music. Daryl spent many years studying the styles and techniques of West African drumming and music; now he is considered to be one of the leading educators in traditional arts and culture in the city of Philadelphia. Burgee has played on over 250 recordings, the majority of the records achieving gold and platinum status, with many different artists. For seven years he was the chief coordinator of traditional music for the Africa Americas Festival and Parade. He also has many collaborative projects with jazz greats like Jamaaldeen Tacuma, David Murray, Doudou Ndiaye Rose and Zakir Hussain. Burgee’s background includes years of research in West African music as well as Cuban folklore and Caribbean music. Due to his experience in African drumming he is the founder and artistic director of Spoken Hand a percussion orchestra and Jaasu Ballet African Dance. He works with Dunya Performing Arts Company and World Connections and has taught in schools throughout the Delaware Valley, as well as nationally and internationally. Burgee was invited to Kingston and Montego Bay Jamaica and the University of Virgin Islands in St. Thomas to lecture on African and Caribbean music and also to give a series of workshops. With all of his accomplishments throughout the years, Burgee is continuing to bring new ideas to the field of music.

Kelly Cinalli (Choreographer) is a 27 year old dancer, choreographer, trainer, yoga instructor, owner of Kellaesthetics LLC, and general manager for a physical therapy facility for athletes: Barrios Neurosport Institute in Miami, Florida. She has a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Dance/Fine Arts and Exercise & Sports Science from Ursinus College and 15 years of experience as both a dancer and a competitive runner. During her time at Ursinus, she was a member of the Ursinus College Dance Company, and competed as an athlete in cross-country, indoor, and outdoor track & field. Ballet, pointe, contemporary, and modern dance are Kelly’s primary dance experience. Her work tends to combine her background of arts and athleticism to challenge dancers with physicality and creativity. She is also a 200 RYT certified yoga instructor and is additionally certified to teach Yoga for Athletes through Red Cheetah Yoga. Kelly is a dance teacher and choreographer for the Miami Youth Ballet. A few of the dancers/choreographers she has worked under are Cathy Young, Chris Aiken, Natalie Axley, Erika Diaz, Duane Lee Holland, Clyde Evans, Marielena Mencia, Yanis Pikieris, Peter DiMuro, and Melissa Fernandez-Verdecia. Kelly has recently performed as a dancer for Colleen Walsh Cecchi’s work in Luminarium’s 24hr Choreofest in Massachusetts. She believes in inspiring people through movement and challenging the mind and body by exposing possibility and confidence in people through dance.

Colleen Walsh Cecchi (Choreographer) is a choreographer, performer, teacher, and artist based in Massachusetts. Colleen’s work cultivates a space for dancers and audience members to investigate their unknown, to observe, challenge, and appreciate oneself, and to find awareness in the present moment. With over ten years of experience teaching movement to students ages three to seventy-three, Colleen’s teaching leads with the heart and encourages a movement practice to be just that…a practice.Influenced by a Bachelor’s of Art in Dance/Fine Arts and a minor in Health and Wellness Education from Ursinus College, many years coaching competitive and recreational gymnastics and teaching dance, a dedicated yoga practice and her studies as a 200 RYT certified yoga instructor, training for a marathon and several other shorter races, and dancing and choreographing professionally in Boston, Colleen’s work is athletic, filled with heart, and packed with passion. Colleen has studied movement at the American Dance Festival on full scholarship, the Trinity Laban Conservatoire, Ursinus College, and at various festivals and programs in Boston including being selected as a choreographer for The Dance Complex’s aMaSSiT program and Luminarium’s 24-hour Choreofest. Colleen’s choreography has appeared on stages and a multitude of unique venues up and down the East Coast. You can learn more about Colleen and her current projects at envelopedcollective.com.

Steven M. Jackson Sr. (Vocalist) has over 40 years in the field of Percussion and Ethnomusicology. He teaches Diasporic African drum and dance traditions with a strong sense of pride and integrity. Steve began his musical journey with Arthur Hall and his Afro American Dance Ensemble. During his intense studies with Arthur Hall, Steve studied Neo-traditional African drum and dance where he learned to value and appreciate his culture. Throughout the years Steve has performed professionally throughout the United States and Internationally. Steve consistently shared his wisdom, gifts and talents with children and youth in his neighborhood and in other communities. For the last 25 years, Steve has served as a master teaching artist with Jeannine Osayande & Dunya Performing Arts Company. Most recently Steve worked with autistic children including children with challenging behaviors. Under his mentorship he was able to connect with the children teaching techniques, rhythmic timing, focus, discipline and kindness.

Kierceton Keller (Costume Designer) is a Philadelphia-based costume Designer, wardrober, and performer. She’s excited to return for another UCDC here are Ursinus. Some of her most recent design credits include: Aida with the Boheme Opera Company and the Spring Dance Showcase at Drexel University. Kierceton is a proud graduate of Temple University (2017), where she received her B.A. in Theater.

Jeannine Osayande (Choreographer) is an anthropologist and master teaching artist/choreographer of Diasporic West African dance traditions. She is founder/director of Dunya Performing Arts Company and a YANJEP teaching artist. Ms. Jeannine’s vision is to radiate joy and seek out collaborative experiences that manifest beauty; her mission is to add value to her environment and community through arts, culture and social change. Vision/Mission at work: Ursinus College Guest Artist/Lecturer in Performance (2013-current), Co-curated Philadelphia Folklore Project’s Honoring Ancestors Exhibit (2014), Keeper of the Culture Honoree, Ngoma Drum Tribute Committee Phila, PA (2017), Commissioned choreographer Peoples Light, Nina Simone: Four Women (2019), Master Teaching artist 39 years’ experience (1980-current). Ms. Jeannine apprenticed with De Ama Battle, ABDM, Boston, MA; Mentors include: Ibrahima Camara, Koumpo/Sahal, Senegal; and Prof. F. Nii Yartey, Noyam African Dance Institute, Ghana. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Temple University; a Certificate in Traditional and Contemporary African Dance from Noyam African Dance Institute; the Ghana Board of Education; and A Teaching Artist Professional Certification from Columbia University Teacher’s College. Ms. Jeannine served on The Stockton Rush Bartol Foundation (2013-2018), and is co-chair of The Philadelphia Folklore Project’s Board of Directors.

Shannon Zura (Lighting Designer) is a lighting, sound, and scenic designer and is thrilled to be returning to join the production team for UCDC. Credits include designs for InterAct Theatre Co., Lantern Theater Co., Azuka Theatre, Portland Stage Co., Opera Maine, Delaware Theatre Co., and Stonington Opera House Arts among others. Upcoming projects include the lighting design for The Vertical Hour at Lantern Theatre Co., lighting design for Steal Her Bones at InterAct Theatre Co., and the lighting design for A Room at the Flamingo Hotel at Azuka. She recently collaborated with Christensen Lighting on an award-winning lighting design for the Weiss Energy Hall at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Shannon holds an M.F.A. from Temple University, was Associate Professor and Chair of Theatre at the University of Southern Maine, and currently teaches at Franklin and Marshall College.

Erica Best is a second-year Psychology and Dance double major from California. This is their second time performing in UCDC and, as of the move online, their second time doing tech for the show.

Kiela Brewer is a senior Psychology major with a double minor in Dance and AAAS. She’s from Philadelphia and has been dancing for almost 15 years now. This will be her second year being involved with UCDC and her third year of being an “honorary” member of EV. Ky is disappointed in her losing the rest of her senior year but more than grateful for the family she has gained within the arts department. As always, she would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her in her artistic endeavors. She wishes to thank Dr. C and everyone involved in UC dance for pushing her to get back into her passion and to be the dancer she was born to be. Without them, she wouldn’t be the artist she is today.

Jeniece Butts is an up and coming 2020 graduate of Ursinus College. She is a Psychology and Dance double major with a minor in Management Studies. Jeniece is a member of the Psi Chi Psychology Honors Society, an active member of UCDC and Escape Velocity Dance Troupe. Jeniece understands the invaluable impact that the arts have in our everyday life. Her UCDC artistic contributions are stellar. Jeniece is a former member of the Ursinus College Dance Team, she has worked in dining services and as an Ursinus College Campus Safety Dispatcher.

Justine Cinalli is a senior Dance and Health and Exercise Physiology double major. This is her fourth year performing in UCDC productions. She grew up dancing in Miami, Florida and was a member of the Miami Youth Ballet. She is grateful to have been part of every UCDC performance throughout her college career while sharing the stage with her peers. She is excited to be a part of this virtual collaboration for an unprecedented Spring UCDC. Justine is looking forward to the next chapter, wherever her dance career takes her.

Moorea Cioppa is a graduating English major and Spanish minor. For her, this show is very bittersweet; she wishes more than anything that she could be performing live for the last time. Moorea would like to thank Professors Anderson, Clemente, McCain, and Powers-Klooster for helping bring her dreams of dance to fruition. Through dance, she has become both a better artist and better person.

Cyn Ercole is a junior who is majoring in Psychology with a minor in African American and Africana Studies. She is from outside of King of Prussia, and has been dancing since her sophomore year of college. This is her second semester participating in Ursinus College Dance Company (UCDC). African diasporic dance simultaneously is both a passion for her and an interdisciplinary space where she can learn historical and contemporary knowledge. She is thrilled to be part of this company and “remote” dance performance.

Kevin Harris II is a fourth-year transfer student majoring in dance with a philosophy double major. He was born and raised in the uptown section of Philadelphia where he began his dance journey 7 years ago. This is his first year at Ursinus College and this is also his second semester performing with the Ursinus College Dance Company (UCDC). He is excited to share the stage with his peers for a second time and share his artistic expression for the audience to enjoy.

Jacqlyn Henigan is a junior Dance and Health and Exercise Physiology double major. This is her third year in UCDC and she’s also a member of the Escape Velocity Dance Company, Dance Team, and a sister of Tau Sigma Gamma on campus.

Chrissy Innes is a senior Applied Economics major with a Dance minor. During her time at Ursinus, she was a dancer and choreographer for the student run dance company, Escape Velocity. She was also a captain for the Ursinus College Dance Team and a sister of Tau Sigma Gamma Sorority. She is thankful for all the opportunities that the dance department has given her. Although she did not get to perform in her last UCDC concert, she is grateful to be able to share her love of dance virtually one last time with the African Dance Ensemble!

Elizabeth Kandler is a freshman at Ursinus pursuing a double major in Economics and Dance. This is her second UCDC and second semester participating in Escape Velocity. She is from Gilbertsville, PA and has been dancing since the age of 3. She is extremely thankful for the opportunity to dance at Ursinus with the faculty and students and hopes that everyone enjoys the show!

Greta Lagerberg is a senior Dance major with a Chinese minor. She has been dancing since she was 6 years old. This is her third time performing in UCDC. She is very happy to be able to be a part of UCDC for her last semester of college.

Raeann Risko is a sophomore Dance major. She has been dancing for the past 15 years and has enjoyed her opportunities to continue this with Ursinus. This is her fourth semester participating in UCDC, though this is clearly her first ever virtual show! Raeann is also a board member and dancer with Escape Velocity Dance Troupe. She is a member of many other things around campus like UC Ambassadors, a member of S.T.A.T and she is a UCARE Service Fellow. Raeann has enjoyed her time working on this special UCDC show and looks forward to being back on the real stage next year!

Breanna Swarctz is a junior Environmental Studies major with a potential minor in dance. Breanna has been with the company for three semesters now. She has also been a part of the student run program, Escape Velocity, for three years, and choreographs for EV as well. Breanna has been dancing now for a total of 17 years and plans to continue for her last year here as well.

Taylor Tobin is a freshman Psychology and Neuroscience double major. She grew up dancing competitively in Pennsylvania for 16 years and has been involved in UCDC and EV for the past two semesters.

Emma Warnick is a junior Dance and Environmental Studies double major with a minor in Spanish. She is from Silver Spring, MD and has been dancing since she was 3. This is her 4th semester participating in Ursinus College Dance Company and is excited to see UCDC on a different medium.

Alyssa Weber is a senior Dance and Spanish double major. She is thrilled to be a part of her last UCDC function and is grateful for this opportunity to dance with the company under these unique circumstances. She would like to thank the theater and dance department for their efforts to make this presentation possible. She also owes a huge debt of gratitude to her family, friends and mentors for all of their support during her time at Ursinus

Zainab Williams is a sophomore majoring in English and Media Communication Studies. Additionally, her minors are Creative Writing, Film Studies and Music. Zainab’s extracurricular activities include being a Bonner Leader, board member of D.A.R.T., the President of the Rotary club, and a member of the I.F.Y.C. Truthfully, community service, civic engagement, and art are very important in her life.. Zainab’s favorite artistic expression is dance, and the type of spiritual expression that she gets to convey throughout this ensemble makes this a very fulfilling experience.