The Dancers

A person with short, tousled hair holds an acoustic guitar and poses with an open-mouthed expression. They wear a black lace top and a strap with sun designs is visible over one shoulder. The guitar is angled forward and brightly polished. Lighting is direct, creating high contrast and sharp details.

Clara Alger, a senior from Pennsylvania, plays the guitar in The Band. Her side hustles include studying History, Dance Performance, and Hispanic Studies. She also enjoys spending time with trees, photosynthesizing on Vassar benches, and laying on the floor in studio 2. She is so excited to create with this group of dancers and draws so much joy and inspiration from the VRDT community. Thank you so much to her friends and family for cheering her on at so many performances!

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Jayla Anderson is a sophomore English Major on the Creative Writing track with correlates in Dance Performance and Africana Studies. Jayla’s from New Haven, CT, where she transitioned from gymnastics to dance after attending Betsy Ross Arts Middle School and fell in love with the art. Since then, she’s studied dance at Dance Unlimited Studio and Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School, finding her artistry in Modern techniques. When she’s not dancing, she can be found around campus reading, writing, or laughing extremely loudly with friends.

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Lucy Bingham is a freshman prospective international studies major on the pre-law track. She has lived in Cambridge, MA her entire life. She loves her cat and her family. If she’s not dancing, she will probably be found lying in the grass outside with her friends or attempting to lock in at the library. She loves going for drives, baking, and is always listening to music or a podcast. Her favorite style of dance is contemporary ballet. She is so excited to join the VRDT community and continue dancing in college!

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Andi Buqa is a sophomore international student from the Republic of Kosovo, planning to double major in Neuroscience and Economics with a correlate in Dance. He loves traveling, swimming, house music, and squash. One of his favorite activities is trying out new restaurants in the area with friends. He hates being indoors, so once the sun’s out, so is he. Adventurous by nature, he’s always up to try something new, especially if it involves learning whatever sport his friends try to teach him. It’s his second year in VRDT, and he’s loving every minute of it!!!

A person with dark hair styled in a loose updo smiles broadly at the camera. They wear a sleeveless white top with a high neckline and large, detailed earrings. The background is light and evenly lit. Their expression is joyful and the composition is centered.

Hana Colley is a junior majoring in cognitive science and (hopefully) getting correlates in chemistry and dance! Not born but raised in nyc, she started dancing because her parents put her into it and it just stuck. If not in the dance studio, you can track her down by following the noise of keys or looking for her blue bike. She’s a lover of impractical shoes, whether that’s a really dead pointe shoe or a pair of heels she shouldn’t be wearing. AND she is so excited to be dancing with VRDT for yet another year!

A person with shoulder-length curly hair wears a dark t-shirt and a large beaded necklace with a bright blue pendant. They have a septum ring and a neutral facial expression while facing the camera directly. The lighting is even, showing texture and detail in both clothing and hair. The background is plain and softly lit.

Frieda Dangerfield is a junior psychology major with creative writing and dance performance correlates. She is from Medford, Massachusetts and has mostly trained in modern. Frieda loves VRDT, yes she does, yes she does!! She is sad to report that this year, she will only be in Kenyon for one semester before she scurries off to England. Therefore, she requests that you come see her incredibly identifiable feet during one (or all) of the fall shows!

A person with shoulder-length wavy hair holds a brass trumpet upright next to their face. They wear a black, open-knit top and a thick black wristband with metal details. Their expression is serious and direct. The lighting is bright and highlights the shiny instrument.

Maria Dean is a senior psychology major with correlates in religion and dance performance from Northampton, MA. You’ll find her by listening for, “She’s got the chops!!” or arguing with the producer about her fit in The Band. Anyway... she is grateful and inspired by the opportunity to dance with such beautiful artists for one last year. Toot-a-loo, your #1 horn player.

A person with long curly hair smiles in front of a light-colored wall. They wear an oversized light blue t-shirt with one shoulder exposed. The lighting is natural, creating soft shadows and highlights. Their posture is relaxed and centered.

Haley Dexter is a sophomore Art History major and prospective dance correlate(er) from Pittsburgh, PA. She grew up doing ballet, jazz, tap, and (sometimes) contemporary, but is thankful for the ways in which VRDT has broadened her horizons. Outside of the studios, she loves to bake, have game nights, whip up a Deece blizzard (inquiries regarding proper technique are welcome) and touch grass once in a while. She is so excited to be spending another year dancing with this amazing group of people!

A person with short dark hair styled in pigtails stands in front of a pale wall. They wear a green t-shirt with the word "Brooklyn" printed across the front and large hoop earrings. Their expression is subtle and relaxed. Lighting is soft and fills the frame evenly.

Maxime Ennis is a sophomore psych major from new york city, and is so excited to be dancing with VRDT this year! other than dancing, they’re a big fan of loud music, hoop earrings, their dog Cookie, and the hit 2004 TV show House MD. When not lying on the floor of Kenyon hall, they can be found outside somewhere pretending to study, probably using a disposable plastic water bottle instead of a real one.

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Annabelle Fields is a junior Art History major and Dance correlate from Los Angeles, but lived in Kauai most of her life. She began dancing at 3 years old and has always classified herself as a certified bunhead ballerina. You can always find her listening to Taylor Swift or Lana del Rey. She’s also always happy to get a sweet treat! Annabelle is super excited for her third year in VRDT!

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Jillian Galimi is a sophomore from Westchester County, New York. She grew up as a ballerina and evidently still is as you won’t catch her missing the joy that is her daily ballet class. Other styles she loves include modern, jazz, tap, really any and all things dance (she loves to improv too)! When not at Kenyon, you can find her getting a sweet treat, hanging out with friends, or otherwise being silly. She is beyond excited to join VRDT this year!

A person with tousled short hair wears large aviator sunglasses and a green plaid shirt layered over a black shirt. They hold a red electric guitar at chest height and wear a long pendant necklace. Their expression is neutral and relaxed. The background is a smooth, pale wall.

Zack Garipoli is a senior math and english major who loves to play bass for the VRDT senior band, glance nonchalantly at passersby, and dance in Kenyon with friends <3

A person with long, curly hair wears a black jacket with a sun-patterned guitar strap over one shoulder. They have a calm expression and wear layered necklaces, including a chain with round discs and another with a pendant. A guitar headstock is partially visible behind them. The lighting is soft and warm.

Part-time rockstar Paige Glover is a senior Art History and English double major from Los Angeles, California. A special thanks to friends and family—at home and elsewhere— who take “I can’t, I have dance” as my forever excuse. Can’t wait to share the work we’ve made!

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Ari Gottsegen is a freshman from the San Francisco Bay Area. Her main background is as a competitive dancer, but contemporary/modern is her style of choice. Outside of the dance studio, she is often seen on random adventures, in the ceramics studio, or petting a random dog. She would also like to thank all of her previous dance teachers and parents for getting her to where she is today, and she can’t wait to be a part of VRDT!

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Ella Gove is a sophomore from Bakersfield, California and is interested in biology and geography. Some of her favorite things to do include arts and crafts, spamming her contacts with endless Word Hunt games, and spying on squirrels as they munch on Deece cookies. She looks forward to this year with VRDT!

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Bruce Graham is a first-year student from Shavertown, Pennsylvania (near Scranton, where The Office took place). His second-favorite thing in the entire world is performing, specifically in musical theatre, and his absolute favorite thing is the Deece’s Chocolate Milk™©. You’ll often see him biking around campus, cursing at himself for getting lost. But most importantly of all, he’s extremely excited to be a part of the new VRDT cast, hopefully for many years to come!!!! :))

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Sarra Grimshaw - Informally known as ‘grimmy’ or ‘grim,’ is a native Chicagoan, ecstatic to be dancing through her second year in Poughkeepsie with VRDT. Friends will say if she were a shoe, it would be of the pointe variety, but she adores anything jazzy. She would never dare steal a bike, and thoroughly enjoys walking by sunset lake. She also does science! Find her at the bridge trying to fulfill class requirements, Joss (is boss), and Kenyon, of course. She sends much love to her marvellously wonderful friends and family.

A person with short, softly curled dark hair smiles while standing in front of a pale wall. They wear a sleeveless green top and silver hoop earrings. Their expression is gentle, and their posture is relaxed. The image is softly lit with natural tones.

Fiora Hogan is a sophomore from Salisbury, Maryland, often referred to as Smalls-bury. She’s a soon-to-be-declared Film Major and dance correlate! She might be caught snacking on trail mix in the halls of Kenyon, addressing her third nosebleed of the day, thinking about Gene Kelly, or cartwheeling in ballet class, when instructed, of course. She is thrilled for another season with VRDT and sends love to all the teachers who have brought her this far.

A person with medium-length dark brown hair styled in loose waves smiles in front of a light wall. They wear a thin-strapped black top and small hoop earrings, with a nose ring visible on one side. Their expression is friendly, and the lighting is soft and natural. The framing is centered and clear.

Well, well, well… if it isn’t Madeline Hsiao (Junior; Natick, MA) back on the VRDT website amidst headshots of the people she loves! She is forever grateful to be surrounded by such inspiring and talented Brewers. While her roots are in competition dance, she is now partial to spiraling the spine, but is always down to bust a move. Outside of scrambling to finish math problem sets or psych readings, you may find her playing chess, being horizontal, or obtaining a latte. Despite complaints of dance-induced aches and soreness, you will always find her running (driving) back to Kenyon out of pure love of the game.

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Cecilia Kittross spends her time in the dance studio by day and the recording studio by night. She is from as far west as you can go in Massachusetts before it becomes New York. She has a side gig as a senior Art History major with a dance performance correlate. In between classes and rehearsals she can be found napping in the grass between Kenyon and Blodgett. She is delighted to be back with VRDT for one final year, and so sad that it is the final year.

A portrait of Lilianne Liu, a person with long black hair and a dark shirt.

Lilianne Liu is a junior art history major from Shanghai, China. She’s only able to dance with VRDT for one semester this year, since the two things she cares about the most—art history and dance—ended up in direct conflict on her schedule. For the fall semester, she’s pretending to be abroad.

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Zoë LaCheen-Fine loves ballet, modern, contemporary, and jazz and is so excited to be in VRDT again this year. She is a junior from New Jersey and a computer science major with possible dance performance and studio art correlates. Outside of academics and dance, she loves to hang out with friends, take her camera to capture some fun photos, or read a good book. Please give her a hug and music recommendations. She can’t wait to dance for you!

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Ada Lovelace is a junior, drama and religion double major, from ‘the middle of nowhere,’ iowa. she enjoys reading, writing, singing, dancing, running, and avoiding gluten poisoning. she is a wannabe theater kid some days, and wants to be with her dogs all the days. ada likes gummy bears, corn, mini marshmallows, and her mother’s jewelry. she is a roblox power wash simulator expert.

A person with long, wavy red hair holds two drumsticks crossed above their head. They wear a red t-shirt with a graphic of a sloth playing guitar and sunglasses resting on top of their head. Their expression is direct, and several bracelets are visible on their wrists. The background is a plain off-white wall.

Drumroll please…Sophia Maron Schaeffer! A senior who certainly marches to the beat of her own drum as a mathematics and French double major with a dance performance correlate. Soph spent last semester abroad in Paris, running from the boulangerie to the Sorbonne, but she always kept time for dance in the chaotic rhythm of her day. Her biggest artistic inspirations are Anjali Turchiano and Animal from The Muppets. Soph cannot wait for another incredible year of dancing with this lovely company that makes her heart skip a beat. Baaa dum tsss!

[you can’t beat a good drumming pun – did you catch that, too?]

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Meg Matchett is a sophomore political science major and dance performance correlate from Mariposa, CA and has still somehow avoided doing math here at Vassar (#mathhater). She started dancing at 11 years old in the world of competitive dance, with favorite styles in contemporary and hip hop. Most days she is functioning solely on coffee, but that doesn’t stop her from living for Leslie modern classes (minus laterals), floorwork, track pants, music with lyrics, and dancing in socks (always in socks).

A person with long, wavy brown hair smiles slightly to the side. They wear a sleeveless burgundy top and a simple black necklace. The light is warm and directional, casting a soft shadow on the wall behind. The overall tone is casual and clear.

Cara McGovern is a Freshman and a prospective English major from Westchester, NY. She’s always taking long walks around campus, painting her nails, grinding out work in the library, or shopping around Arlington’s thrift stores. She would like to thank her home studio, East Pointe Dance, and her family because she would never have gotten here if it wasn’t for them! She is elated to be a part of VRDT and can’t wait to see what the next few years at Vassar will bring!

A person with long, curly dark hair stands in front of a light-colored wall, wearing a white t-shirt with a colorful floral and text design. They wear small dangling earrings and a thin necklace, smiling softly with a relaxed expression. Lighting is even and natural, with minimal shadows. The framing captures the upper half of the figure.

Summer McTigue is a first-year prospective political science major from New Jersey. She started dancing when she was three, taking almost every style, but loves contemporary and ballet (AND IMPROV!!). You can probably find her going on long walks around campus, reminiscing with her friends, or listening to Lauryn hill, Bruce Springsteen, or Solange. She is so excited for her first year of VRDT, and is so grateful for her studio back home!!!

A person in a black leather jacket holds an acoustic guitar over one shoulder and a vape pen to their mouth. They wear a purple bandana tied around their head and a black shirt underneath the jacket. Their gaze is direct, and their expression is neutral. The background is softly lit and neutral in color.

Cruz Nunez is a senior computer science major from Tucson, Arizona who midnights as the band’s lead kazooist (the guitar is just for show). To this day, he wonders how Paige was as good at dance as she was for as long as she was while being as dehydrated as she was, and now that he’s bought her a water bottle, he’s terrified he’s unleashed a power neither of them can control. If you need him, he can usually be found running across campus to whatever class or rehearsal he’s late for this time, most likely having forgotten both his VCard and his ADHD medication.

A portrait of Lilli Palmer, a person with long auburn hair and a black shirt with necklaces.

Lilli Palmer is a strange one, some—including herself—might say. Back from Santiago, Chile, Lilli is absolutely hyped for the second semester of her junior year. A WFQS (pronounced “we fuqs”) and LALS double major with a dance correlate, she humbly acknowledges the mouthful that is her studied areas of choice. She aspires to work in human rights and immigration, but, if the world miraculously decides to chill tf out, her ideal life would be cheese mongering in rural Vermont, near the Pacific Ocean of Chile, or in her Cape Cod hometown. Please wish her the best in remembering the choreography and not making fart jokes on stage.

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Madi Quayle is a junior Bio major (and hopefully dance performance correlate!!) from Minnesota. When not running between Kenyon and Olmstead, she can be found at the local panera, reorganizing her desk, or sitting on the quad pretending to be productive. You may also recognize her for being the treasurer for two dance orgs, despite not knowing anything about finance <3 She is so excited for VRDT this year!!

A portrait of Nikko Ramos, a person with a maroon shirt and short curly black hair.

Hey y’all, I’m Nikko Ramos! My hometown is Austin, Texas and I am a prospective Neuroscience or Cognitive Science major. I have been dancing for five years and have also performed with ZACH Theater Conservatory for the last six years. I’m also super passionate about film and theater. One fun fact about me is that I have forty chickens back home :)

A person with straight, dark hair parted in the middle smiles while standing against a neutral background. They wear a green and white striped button-up shirt and small hoop earrings. Their posture is relaxed and centered. Lighting highlights the face with soft shadows.

Alessia Riera is a freshman with a prospective psychology major on the pre-med track from Allendale, NJ. You will find her frolicking around campus with her friends and befriending every dog that roams the campus. She will probably be listening to music; if it’s not her friends playing her live music, then you’ll see her with headphones on listening to her comfort playlist. She would like to thank her parents for doing everything in their power to support her, and she would like to thank VRDT for welcoming her into this amazing community.

A portrait of Olivia Sparks, a person with long black hair and purple headphones.

Olivia Sparks (she/her). Africana Studies & Psychological Sciences Double Major, Hometown: Los Angeles, CA (west coast best coast ?) acai enthusiast !!!

A person with long hair dyed with light blue streaks wears a black top and layered necklaces, one of which has a small heart-shaped pendant. Their expression is neutral with a slight smile. Lighting is soft and balanced, casting minimal shadows. The background is a light, solid color.

Penelope Suchar is a first-year from Newtown, CT. She first studied the technique of Isadora Duncan, but has since become a lover of contemporary, modern, and ballet (just don’t ask her to put on pointe shoes). You can often find her with one headphone in, watching some kind of horror movie, or searching online for even more blue clothing. If you see her please recommend an album, any album! She is so excited to be in VDRT and ready to have a great year!

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Tara Sweeney is a sophomore English major and Dance Performance correlate from upstate New York. She is predominantly ballet-trained, but is now the biggest fan of jazz. She enjoys reading, writing, and making every day a fashion show, and outside of VRDT, she is a part of House Team and the Vassar Catholic community. She is so grateful for the opportunities VRDT has provided and can’t wait to dance with everyone this semester!

A person with long, softly waved hair stands against a plain background, smiling slightly. They wear a white tank top and a pendant necklace with a small charm. Their posture is relaxed and centered. The image is evenly lit with warm natural tones.

Serena Trickel is a sophomore and is so excited to be joining VRDT this year!! She is a prospective English major with a dance correlate from the tiny town of North Salem, New York. Her dance background is mostly ballet, but she’s having so much fun exploring different styles at Vassar. Aside from dance, Serena is a big fan of coloring books, tuxedo cats, and a good grilled cheese sandwich.

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Anjali Turchiano is a junior from NYC studying Education and Urban Studies. Things she likes: deep talks, dress rehearsal, dinners spanning multiple hours, and doing arts and crafts. Things she doesn’t like: popcorn, pushups, and pests. She loves VRDT with her whole heart. Do you think Sophia is her döppleganger? <3

A person with long, straight blonde hair smiles broadly in front of a plain, light-colored wall. They wear a lavender sleeveless top and a small necklace with a dark pendant. The lighting is bright and even, casting minimal shadows. Their posture is upright and centered.

Margot Walters is a junior Environmental Studies and French double major from Seattle, Washington. In addition to VRDT, she likes hanging out with people and plants through her work with the Environmental Cooperative, Greens and Outing Club. Around campus, you can find her embarking on outdoor adventures, sleeping during movie nights, adding to her photo wall, and stargazing with friends. Her foundations are in ballet and modern and she is so excited to be back with VRDT and all its amazing dancers!

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Javier Wilson Estrella is a junior international student from the Dominican Republic! He is an Economics major with a deep interest in Psychology as well. He started with latin dance, then began his training at Academia Ballet Concierto in Santo Domingo, and later turned his focus to hip hop. You may find him at Kenyon in an Economics class, rehearsing with FlyPeople, or dancing with VRDT! He loves listening to Bad Bunny and latin music, dancing, going to the beach, hiking, the NBA, taking photos, dogs, bachata, merengue, plantains, and cheez-its. He is so excited to perform with VRDT!