Orange Coast College Presents
2025 FALL DANCE CONCERT
Congratulations to José Costas on his upcoming retirement and his last time as Concert Director.
Thank you for your years of service at Orange Coast College! (1999-2025)
Julias Dance
A Bomba Flamenco Bedtime Tale
(film, 2025)
Director: Christopher Santiago
Choreography: José Costas
Flamenco Choreography: Arleen Hurtado
Music: William Cepeda
Dancers: Arleen Hurtado, Emma Manzanares
This award-winning short film is about Julia, a rambunctious little girl, who goes to bed one night after reading her favorite bedtime story, When Julia Danced Bomba. On this night, we venture into Julia’s dream and are treated to the magical musical fantasies of one imaginative little girl.
Encuentro Angular
Company: Contempo Ballet
Choreography: José Costas
Music Composer: Charlie Hull
Dancers: Kiara Kinghorn, Emma Manzanares, Ella Tracy
A study in angular shapes.
No one is coming to save you
Choreography: Delyer Coffman and Dancers
Music: Geist, Sento, Solar by Gaister
Dancers: Kathryn Carian, Maddy Freligh, Amayiah Nguyen, José "Jaay" Tovar, Harper Turpin, Valeska Vega, Jordyn Wolsleger and Emma Yagi
No One Is Coming to Save You drifts through the space between hope and surrender. Created in collaboration with the dancers, the work unravels the moment when silence becomes truth. When waiting turns hollow, and the body must face itself; fragile, fractured, and searching. In the end, what remains is the echo of survival, the quiet pulse of choosing to keep moving, even when no one comes.
Beauty in the Moonlight
Choreography: Shana Menaker
Music: Anthem by Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, sung by K.D. Lang
Dancers: Niobe Engman, Breanna O’Neill-Metzdorff, Anthony Najera, Emma Yagi
"Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in"
- Leonard Cohen
Mea Culpa - The Principals of Lust
Dance Company: Jazz Spectrum Dance Company
Original Choreography: Christine Baltes (1991)
Original Music: Enigma
Re-Creation: Janell Burgess (2025)
Rehearsal Assistant: Cara Laughlin
Dancers: Bryan Burns & Kiara Kinghorn
Understudy: Ismael Murillo
Composer: Cisco Dimas (2025)
Costume Preservation: Jenny Lee
Mea Culpa - Principles of Lust is a provocative excerpt from the jazz ballet Mea Culpa, created by Ms. Baltes from the late 1980s to 1991. This piece, unseen onstage since 1993, explores temptation, liberation, and the struggle between desire and morality. It features a symbolic scene of humanity’s dawn, blending innocence with temptation, and invites reflection on primal forces and divine presence.
Dos Caras
Choreography: José Costas
Music: Rio Andaluz, Julia Baila Bomba, Afro Flamenco by William Cepeda
Dancers: Arleen Hurtado, Emma Manzanares
This piece represents two faces of the same race.
* Intermission *
(There will be a 15 minute intermission)
Sofi
Choreography: José Costas
Narrator: Allen Merritt
Percussion: Malik Sow
Scene 1
Music: Soñando Con Puerto Rico by Bobby Capó
Dancers: Mike Zuñiga, Kailey Rosa
Vocal Soloist: Mio Romero
Scene 2
Music: Vamonos a Puerto Rico by Eddie Palmieri
Dancers: Ellie Mcquarrie, José “Jaay” Tovar, Sandra Orr, Maya Beltran, Mio Romero, Alexia Hernandez, Valezka Vega, Amayiah Thiend Nguyen, Esther Panzu
Scene 3
Music: La Plena de San Antón by Chago Montes
Dancers: Jessica Sheppard, Luis Tlacuatl
Scene 4
Dancers: Maya Beltran, José “Jaay” Tovar, Mio Romero
Scene 5
Music: Mujer Latina by Karla Marie, feat. Plenatarium
Dancers Arleen Hurtado, Emma Manzanares
This piece is inspired by the children's book "Sofi and the Magic, Musical Mural", written by Doctor Raquel Ortiz.
All That Remains
Choreography: David McMahan
Music: Vintage by Break of Reality
Dancers: Katie Carian and Breanna O'Neill-Metzdorff
The Cage
Choreography: Marie de la Palme
Music: Prélude à l'Après-midi d'un faune by Claude Debussy
Prop & Set Design: Brock Cilley
Costume Design: Fabienne Levenson
Dancers: Kate Andrews*, Evan Strand*
*Dancers courtesy of Motion/Tribe
A lonely woman and a feline man learn to love each other in spite of what separates them.
Marie is missed every day by all who had the privilege to know, love, and work with her. This performance, and every performance of The Cage, is dedicated to Marie and her family, in gratitude for the magic and memories she created.
Incense & Candles
Choreography: Zachary Groenewold
Music: Incense & Candles by Prince
Dancers: Amelia Gonzalez, Alexia Hernandez, Bruno Hernandez, Karen Kaneko, Yun Yu Niang, May Me Yone Shwe, Ai Suzuki, Riley Wimberly, Emma Yagi
Understudies: Kayla Fauese, Kaylee Shirk
For the courtesy of audience members and performers:
- Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off and not accessed at any time inside the theatre (before, during or after the performance and during pauses).
- Video recording and photographing by audience members is strictly prohibited.
- Parents, please take small children outside immediately if they are unable to sit quietly.
- Anyone creating a disturbance by shouting out inappropriately, or who cannot comply with theatre policies will be asked to leave the theatre.
Thank you for your courtesy to the dancers on stage and to fellow audience member
BIOGRAPHIES
LUIS ALBERTO is the co-founder and co-director of Desafío Dance Company, alongside his partner and wife, Jess Sheppard. Together, they are nationally recognized salsa and bachata instructors, performers, and competitors. With a passion for Latin dance and a commitment to excellence, Luis has taught and performed at some of the most prestigious dance festivals across the United States, including the Reno Latin Dance Fest, Las Vegas Super Congress, LA Bachata Festival, San Francisco SBK, Orlando Salsa Congress, Chicago International Salsa Congress, Bachateando, and the Atlanta Salsa Bachata Festival, among many others. Driven by growth and artistry, Luis is constantly training -both for competition and to refine his craft as a dancer and educator.
KATE ANDREWS is a Los Angeles–based movement artist whose career bridges the worlds of concert dance, commercial performance, and somatic practice. She earned her BFA in Dance from California State University, Long Beach, where she trained and performed works by Susan McLain, Lorin Johnson, Marie de la Palme, and Jacqlyn Buglisi. Following graduation, Kate joined the acclaimed LA Contemporary Dance Company, performing with the ensemble from 2011–2017 on stages including the Ford Theater and LA Dance Center. She has also performed with TRIBE Dance Company and Australia’s Strange Fruit, touring internationally in their signature circus-dance works performed atop 14-foot sway poles. Also a creative entrepreneur, Kate is the founder of Avenir Pilates, with four studio locations across Southern California. Her work continues to reflect her dance foundation, blending strength, fluidity, and expressive storytelling through movement.
Originally from Southern California, DELYER COFFMAN began dancing before she could walk. She attended California State University, Long Beach where she received a BFA in dance. Mentored by Karen Clippinger and Rael Isokowitz she completed a Comprehensive Pilates Certificate through Body Arts and Sciences International with an emphasis in Dance Conditioning. Delyer then went on to earn an MFA in Choreography and Performance from the University of Arizona School of Dance. During her professional dance career, she has had the opportunity to work as a choreographer, performer and collaborator with various dance companies and acclaimed artists throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. She has been invited as a guest teacher and choreographer for various colleges around the country including University of Arizona, California State University, Long Beach, Brenau University, Orange Coast College and Golden West College. In addition, she co-founded The Assembly in 2014, a Modern Dance company where she co-directed and collaborated with multidisciplinary artists to create site specific performances. As a part-time Faculty member at Orange Coast College, she currently teaches Pilates and offers mentorship to students while going through the OCC Pilates Instructor Certificate program. Delyer has also instructed courses in Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Choreography, Improvisation, Yoga, Biomechanics for Dancers, Injury Prevention & Conditioning for Dance. Delyer transitioned from dancer to business owner and educator in 2017. She continues to bring her passion and love of movement to the community as she raises her two beautiful daughters.
JOSÉ COSTAS is a nationally recognized choreographer, ballet master, professor of dance, and artistic director whose innovative vision continues to redefine the language of contemporary ballet. His career spans over three decades, and celebrates his commitment to artistic excellence, technical mastery, and his ability to inspire dancers to reach their highest potential. A native of Puerto Rico, Costas began formal dance training under Julie Mayoral and Lolita San Miguel before earning a B.S. and M.Ed. from the Catholic University of Puerto Rico and an MFA in Dance from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. His professional performance career includes nine years as a principal dancer with Ballet Hispánico of New York, where he created leading roles and toured internationally across the United States, Europe, and South America. As a choreographer, Costas’s repertoire demonstrates a fusion of classical technique with the fluidity and rhythm of Latin and contemporary dance. His acclaimed works, including A Will to Control and Bongo Concierto, have been featured under his own company, José Costas Contempo Ballet, based in Southern California. His choreography has been showcased at The New Wave Dance Festival at the Ailey Citigroup Theater, the SoCal Choreographers and Dancers Festival, the 16th Annual Mix Match Dance Festival, Mesa Dance Festival, 2024 Southern California Dance Festival, San Pedro Festival of the Arts, International Jazz Day, The Kenneth Walker Dance Project, Jazz Dance Conference West, and The City of Hope Fashion Show. He also choreographed the music video EWW Gross for Planet Sarian Artists, and the award-winning short film Julia's Dance, a Bomba Flamenco Bedtime Tale, expanding his artistry into commercial and media platforms. Under his leadership, Contempo Ballet stands as a beacon of innovation and inclusion, blending technical excellence with emotional storytelling. José Costas’s enduring legacy lies in his dedication to the transformative power of dance exemplifying discipline, creativity, and an unwavering standard of excellence.
ZACHARY GROENEWOLD is a dance educator and choreographer based out of Southern California. He has been on Faculty at Chapman University, Cal Poly Pomona, Orange Coast College, Mt. Sac, University of La Verne, and Golden West College. His teachings specialize in Commercial Dance, Street Dance, and Golden West College. His teachings specialize in Commercial Dance, Street Dance, and Contemporary dance techniques. Zach began dancing at a young age where he was fortunate enough to perform in a variety of media including New Line Cinema’s The Wedding Singer, a commercial for Saban’s Power Rangers, and as part of ABC FAMILY presents WESTLIFE: LIVE. As a performer, Zach was a member of the San Diego based company Axxiom Dance Collective. During his time with Axxiom Dance Collective, he was selected to represent the company as a soloist. In 2010, Zach became a member of Team Millennia and in 2012, his dancing and leadership skills earned him the position on the team’s artistic board. Concurrently, Zach was also fortunate enough to perform and choreograph in a variety of venues including LA Fashion Week, OC Fashion Week, the World of Dance Industry Awards, and Vidcon. In 2024, his work we're only as sick as our secrets, performed by Orange Coast College students, was awarded runner-up at the Palm Desert Choreography Festival. His choreographic works representing Orange Coast College at the American College Dance Association were selected for national performance at the Kennedy Center in 2018 (Focus) & 2025 (Law of the Jungle). He is a sought-after choreographer and guest teacher, with credits across the country, as well as internationally, reaching all the way to Taipei, Taiwan. Zach obtained his master's degree in dance education from the University of Northern Colorado.
ARLEEN HURTADO is trained in classical Spanish, flamenco, classical ballet, jazz, tap, modern, North Indian and Middle Eastern dance genres. Her dance career has taken her around the globe performing flamenco fusion in traditional “tablaos” to large rock n' roll venues. She has appeared in several television shows and commercials and recently made a series of traditional and flamenco fusion art videos that take traditional flamenco into new spaces with modern and contemporary twists. labellydanceacademy.com/staff/arleen-hurtado Founded by movement luminary CHRISTINE BALTES, JAZZ SPECTRUM DANCE COMPANY represents the tradition and culture of American Jazz Dance. Built upon the solid foundation of classical Baltes Jazz Technique, JSDC is dedication exploring & honoring the superior stylistic movement of our founder and other jazz dance legends. Under the current Artistic Direction of Janell Burgess, it is Jazz Spectrum Dance Company's mission to preserve the art of and history of classical jazz dance through performance, education, and community outreach.
DAVID MCMAHAN, a Southern California native, built his professional dance career in New York and San Francisco, training at the Martha Graham School and the Merce Cunningham Studio. He graduated from the University of Arizona School of Dance and earned an MFA from the University of California, Irvine, where his thesis examined how classical modern dance techniques inform contemporary training. Studying with first-generation Pilates Elder Ron Fletcher sparked his lasting commitment to helping people move with strength, clarity, and ease through the Pilates method. At Xponential Fitness, David works in Learning and Development, coordinating the design and rollout of teacher training programs across multiple boutique brands. He focuses on aligning standards, mentoring content teams, and measuring outcomes so programs are consistent, inclusive, and effective. Previously, he served as Director of Training and Technique for Pure Barre and Director of Continuing Education for Fletcher Pilates, leading international teacher-training initiatives and mentoring teachers across the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. He also teaches at Orange Coast College and is a former President of the Pilates Method Alliance Board of Directors. David holds certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the National Pilates Certification Program (NCPT), and American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum.
SHANA MENAKER began dancing at the age of three to learn the difference between right and left. After receiving her BFA from Tisch School of the Arts, she joined the New York based Sara Rudner Performance Ensemble touring the United States, Canada, and Europe. Over the years Shana has danced as a freelance performer with a number of choreographers including Douglas Nielsen, Louis Falco, Douglas Dunn, Alvin Mayes and Heather Ahern. Here in California, Shana earned an MFA in dance from California State University, Long Beach. For more than twenty years she has choreographed and taught Modern Dance, Choreography, Improvisation, Yoga for Dancers, Pilates Mat and Dance Appreciation in the dance departments of Orange Coast College, Soka University, UC Irvine and Chapman University. Shana embraces a deep appreciation of all art forms, while seeking a spirit of originality and creative play.
ALLEN MERRITT is an actor, singer, writer, producer and director. Allen is known for independent movies, short films, television co-starring roles, podcast series, stage plays and musicals. He is also a teacher of acting workshops, choreograpy, motivational speaking and much more. www.allenmerritt.com
MOTION/TRIBE is a collective of seasoned professional dancers with a spectrum of skills and talents who collaborated with Artistic Director MARIE DE LA PALME to bring her choreographic vision to life. The company’s award-winning repertoire, a collection of work that has been presented internationally as well as locally, offers profound glimpses into the life of the soul. The movement vocabulary is specific to the concept of each piece and ranges from contemporary ballet to aerial work, ballroom, tap, yoga and modern dance. A five-time award-winner at the Dance Under the Stars Choreography Festival and recipient of a Lester Horton Dance Award, Motion/Tribe has been consistently recognized for artistic excellence and innovation.
JESS SHEPPARD is the co-founder and co-director of Desafio Dance Company, which she runs alongside her partner and husband, Luis Alberto. Together, they are nationally recognized salsa and bachata instructors, performers, and competitors known for their dynamic style and technical precision. Jess has taught and performed at major dance events across the U.S., including the Reno Latin Dance Fest, Las Vegas Super Congress, LA Bachata Festival, San Francisco SBK, Orlando Salsa Congress, Chicago International Salsa Congress, Bachateando, and the Atlanta Salsa Bachata Festival, among others. Her classes emphasize strong technique, fluid body movement, and musicality. In addition to her dance career, Jess is also the founder of Standing O Cosmetics, a performance-focused makeup line designed to meet the unique needs of dancers and stage artists.
MALIK SOW, born in Dakar, Senegal, hails from the Fulani ethnic group of West Africa. Coming from a line of musicians and griots, Elhadj received training from his uncles until he was ten and subsequently began a career in cultural exchange amongst the Jola, Bambara, Sosey, Serrer, Wolof, and others, becoming well versed in their folklore and customs. Elhadj has performed or taught traditional West African music since 1960. During his career, he has worked with the Ballet d’Afrique Noire, the National Ballet of Senegal, and Les Ballets Africains. Currently, he directs the Futa Toro West African Dance Ensemble, which tours extensively.
EVAN STRAND began his career as a classical ballet dancer and has since evolved into a dynamic actor and multifaceted performer whose range, discipline, and captivating stage presence have made him a standout across television, film, and theatre. His TV credits include General Hospital and Grey’s Anatomy (ABC), as well as Hairspray Live! (NBC), where he appeared as the iconic Reddi Whip Milkman. Evan is best known for his acclaimed portrayal of Sven in Disney’s Frozen National Tour and limited Singapore engagement, as well as his performance in Zoot Suit at the Mark Taper Forum. He has also graced the stage in Sleeping Beauty, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Firebird, and many other classical ballets. Evan is overjoyed to return to the stage to perform Marie de la Palme’s The Cage, the piece that reignited his passion for dance and guided him through a pivotal time in his life, and the work he holds most dear. He extends heartfelt thanks to his wife, parents, and friends for their unwavering support. @evan.strand
MIKE ZUÑIGA, founder of rhythmicFUSION, was born and raised in Orange County CA. He found the love for bachata at the age of 22 while dancing on “Bachata Caliente” of Los Angeles. Determined to share his passion to teach, choreograph and perform, it was not long until Mike decided to start his own dance company, rhythmicFUSION, in January of 2010, the first and only bachata dance company in Orange County. RhythmicFUSION has brought bachata to Orange County teaching at various locations, hosting workshops, and social events. Mike Zuniga is determined to fuse his dynamic dance style and skills to take bachata to a whole new level. RhythmicFUSION and Mike Zuniga have travelled to places to teach and perform such as New York, Chicago, Reno, Hawaii, Texas, Atlanta, France, Canada, Mexico and many more.
OCC DANCE FACULTY
Full-Time
Rachel Berman (Department Chair)
José Costas
Part-Time
Emily Chapman
Delyer Coffman
Brande Dunn
Amythyst Fritzler
Zachary Groenewold
Hiroko Hojo
Amelie Hunter
David McMahan
Shana Menaker
Noelle Snavely
Linda Sohl-Ellison
Instructional Associate for Dance
Joe Lawrence
PRODUCTION STAFF
Concert Director: José Costas
Lighting Design/ Technical Director: Quintin Powell
Production Crew: Melonie Falcon, Cameron Klipfel, Chris Cuthill, Lewis Gomez
Program: Joe Lawrence
Printing: OCC Print Services
Tickets: OCC Bursar’s Office
A Very Special Thank You to
Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D., Chancellor at Coast Community College District
Dr. Angelica Suarez, President of Orange Coast College
Larissa Nazarenko, Dean of Visual and Performing Arts
Associated Students of Orange Coast College
for their continued support!
* Coming Events *
FALL STUDENT DANCE SHOWCASE
Thursday, December 4, at 7:00 p.m.
Robert B. Moore Theatre
OCC's Dance Department extends an invitation to an informal end-of-the-semester presentation of classroom material and works in progress. The Student Dance Showcase shows the department's wide range of dance styles including Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Tap, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Mid-Eastern, Polynesian, African and Latin.
For more information, please contact Rachel Berman,
Dance Department Chair, at rberman3@occ.cccd.edu
We Need Your Support!
Your tax-deductible contribution will help offset costs for future OCC Dance Department performances. Your donations will be used wisely; they can assist the department in purchasing materials for costumes, paying for live music, commissioning guest choreographers and introducing our students to master teachers and guest artists. Donations might also provide scholarship opportunities for our dance students. For more information, contact Rachel Berman at 714-432-5691. If you wish to set up an endowed dance scholarship, contact the OCC Dance Department or Patricia Falzon at the OCC Foundation.