Doug Varone Dancers with Chapman Dancers

Kennedy Barry, Keira Gestel, and Skylar Peterson

Last May, Chapman Dancers auditioned for the extraordinary opportunity to perform beside the world-renowned Doug Varone and Dancers. Twelve students were selected to participate in this experience, including a 3-credit Dance Repertoire course, a week-long residency with Doug Varone and his company, and a performance alongside these industry professionals at the MUSCO Center for the Arts. This Saturday, these dancers will showcase their hard work in the piece Double Octet, choreographed by Doug Varone. Chapman University Assistant Professor Stephanie Liapis, a former Varone Company member, is the restager/rehearsal director for this project.

Chapman Dance Performance BFA Junior Keira Gestel shared how she has evolved as an artist throughout the month working with Varone.

“This experience has not only inspired me but opened up new realms of creative exploration that I never imagined possible. It has been a wonderful journey of growth, technically and artistically, that I will forever cherish.” 

As part of MUSCO’s Leap of Art Residency: Marybelle Musco Contemporary Dance Series, Doug Varone and Dancers hosted master classes for the Department of Dance throughout the week. The Creative Process class explored different forms and methods of choreography and the creation of work. The company also presented a lecture and demonstration open to all Chapman students.

Chapman Dancers performing “Double Octet”

Jonah Boswell (Dance BA ‘26) described his time with the Varone Company as refreshing, as well as a great challenge.

“Doug‘s process has introduced me to a new way to apprehend choreography, rather than just trying to pick up steps for steps. We’re developing this idea of artistry, body, kinetic movement, and foundationally how we get to know our end product through the fundamentals of movement and dance to create such a beautiful piece.”

Doug Varone and Dancers prides itself on investigating artistically, digging “deep into the storytelling of human nature and engaging in dialogue with diverse audiences and creative communities globally.” They have earned the reputation of one of the most respected dance companies today due to their profound emotional and technical work. Audiences will be inspired when they attend this Doug Varone and Dancers performance featuring incredible Chapman students. 

See them perform on the world-class MUSCO stage on Saturday, February 1st, at 7:30 PM.

Tickets are available at muscocenter.org 

Senior, Makaila Teagle

Doug Varone instructing a duet with Juniors Keira Gestel and David Burn