Ivyside Dance Ensemble Fall 2024 Performance Program Cover

Ivyside Dance Ensemble
Fall 2024 Performance
Thursday and Friday, November 14–15
7:30 p.m.
Wolf Kuhn Theatre
Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts

Free and open to the public thanks to the Kjell Melling Arts for All Initiative.

Director's Note

Artists must be inspired to create. Often, we (or I) are at a loss for inspiration. I just can’t seem to find it anywhere. Other times, I am lucky enough to be open to inspiration from many varied sources. These sources can be absolutely anything, including personal and global events. This semester, I discovered sources of inspiration in music (Jazz in 9 and Four Friendly Fugues), random and interrupting thoughts (Quiet Mutterings), and one unnamed individual.

While this concert was not formed by a common theme, I am pleased to see that I and the other choreographers, Jessica Jaye Mackinson (Anitra’s Dance and Planet Claire) Ana Rossi-Lanzendorfer (Fluke), have interesting points of inspiration for our concert. It is quite fascinating to see and understand what will stir someone’s sense of creativity, and I am often intrigued by the source for the artist and how they choose to explore their response to the catalyst for inspiration.

Where was your latest point of inspiration?

KT Huckabee, Director,
Ivyside Dance Ensemble and Allied Motion Dance Company

Program Order

Fluke

  • Choreographer: Ana Rossi-Lanzendorfer
  • Composer: Shabaka
  • Projections: Mark Williams
  • Dancers: Juliana Beyers, Adamari Cortez, Xandria Hernandez, Brianni Hilaire, Nia Hubbard, Skyler Madtes, Sage Rumberger, Olivia Sardenberger, Tommaso Vano

Four Friendly Fugues

  • Choreographer: KT Huckabee
  • Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
  • Dancers: Natalie Berena-Barr, Ruth Packard, Sophia Petrucci, Nicholle Ventura

Anitra’s Dance

  • Choreographer: Jessica Jaye Mackinson
  • Composer: Edvard Grieg
  • Dancers: Layna Henry, Brianni Hilaire, Nia Hubbard, Angelina Lucchetti, Charlie Popson, Scarlett Paez, Cheyenne Rider, Olivia Sardenberger, Isabella Tibado

Quiet Mutterings

  • Choreographer: KT Huckabee
  • Dancers: Samantha Bacza, Natalie Berena-Barr, Ana Rossi-Lanzendorfer, Olivia Ruble

Jazz in 9

  • Choreographer: KT Huckabee
  • Composer: Dave Brubeck
  • Dancers: Julianna Beyers, Layna Henry, Xandria Hernandez, Nia Hubbard, Scarlett Paez, Cheyenne Rider, Lillian Roberts, Sage Rumberger, Isabella Tibado

Planet Claire

  • Choreographer: Jessica Jaye Mackinson
  • Composer: The B-52s
  • Dancers: Skyler Madtes, Abigail Quinn, Cheyenne Rider, Lillian Roberts, Olivia Sardenberger

Do the Liszka

For Tom ... always an inspiration!

  • Choreographer: KT Huckabee
  • Composer: Dave Clark Five
  • Dancers: Sarah Christofer, Isabella Tibado, Tommaso Vano with Juliana Beyres, Layna Henry, Skyler Madtes, Braelyn Moehrle, Abigail Quinn, Cheyenne Rider, Lillian Roberts, Sage Rumberger (and guest performer Tom Liszka, via video)

Please be advised. This performance contains quick-changing strobing lights and projection effects.

Ivyside Dance Ensemble

Julianna Beyers is a first-year student from Staten Island, New York. She is excited to explore both her academic and artistic passions. Julianna intends to major in management and minor in dance studies. She hopes to become a professional entertainer.

Sarah Christofer is a third-year student from Tyrone, Pennsylvania. She is a communications major with a minor in dance. Before college, Sarah danced at Andrea’s School of Dance and was a member of the MainStreet Dance Company. She has been in multiple Ivyside Dance Ensemble performances and the college’s production of A Tribute to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. She hopes to continue dancing for Ivyside Dance throughout her time here at Penn State Altoona.

Adamari (Adi) Cortez is originally from California. She is a fourth-year student at Penn State Altoona majoring in criminal justice. Adi is passionate about dance and has experience in many genres, such as tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, Polynesian, and hip-hop. She is looking forward to participating in more performances and expanding her horizons.

Layna Henry is a third-year student studying psychology. This is her first year with the Ivyside Dance Ensemble, but she grew up taking dance lessons, specifically ballet and pointe. She is also a practicing musician focusing on percussion and drum set, singing, and guitar. Layna is excited to be dancing again and is looking forward to being involved in more productions at Penn State Altoona.

Xandria Guadalupe Hernandez is a first-year student from El Paso, Texas. She hopes to double major in political science and English. Xandria has a deep passion for dance and has been involved with it her whole life. She will perform as long as possible and will also explore teaching and choreography.

Brianni (Bri) Hilaire is a first-year student from Queens, New York. She plans to pursue a major in forensic psychology and to continue dancing as long as possible.

Nia Hubbard is a fourth-year nursing student from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her favorite styles of dance are tap and modern. She really enjoys dancing with Ivyside Dance Ensemble and expanding her ideas of movement and dance. She loves to perform and plans to continue through her adult years.

Angelina Lucchetti is from Freeport, Pennsylvania, in Butler County. She is a second-year student studying biology. Angelina plans to continue dancing with Ivyside Dance Ensemble until she transfers to University Park to complete her degree.

Skyler Madtes is from Old Forge, a tiny town in upstate New York. She is a fourth-year criminal justice major. She will continue to dance with Ivyside Dance Ensemble until she graduates in spring 2025.

Braelyn Moerhle is a first-year student pursuing a degree in biology. They have been involved in dance for years and have taken part in multiple dance competitions. Braelyn hopes to be involved in more productions at Penn State Altoona.

Scarlett Paez is a first-year student from New Jersey. She is currently majoring in biology with hopes of studying pre-med. She will continue dancing with Ivyside Dance Ensemble as long as she is able.

Charlotte (Charlie) Popson hails from Rockville, Maryland, and is in their third semester at Penn State Altoona. They are pursuing a major in human development and family studies, and they hope to continue learning and performing with the Ivyside Ensemble until they graduate in 2027.

Abigail Quinn is a third-year student from Altoona. She is pursuing a multidisciplinary studies major with minors in dance studies and entrepreneurship. Abbie plans to continue dancing and hopes to open her own studio after she graduates.

Cheyenne Rider comes from northern Maryland and has always enjoyed the arts, especially dance, which has greatly impacted her way of life. While not planning to pursue it professionally, Cheyenne would like to remain involved with dance in the future. It is her goal to become a dance physical therapist in the hopes of helping dancers properly rehabilitate and care for their bodies in a way that allows them to perform at their fullest. It was for this reason that Cheyenne chose to major in kinesiology and is now in her third semester here at Penn State Altoona.

Lillian (Lily) Roberts is a first-year student pursuing a degree in kinesiology. With a passion for dance that started at a young age, she has trained in various styles, including jazz, ballet, modern, contemporary, tap, lyrical, pointe, musical theatre, and hip-hop. Lily has performed in I Wany My! at the Mishler Theatre in Altoona and at various Star Dance Alliance competitions. She is excited to bring her energy and creativity to this performance.

Sage Rumberger is a transfer student from Tyrone, PA. She is currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education and a minor in dance studies. After graduating, she hopes to teach in public schools and teach dance at a studio.

Olivia Sardenberg lives in Chicago, but her family is originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil. She's a first-year student who plans to major in criminal justice. Olivia has always enjoyed dance, having previously been part of the Momenta Dance Company. She wishes to continue dancing in college and hopes to incorporate art forms into her life after graduation.

Isabella Tibado is from Winter Haven, Florida. She is a fourth-year nursing major with a minor in dance studies. Bella has danced with Ivyside Dance Ensemble for four years and hopes to find opportunities in dance performance once she graduates.

Allied Motion Dance Company

Samantha Bacza has danced with Allied Motion Dance company since 2019. In college, she danced with Ivyside Dance Ensemble. She spends her free time on her farm with her family.

Ruth Packard graduated from Sweet Briar College in 2017 with a B.F.A. in dance and writing. She lives in State College, Pennsylvania, where she teaches jazz, lyrical, and hip hop at the Central Pennsylvania Dance Workshop. She is a competitive Scottish Highland dancer and a member of the British Association of Teachers of Dance, which allows her to teach other competitive highland dancers.

Sophia Petrucci is from Pittsburgh. She holds a bachelor of arts in psychology and is currently working toward her master of education. She works as a residence life coordinator at Saint Francis University and was a part of its dance team. Her dance background includes training in tap, jazz, and ballet with the Pittsburgh CLO, pointe and ballet at the South Hills Dance Academy, and pointe, ballet, contemporary, and jazz at the Dance Workshop.

Olivia Ruble is a member of Allied Motion. She has studied tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and lyrical. Most recently, she took classes at Central Pennsylvania Dance Workshop in State College and delved into Scottish highland dance.

Nicholle Ventura is a Penn State Altoona alumna with a degree in integrative arts. After graduation she attended Integrative Bodywork School of Massage Therapy in State College. Nicholle works as a licensed massage therapist at the Circle of Life in Greenwood, Pennsylvania. She is happy to be dancing with Allied Motion Dance Company.

Choreographer Bios

KT Huckabee (director, choreographer) received her B.F.A. in dance from East Carolina University, her M.F.A. in dance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and her certification in Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis from the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies in New York, which she utilizes for all her teaching, choreography, and body work in consultation situations with individuals and groups. KT came to Penn State Altoona in 1998 to start the dance program and assist in the development of the integrative arts major. She is currently a teaching professor of dance and is spearheading the new vision of performing arts at the college which includes an increase in community involvement, collaboration on- and off-campus, and exciting new opportunities and productions. KT utilizes her love of collaboration to find new inspirations for creativity, movement, and program development.

Jessica (Jaye) Mackinson (choreographer) received her training at the Milwaukee Ballet School. She attended summer intensives at the School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet School, the Vail International Dance Festival, and Chautauqua Dance. Jaye has performed professionally with Milwaukee Ballet, BalletMet, Charlotte Ballet, Rockford Dance Company, Madison Ballet, and Elements Contemporary Ballet. She has worked as a dance educator, director, and choreographer for over 20 years. Jaye earned her bachelor’s from Rockford University where she also served as a professor of dance. She is currently on faculty at Nittany Ballet, PBR Dance, and Penn State Altoona and serves as executive director of Fermata Ballet Collective.

Ana Rossi-Lanzendorfer (choreographer) is a principal with Allied Motion Dance Company and a dance educator at Dance Fusion in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. As an educator at Dance Fusion, Ana has received numerous awards for excellence in choreography and has been nominated as both entertainer of the year and choreographer of the year at Star Dance Alliance. She received higher education at Seton Hill University and Penn State Altoona, where she was a founding member of Penn State's Ivyside Dance Ensemble. Her dance background includes intensive training with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company in New York City and a recent performance in What Problem with the Bill T. Jones Company on tour. Her current projects include choreography for Penn State Altoona and management of the Community Choreography Project for the Central PA Theatre and Dance Festival. Ana is a professional tattoo artist at Railroad City Tattoo in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Production Team Bios

Maxwell Doherty (technical director) recently worked on Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and The Wonderful World of Animation. He is a graduate of the Penn State School of Theatre where he worked on productions including Brigadoon, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Seawall, Angels in America, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Legally Blonde.

Cara Groome (stage manager) is a second-year student majoring in visual art studies and minoring in theatre. She has been involved in theatre and art since a young age. Her recent credits include set designing, stage managing, and performing in Cinderella and The Sound of Music, as well as stage managing for Circle Mirror Transformation and The Wake of Jamey Foster here at Penn State Altoona. Cara hopes to be involved in more productions at the college and to continue combining her passions for art and theatre.

Christian Howard (assistant stage manager) is a graduate of the Integrative Arts program at Penn State Altoona. He was an active performer on the college’s stage during his time as a student and was the recipient of both the Liszka Award and the Kenneth M. Kuhn Memorial Award. He was a two-time winner of the National Association of Teachers of Singers vocal competition in the musical theatre category and participated in a Masterwork Chorus Festival where he performed in Carnegie Hall along with Penn State Altoona's Ivyside Pride choral group. Currently, he is the theatre and gallery assistant at the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts and is an active member of the local performing arts community.

Audrey Wawrynovic (costumer) is from Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. They intend to study integrative arts at Penn State Abington. To pursue their passions, they wish to find a career in teaching sewing, design, costume production, tailoring, or designing with their own company.

Angelina Waterson-Lopez (sound designer) is a first-year student at Penn State Altoona, currently serving as assistant stage manager for Flights of Fancy. She recently worked as the stage manager for S.P.A.R. by Stephen Gregg, earning a superior ranking at both the state and international levels, placing her among the top thirty high school stage managers in the country in 2024. In addition, she has an extensive background in high school theatre, having served as assistant stage manager and sound board operator on productions such as Little Shop of Horrors, Addict, and Boobytrap.

Benjamin Weaver (theatre technical assistant) is a 2021 graduate of Centenary University with a degree in technical theatre. His credits include scenic designer of 1984, Avenue Q, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Sweat (NEXTStage Rep) and The Wake of Jamey Foster (Penn State Altoona), scenic artist for A Christmas Carol (Centenary Stage Co.), and assistant scenic designer for The Evolution of Mann (American Theatre Group) instagram: @yellowbensets

Mark Williams (projections) is a media designer and creative technologist based in Philadelphia. He is the current emerging artist in residence at Penn State Altoona. His work and research are focused on integrative performance-design practices and live cinema for stage. MarkWdesign.com

Production Team

  • Choreographer/Director—KT Huckabee, Jaye Mackinson, Ana Rossi-Lanzendorfer
  • Technical Director—Maxwell Doherty
  • Stage Manager—Cara Groome
  • Assistant Stage Manager—Christian Howard
  • Theatre Technical Assistant—Benjamin Weaver
  • Costumer—Audrey Wawrynovic
  • Light Board Operator—Angelina Waterson-Lopez

Upcoming Performances

  • December 5-6, 2024
    Ivyside Pride Performance
  • December 14, 2024
    University Jazz Band Performance

Special Thanks

T&Z Productions

Acknowledgments

  • Dr. Ron Darbeau, chancellor and dean
  • Peter M. Hopsicker, vice chancellor, Academic Affairs
  • Leigh Ann Haefner, division head, Arts and Humanities
  • Jonathan O’Harrow, director, Strategic Communications
  • Marissa Carney, media and public relations coordinator, Strategic Communications
  • Melissa Wilt, graphic designer, Strategic Communications
  • Kylea Myers, theatre and gallery coordinator, Misciagna Family Center
  • Christian Howard, theatre and gallery assistant, Misciagna Family Center
  • Maxwell Doherty, technical director, Misciagna Family Center
  • Benjamin Weaver, technical theatre assistant, Misciagna Family Center
  • Kathy Bumberger, janitorial worker, Facilities and Operations