Rooted in Motion: Cast and Creative Team

Vanessa Anspaugh (Choreographer – Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies) is a choreographer/performance based artist. She was born and raised in the unceded land of the Tongva and Chumash (also known as Los Angeles, CA) amongst an eclectic family of artists and is now based in New York. She is a two-time Bessie Award Nominee for both Most Outstanding Choreographer (morning after mournings) and Most Outstanding Production (The End of Men). Her work has been commissioned and presented by many theaters including The Joyce Theater and New York Live Arts, and featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Art Forum, Forbes Magazine and more.

Leo Briggs (Choreography Assistant – VOID / ing)  is a faculty member in the Dance Department at Austin Community College. He earned his M.F.A. in Dance from The University of Texas at Austin in 2025. Leo also regularly performs with companies and independent artists around Austin, including a long-term collaborative partnership with artist Javier Robelo. Briggs’s research frames gender deviance and transition as embodied creative practices. (he/him)

Celeste Camfield (Choreography Assistant – VOID / ing) works in multiple mediums, staggering through life between states of immense gratitude and disgust. Her practice includes dance, food, and video. She grew up dancing in the Texas Hill Country and studied at Marymount Manhattan College, P.A.R.T.S summer school, ImPulsTanz, Hubbard Street, and LINES. Since moving back to Texas in 2019, she has performed with ARCOS, BLiPSWiTCH, Anna Bauer, Pearl Bhatnagar, Alexa Capareda, Jairus Carr, Emily Rushing, Sanchita Sharma, and Carissa Topham-Fisher.

Nicole Chacko (Assistant Stage Manager) is a third year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology and a focus in stage management at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Pretend it’s Pretend (UTNT(UT New Theatre), 2024), Cowboy Mouth (Studio Series, 2024), James and the Giant Peach (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2024) and Absolute None! (The Cohen New Works Festival, 2025).

Alik Clay (Scenic Designer- Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies)

Rebecca Couch (Stage Manager) is a second-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology (stage management), minoring in Arts Management and Administration. This is her third production with the Department of Theatre and Dance, following her role as stage manager for EQUINOX (2025).

Kay Currier-Graves (Lighting Designer) is a first year M.F.A. in Theater candidate with a specialization in live design and production (lighting design). She holds a B.F.A. in Theater Design and Technology from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Kay is a Houston-based theater artist with a love for all things performance and storytelling. (She/Her)

Jacob Daniels (Music Collaboration – Mé Duniya) is Assistant Professor of Instruction and Assistant Director of the Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies at The University of Texas at Austin. He also plays drums in the Austin-based band French Teacher.

Sinclair Emoghene (Choreographer – Mé Duniya) is an Assistant Professor of Dance at the University of Texas at Austin. His research and creative work explore how African and diaspora dances are archived, visualized, and contextualized across history, geography, and technology. He is the founder of Sinclair Dance Company and Principal Investigator for Global Movement Research and co-author of Dancing in the World: Revealing Cultural Confluences (Routledge, 2023). His choreographic works span live performance, installation, and film.

Valeria Nuñez Estrada (Assistant Scenic Designer- Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology. She recently served as assistant scenic designer for A Midsummer Night's Dream (Texas Theatre and Dance, Studio Series, 2024), light board operator for Romeo y Juliet(Texas Theatre and Dance, 2024) and sound board operator for Directing the Young Performer (Department of Theatre and Dance, 2023).

EG Gionfriddo (Producing Director/Choreographer – VOID / ing) is a dance artist and educator who believes in the intelligent body each of us occupies. They are co-founder and director of ARCOS, whose transdisciplinary work has been presented internationally including for the American Dance Festival, UNESCO, Currents New Media Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. ARCOS supports the Austin arts ecosystem by prioritizing relational–rather than transactional- methods of sharing resources, knowledge and care. EG brings these values to The University of Texas at Austin as a producer, division head, and current Provost Teaching Fellow. arcosdance.com

Gustavo Hernandez Pinzon (Assistant Scenic Designer- Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies)

Aída Hernandez-Reyes (Choreography Assistant – VOID / ing) is a performer and interdisciplinary artist based in Austin, Texas. They have worked with Jesse Zaritt, Michiyaya, Valleto, Mama Duke, Thee Gay Agenda, Andrew Schneider and Annie Saunders, Joy Alpuerto Ritter, ARCOS, Performa/Dance, and more. Aída received a BFA from the University of Texas. Their creative process explores a motivation to build stamina, rest, be upside down, craft and diy, examine the sublime in the mundane, and embody their multiracial queer experience.

Allison Normin Johnson (Costume Designer) is a second-year M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in live design and production (costume design). Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Allison holds a special place in her heart for sustainable and environmentally thoughtful design. See more of her work at www.allisonjcreates.com. (She/Her)

Luna Jones (Integrated Media Designer- Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies)

Celine Lowe Chang (Sound Designer- Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies)

Lourine Mokoro (Assistant Costume Designer- Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies)

Makaila Natividad (Choreographer – Ohr) is a fourth-year B.F.A. in Dance major, minoring in Arts Management and Administration. She began training at Prisma Dance in Oahu, Hawai‘i, and has performed with Valeria Gonzalez, Jennifer Archibald, and Raul Tamez in Dance Repertory Theater. As project lead for 24 collaborators, she created At This Table for the 2025 Cohen New Works Festival. She is a seasonal company member with Messengerz Dance Company and has performed with them in Europe and Colorado.

KP Pierce (Lighting Designer- Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies) is a M.F.A. in Theatre (lighting and sound design) candidate. Most recently she has designed sound and lighting for Dance Repertory Theatre’s CYPHERS (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2024) and Butler Opera Center’s Le nozze di Figaro.

Patrick Schoen (Lighting Designer) is a M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in live design and production (lighting design) at The University of Texas at Austin. He received a Bachelors of Arts in theatre from Georgia College & State University.  Recent lighting design credits include Newsies (Theatre Macon, 2024), Onegin (Georgia College & State University, 2025), Rindaldo (Mercer University, 2025) and Angels in America Part One: Millennium Approaches (Theatre Macon, 2025). (He/Him)

Laura Soares (Assistant Stage Manager) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in stage management. Recent credits include stage managing the dance piece Quiet Tears of Roses (Texas Theatre and Dance’s Cohen New Works Festival 2025), Once In a Hundred Years (UTNT (UT New Theatre), 2025) as well as production assisting and assistant stage managing Waitress (Zach Theater, 2025).

Maggie Taylor (Assistant Costume Designer- Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies)

Aaron Torres (Costume Designer- Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies) 

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, self-taught tailor and clothing architect Aaron Torres embarked on his professional journey by designing an upcycled capsule collection for Urban Outfitters. After several years honing his craft as a tailor in the fast-fashion industry, Aaron founded his design label Sleep, Never in 2016, where he unveiled his first collection at Santa Fe Fashion Week. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability, quality, and fit, Aaron creates bespoke, small-batch clothing that celebrates individuality, body positivity, and liberation.

Desne Wharton (Integrated Media Designer- Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies) is a second year M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in live design and production (integrated media for live performance) from Washington, D.C. As a multimedia designer, she has worked across live performance, film, and television. Some credits include The Colored Museum (The Center for Performing Arts, PGCC), Cyphers (DRT), Fanny Packs (Cohen New Works Festival), and Forever (Netflix). Desne will be the media designer for Ain't No Mo' in the Spring of 2026. www.desnepwharton.com

Daniela Mendes Albert (Dancer – VOID / ing) is a fourth-year B.F.A. in Dance major also pursuing a minor in Arts Management & Administration at the University of Texas at Austin. She grew up in Edinburg, Texas where she studied dance at Dancentre of Edinburg. Recent credits with Texas Theater and Dance include Cyphers (2024), Points of Intersection (2024), Fall for Dance (2023), and EMERGE (2023). Other performance credits include Estórbo Publico (2025).

Jermey Benavides (Dancer – Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies) is a B.F.A. in Dance major with an emphasis in dance education at The University of Texas at Austin. Previous credits include assistant choreographer for Ride the Cyclone (2023), EQUINOX (Spring 2025), and La Liga de Dennica. He also performed in CYPHERS (Fall 2024), a dynamic production by UT’s Dance Repertory Theatre blending multiple dance styles. Jeremy’s choreography weaves together energy, storytelling, and style with heart and purpose.

Andrea Bernal (Dancer – Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies) is a second-year B.F.A in Dance major at the University of Texas at Austin. She has trained in Folklorico and Flamenco at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, as well as serving as captain of her high school drill team. Her recent credits with Dance Repertory Theatre include Angel Blanco’s Presente. She is currently choreographing around central Texas as well as staying involved in several dance orgs around campus.

Caroline Buchhorn (Dancer – Ohr) is a fourth-year B.F.A. in Dance major with an emphasis in dance education and a Human Development and Family Sciences major at the University of Texas at Austin. She is a fourth-year member of The University of Texas DIA Competitive Dance Team and is one of the senior captains of the team this year. She is from San Antonio, Texas, where she trained with the Collective Dance Artistry Performance Company. This is her second performance with Dance Repertory Theater.

Olivia Bursnall (Dancer – Ohr) is a third-year B.A. in Sociology Major also pursuing minors in Educational Psychology and French at The University of Texas at Austin. She is from Houston, Texas where she trained extensively in various styles and danced competitively with Precision Dance Academy. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Evolution (2024), as well as Evolution (2025). This is her first performance with Dance Repertory Theatre.

Paulina Cuenca (Dancer – Ohr) is a second-year B.F.A in Dance major with an emphasis in performance and choreography. She is trained and has an extensive background in all dance styles. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include M.F.A thesis Estorbo Público by Angel Blanco and duet In Your Orbit by Drew Phipps.

Natalia Depaula (Dancer – VOID / ing, Mé Duniya, Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies)

Grace Falconer (Dancer – VOID / ing) is a fourth-year B.F.A in Dance Major. She has received extensive dance training from The Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. Falconer’s credits with Dance Repertory Theatre include Equinox (2025), Cyphers (2024), and Points of Intersection (2023). Falconer also performed with BOOT Dance Project at {254} DanceFest in Waco, Texas 2025.

Emma Flores (Dancer – VOID / ing) is a third-year B.F.A. in Dance major at The University of Texas at Austin. She is from Austin, Texas, where she grew up doing competitive dance and musical theatre. She most recently performed and choreographed for student dance team Redefined Dance Company at the World of Dance Houston competition (2025).

Audrey Friloux (Dancer – VOID / ing, Mé Duniya) is a B.F.A in Dance major pursuing a minor in Arts Management and Administration at The University of Texas at Austin. She grew up dancing competitively and now teaches and choreographs for students in Austin. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Equinox (2025), Evolution (2025), and Cyphers (2024).

Annasofiha Garcia (Dancer – VOID / ing) is a second-year B.F.A in Dance major also obtaining a minor in Business at The University of Texas at Austin. Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. She studied various styles of dance under the direction of Diana Santos De Reyes at The Studio Academy of Ballet (TSAB) including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and more. Currently, she is also practicing Tap under the direction of Acia Gray at Tapestry in Austin, Texas. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Presente by Angel Blanco (2024).

Leili Givens (Dancer – Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies) is in her third year of pursuing a B.F.A. in Dance at The University of Texas at Austin. She is originally originally from Houston, TX where she studied at Houston Ballet Academy and was in the second company of Houston Contemporary Dance. Recent credits include Equinox (2025), Cyphers (2024), Evolution (2024, 2025), and Dance Action’s S.E.E.D. (2023, 2024). This is Leili’s third performance with Dance Repertory Theatre.

Sydney Gladden (Dancer – Mé Duniya) is a B.F.A. in Dance major with an emphasis in performance and choreography at The University of Texas at Austin. In her formative years, she was a company member of Rise Dance Collective and Austin Youth Classical Ballet, which led her to a strong foundation in ballet and extensive training in contemporary, jazz, hip hop, tap, and commercial styles. This is her first year performing in Dance Repertory Theater.

Gillian Gordon (Dancer – Ohr) is a second-year double majoring in Dance and Kinesiology at The University of Texas at Austin. She is from Westchester, New York, where she trained at Westchester Dance Academy for 12 years. This is her first performance in Dance Repertory Theatre.

Jesus Gutierrez (Dancer – Ohr, Mé Duniya) is from Leander, Texas. This is his second year studying as a B.F.A. in Dance major with an emphasis in dance education with a minor in Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin. Previously performed in DRT: Equinox, 2024. This will be his second year performing in Dance Repertory Theatre.

Riza Hernandez (Dancer – Mé Duniya) is a second-year B.F.A. in Dance major on the Pre-Med track at The University of Texas at Austin. She is from McAllen, TX and trained at Deborah Case Dance Academy, was a principal dancer with Rio Grande Valley Ballet Company and a Youth America Grand Prix Finalist. Texas Theatre and Dance credits include Presente, Give Your Hands to Struggle, This All Really Happened and S.E.E.D. She is Class Coordinator for Dance Action and Cohort Representative for Dance Area Student Council.

Bryli Lee Jameson (Dancer – Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies) is a B.F.A in Dance major at The University of Texas at Austin. From the Dallas, Texas area, she has an extensive background in modern, contemporary and African diasporic dance styles. Her recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Evolution (2024), Cyphers (2024) and Equinox (2025).

Marcel Johnson (Dancer – Mé Duniya) is a second-year B.F.A. in Dance major at The University of Texas at Austin. They are a San Jacinto College Alum, where they studied modern, jazz, ballet, movement improvisation, choreography, and performance, and earned an Associate of Arts in Dance. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Un/leaven by Bayleigh Cragun and Agape Love by Iyalochá Nadia Milad Issa (Equinox, 2025)

Katie Jones (Dancer – VOID / ing) is a fourth-year B.F.A in Dance major also pursuing a minor in Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin. She is from Katy, Texas, where she trained extensively in ballet and jazz. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Equinox (2025), CYPHERS (2024), Points of Intersection (2024), and the Cohen New Works Festival.

Giovanni Ledezma (Dancer – Mé Duniya) is a third-year B.F.A. in Dance major at The University of Texas at Ausin. He comes from an expansive dance background. Starting with ballet folklorico for over 6 years then exploring various styles which include caribbean, heels, contemporary, jazz, west african, and even hip hop. Dance performances with Sima Ballet Folklorico include Colores del Mundo international dance festival (Guadalajara, MX), Best of Mexico (Dickies Arena Fort Worth, TX), La Energia Norteña (Toyota Music Factory Irving, TX). Herrera Dance Project-Echoes of Justice (Latino Cultural Center Dallas, TX), BLK ODYSSY Music Videos (Scottish Rite Theatre San Antonio, TX). Productions with Texas Theatre and Dance include S.E.E.D. 2024, First-Year Showcase 2024, DRT: Equinox-Vacios 2025, and The Cohen New Works Festival-KILELE 2025.

Julia Leitner (Dancer – Ohr) is a B.F.A. in Dance and B.A. Sociology double major at the University of Texas at Austin. She has an extensive background in dance, and has been dancing for the past 16 years. Leitner’s recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Un Intento (Angel Blanco), Lone.Lean.Less (Quilian “Cue” Arnold), and Evolution.

Kate Mooney (Dancer – Ohr) is a B.F.A. in Dance major at The University of Texas at Austin. She double minors in Arts Administration and Management and Media and Entertainment Industries. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Equinox (2025), Cyphers (2024), and UT Dance Action's S.E.E.D. (2024, 2023).

Cassidy Perry (Dancer – VOID / ing, Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies) is a third-year B.F.A. Dance Major also majoring in Sociology and minoring in Radio-Television-Film and Law-Justice-Society. She is from Maryland and has an extensive background in numerous styles of dance, having trained primarily in ballet. Her Texas Theatre and Dance credits include Points Of Intersection (2024), CYPHERS (2024), Equinox (2025), and The Cohen New Works Festival in Quiet Tears of Roses (2025). She has been part of the archival team for four semesters.

Drew Phipps (Dancer – VOID / ing) is a fourth-year B.F.A in Dance and B.S. in Kinesiology and Health double major at The University of Texas at Austin. At The University of Texas at Austin she has performed works by Claudia Lavista, Raul Tamez, Valeria Gonzales and others. Additional projects she has participated in include Break-In Dance Fest, Barnstorm Dance Fest, The Cohen New Works Festival, and {254}DANCEFEST. She also attended the Alvin Ailey Professional Division Summer Intensive in 2024.

Hailey Potter (Dancer – Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies) is a second-year B.F.A. in Dance major with an emphasis in dance education at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Evolution (2025) and UT Dance Action’s S.E.E.D. (2025). This is her first performance with Dance Repertory Theatre.

Valentina Reyes Rubio (Dancer – Mé Duniya) is a B.F.A. in Dance major at The University of Texas at Austin. She has a background in Latin rhythms, and danced Street Dance in her home country Colombia. She worked for AAINJAA from 2015 to 2021 as a performer on international tours. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include performances in The Cohen New Works Festival, Evolution (2023, 2024), Fall For Dance (2023), Cyphers (2024) and her piece KILELE at The Cohen New Works Festival (2025).

Zoë Van Osten (Dancer – Ohr) is a second-year B.F.A. in Dance and B.S. in Public Relations double major at The University of Texas at Austin. Originally from Cedar Park, Texas, she grew up studying and competing in many different dance styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. She is currently a first-year member of The University of Texas at Austin D1A Competitive Dance Team. This is her first performance with Dance Repertory Theatre.

Natalie Vargas (Dancer – Mé Duniya) is a transfer B.F.A. in Dance major. She was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and has a competitive dance background, training in multiple styles. While attending the University of North Texas, she performed with their dance team in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Dallas Cowboys Halftime Show, as well as competing at NDA Nationals. She is currently a member of Dance Action and the department's Dance Student Council. She also teaches at Dance Unlimited in Buda, and works as a freelance choreographer in the Austin area. Recent performances with Texas Theatre Dance include Nadia Milad Issa's Agape Love (Equinox, Texas Theatre and Dance, 2025).

Maxima Velasquez (Dancer – Mé Duniya) is a fourth-year B.F.A in Dance major at The University of Texas at Austin. Originally from Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, she began her performance career at the age of two, receiving training in various dance and acting techniques throughout her upbringing. Her recent credits with Texas Theater and Dance and DRT include Eternal Bonds .2 (Fall For Dance, 2023), where do we go from here (CYPHERS, 2024), Motherless Child (Equinox, 2025), and At This Table (The Cohen New Works Festival, 2025). Most recently Velasquez performed with Zion Dance Project in their 2025 Summer Series.

Julia Vickers (Dancer – Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies) is a second-year B.F.A in Dance major at The University of Texas at Austin. She is from Georgetown, Texas, where she trained with Performing Arts Studio Georgetown. This is her first performance with Dance Repertory Theatre.

Jalissa Vitalis (Dancer – Wild Hearts and Other Ecologies) is a B.F.A in Dance major at The University of Texas at Austin. She is a versatile dancer who has trained in ballet, hip hop, contemporary, and more. With years of performing, her love for dance has grown even stronger. Over the years, Vitalis has performed in concerts, competitions and recitals with many guest artists. She enjoys using her artistic abilities expressing her love for dance to an audience.

Kendall Wenmohs (Dancer – VOID / ing) is a B.F.A. in Dance major at The University of Texas at Austin. She has an extensive background in concert dance and competition dance. Recent credits include performances with the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. In addition to this, she has performed in various summer intensive shows with the Joffrey Ballet School and The Dance Awards. As well as performing in DRT, Cyphers and Equinox.

Bailey Whiteman (Dancer – Mé Duniya) is a B.F.A. in Dance major at The University of Texas at Austin. Her experience reflects a long-standing passion and dedication to the performing arts. Recent credits with the Texas Theatre and Dance include the first-year performance, Presente.

Wynter Winston (Dancer – Ohr, Mé Duniya) is a fourth-year B.F.A. in Dance major at The University of Texas at Austin. She has performed with numerous arts programs around Austin, most notably Ballet Afrique. She participated in the 2025 American College Dance Association with her performance of Cyphers, which was selected for the Gala Showcase. Recent credits include Fanny Packs and Her Testimony, Our Story in The Cohen New Works Festival. After graduation, she plans to pursue commercial and company dance, as well as a career in arts administration and journalism.