From Mendocino College
Get ready to be inspired, moved, and mesmerized! The Mendocino College Spring Dance Festival 2025 is set to ignite the stage with original choreography, live music, and visual arts in a powerful celebration of expression and community.
Directed by Eryn Schon-Brunner, this year’s festival runs May 1-4 and carries the theme “Experience the Magic.”
Featuring dynamic works by Mendocino College students, alumni, faculty, and guest artists, the festival highlights the diversity of artistic voices and honors the importance of storytelling through dance.
This year’s show is thoughtfully structured in two acts: Act One features diverse dance styles in a family-friendly setting – uplifting and accessible to all ages. Act Two is designed for a mature audience (13+), as student choreographers delve into powerful, unfiltered themes including abuse, sexuality, strobe lighting, the supernatural, and more.
This format was developed in close collaboration with student choreographers, reflecting their desire to engage authentically with the world around them – free from censorship, and rich in meaning and personal expression.
The festival highlights the diversity of artistic voices and honors the importance of storytelling through dance.(Contributed)The evening will begin with a world premiere by choreographer Kirsten Turner, set to Vivaldi’s “Spring.” This radiant ballet features returning students from Turner’s Intermediate Ballet class and captures the joy and vitality of Spring bulbs breaking through the cold earth to reach for the light – a perfect opening to a weekend filled with creative bloom.
Student and dancer Shianne Robertson also has two exciting pieces featured in the festival: a compelling group piece and a dynamic solo. Speaking about her solo, Shianne teased, “You won’t believe the tricks up my sleeves,” promising a fun and unforgettable viewing experience. Robertson’s second piece, titled Disco Goddesses, was described by Robertson as “a very carefree piece” where one can “leave your worries at the door and get lost in the clouds.”
The festival’s Artistic Director, Eryn Schon-Brunner, choreographed the piece “Caught in the Clouds,” a solo created for Rocio Ramos based on the feeling of being lost in a moment and having to wind your way out of it.
Projected images of cumulus clouds and fog enfold Rocio as she finds her path through to the dramatic live piano piece “Black Earth,” played by Larsen Brunner. Eryn Schon-Brunner smiles as she says “The dance highlights the beauty that can emerge from the struggle to find a way through.”
Musicians Lars Brunner and Cassius Mayhugh on piano will add to the ambiance of the evening.
The Scholarship Gala is on Friday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. and boasts a festive pre-show celebration. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., local wine will be provided by Campovida and Frey Vineyards, along with hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Mendocino College Culinary students.
At 7:30 p.m., the performance begins and includes a special moment honoring our 2025 scholarship recipients: Jennifer Loyola and Hannah Hinrichs (Dance Club Scholarships), and Shianne Robertson (Kalya Grace Chesser Scholarship). These awards are made possible through private donations, Dance Club concession sales, and proceeds from the Gala. We thank our generous community for championing the future of dance.
Art Gallery collaboration – Annual Student Art Show
In conjunction with the festival, the Mendocino College Gallery presents the Annual Student Art Show, running April 24-May 18.
This is the College Gallery’s biggest show of the year, showcasing over 200 artworks from students at the Ukiah Campus, Coast, Lake, and North County Centers, as well as Dual Enrollment students. The exhibit includes an exciting mix of mediums across disciplines –painting, ceramics, photography, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, and more.
Tickets are $15 for all performances, including the Gala. Available at the door, at Mendocino Book Company (cash/check only), or online at www.artsmendocino.org.
Performances will be held at the Mendocino College Center Theater, 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah. For more information, call (707) 468-3079.
Celebrate the courage, creativity, and collaboration of a new generation of artists. Whether you’re a lifelong lover of dance or stepping into the world of performance for the first time, the Mendocino College Spring Dance Festival 2025 invites you to Experience the Magic.
Festival Schedule: Thursday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m., Scholarship Gala (Reception). Friday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m.
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