Eight Chapman dancers received the special opportunity to open for the world-renowned Complexions Contemporary Ballet at the iconic Joyce Theater in New York City. This journey began with an audition in the spring semester, continued into rehearsals throughout the fall, and concluded with performances at both the Musco Center for the Arts and the Joyce in November. The dancers worked with Complexions Co-Founder/Co-Artistic Director, Dwight Rhoden, to create a new work for these performances. 

Dwight shared, “Watching my students at Chapman really immerse themselves in the choreographic process has been thrilling. Seeing them meet each challenge along the way and thrive is remarkable. Their collaborative spirits, curiosity, and fearlessness have truly inspired the creation of this new work entitled ‘Random Acts.’” When asked about their experience, the dancers expressed how well-equipped they felt for this process, thanks to Chapman’s training, which prioritizes technique, artistry, and professionalism. 

The student dancers shared their favorite parts of their trip to New York, the lifelong connections they have made at Chapman, and offered advice for prospective students looking to pursue an education and career in the arts!

Chapman Dancers performing in NYC

What’s unique about Chapman’s dance program that prepared you for a professional opportunity as demanding as performing at the Joyce Theater in New York City?

Grace Gontarek ‘26: “One of the things that sets Chapman apart is how intentional and holistic the training is. As dancers a part of this process, we got the opportunity to work with Rob Tsai, a dance physical therapist and owner of Dance Prehab. Working with Rob gave us a level of individualized preparation that mirrors what dancers receive in top-tier companies. We did pre- and post-testing to understand our strengths, imbalances, and physical needs for a Complexions piece, and from that, we each received a personalized training plan. That level of specificity, combined with technique classes taught by faculty who have deep professional experience, meant we stepped into rehearsals already understanding the physical and artistic expectations.”

“Chapman trains us not just as dancers, but as artists who know how to prepare smartly for a high-level opportunity like performing at the Joyce.”

 

How has this opportunity affirmed that Chapman is helping you build not just performance skills, but a long-term career in the dance world? How do Chapman’s faculty and alumni connections play a role in networking for your career?

Grace Gontarek ‘26: “Performing at the Joyce made it clear that Chapman’s program is preparing us for the long game. The experience required stamina, adaptability, professionalism, and the ability to navigate fast-paced rehearsal processes (all skills that are essential for a sustainable dance career). Chapman emphasizes not only technique but also biomechanics, injury prevention, creative collaboration, and professional etiquette. We’re learning how to maintain our bodies, build connections, and walk into high-level settings with confidence. Opportunities like this show that Chapman isn’t just giving us a strong four years, it’s setting us up for a trajectory beyond graduation. Faculty connections are one of Chapman’s biggest assets. Many of our professors are actively working in the dance world, which means they see us not just as students but as emerging professionals. Getting to work with them in such an immersive environment allows us to build authentic relationships, demonstrate our work ethic, and learn firsthand what companies expect. These connections open doors: they can lead to auditions, recommendations, and future contract opportunities. Chapman creates a bridge between academia and the professional world, and this opportunity was a perfect example of that bridge in action.” 

Mandy Fang ‘26: “While in New York, I had the opportunity to visit alumni from the program and see how they are thriving and working towards their dreams. The alumni network, as well as the network we get with our faculty, truly spans so wide. Hearing stories of how people connect through their experiences and connections from Chapman was so enlightening and comforting knowing that my affiliations will transcend just my 4 years here.”

 

How has the experience of performing in New York City (while still in undergrad) influenced your vision for your future on the stage?

Grace Gontarek ’26: “Performing in New York City while still in undergrad expanded my sense of what’s possible for my future. Being on a stage as iconic as the Joyce showed me that a professional career 

doesn’t have to feel distant or abstract; it’s something I’m already stepping into. The experience clarified the kind of work I want to be doing: artistically challenging, collaborative, and rooted in strong technique. It made me hungry for more opportunities at that level and gave me the confidence to envision myself pursuing a serious, long-term performance career.” 

 

What role did Chapman’s small, close-knit dance community play in supporting and motivating you throughout this intense rehearsal period?

Mandy Fang ‘26: “I truly believe that this dance would not have been what it was without all of my friends in this cast. Having grown with them in the past 3 years, it felt so natural to approach this new milestone altogether. Dwight’s work is by no means easy, but doing it with the community of nurturing support made it the best experience I could have asked for.”

Skylar Peterson ‘27: “I can truly say that every person in this cast is someone that I admire and can call a good friend.”

“This is such a testament to the real connections that this department creates, and the bonds that go beyond Sandi Simon.”

Emily Fick ‘26: “One truly special thing about Chapman is the support and community we have here. Even thousands of miles away, so many Chapman students and Alumni came to support us at The Joyce. This warmed our hearts like no other because of the love they all showed. Some even traveled hours to support, and it was just the most special thing. Thank you Chapman, for the best communities and people!”

For future Chapman students excited about opportunities like this, what advice would you give them about preparation, mindset, and perseverance?

Grace Gontarek ‘26: “I would tell them to treat every rehearsal, every class, and every small opportunity like it’s preparing you for something bigger… because it is. Be consistent, stay curious, and don’t be afraid of being pushed outside your comfort zone. Working with Dwight and Addison required us to adapt quickly, absorb corrections, and trust our training. So much of the process is mental: showing up with humility, resilience, and the willingness to work through discomfort. Also, take advantage of the resources Chapman provides: ask questions, seek mentorship, and invest in your physical preparation early. Opportunities like this don’t come out of nowhere; they come from stacking small choices over time.”

 

What did you learn from working alongside Dwight Rhoden and opening for a world-renowned company like Complexions Contemporary Ballet?

Skylar Peterson ‘27: “The process opened my eyes to the variability that comes with a timeline that includes multiple performances and alterations to the original choreography. Additionally, there was a sense of the bar continuously being raised, which I thoroughly enjoyed as a means of motivation. Dwight’s process involved choreographing large phrases quickly and then coming back into the studio after letting materials settle. I found this to allow for consistent exploration and personalization within the movement.” 

 

Was there a moment on stage during the performance that felt surreal or unforgettable?

Emily Fick ‘26: “One of my favorite moments was actually backstage right after I finished my solo. We are so lucky to have all gotten to perform a brief solo in this piece, and mine is the first, so when I finish, I get to watch my beautiful friends. Particularly this time, when I was backstage at The Joyce, watching my friends perform and being the only one on that stage brought tears to my eyes! It is just such a surreal experience to see hard work and dreams come true on such a special stage with such special people. Watching them was so beautiful and magical, especially for our last time with this dance!”

 

What advice do you have for prospective students who might be considering applying to Chapman for dance?

Skylar Peterson ‘27: “Go for it! This program has provided so many opportunities and so much guidance, while still emphasizing the need for connection. I have had so many ‘pinch me’ moments, especially throughout this process, and none of them would be possible without this program.”

Chapman Dancers: David Burn, Mandy Fang, Emily Fick, Grace Gontarek, Dominic Keider, Skylar Peterson, Sloane Ritterbush, Erin Weinke