Spring MFA Dance Thesis Concert - Choreographer Connection

February 19, 2026 School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies

A stylized illustration of MFA dance candidates Angela Smith and Jalen Rose

MFA Candidates Angela Smith and Jalen Rose discuss creation and inspiration behind thesis works

Each semester, MFA Dance candidates present the culmination of their thesis projects at the MFA Dance Thesis Concert. Working with the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies’ talented designers, faculty members and student performers, the choreographers create an original work from concept to a fully staged production.

This semester, MFA candidates Angela Smith and Jalen Rose are stepping into the spotlight to present their projects: Big Trouble! and Freedom’s Cadence.

We sat down with each of the choreographers and asked them about the process of creating their pieces, their inspiration and what they hope audiences will take away from the performance.

Angela's piece, "Big Trouble!", is a quirky dance-theater, murder mystery comedy inspired by zany spy thrillers from the 1960s.

Jalen's piece, "Freedom's Candence" explores the role of rhythm in the Black experience as it relates to Black musical traditions and movement, inviting visual art and spoken word into the conversation.

The Spring MFA Dance Thesis Concert opens Friday, February 20 and runs through Sunday, February 22. Tickets and event details can be found here.

Freedom’s Cadence
Choreographed by Jalen Rose

Performers - Destiny Bugg, Kevin Carroll, Julianne Garnett, Anastasia Johnson, Kaisha Snowden, and Zoe Cushman Walders
Stage Manager - Jay Manu
Lighting Designer - Mariah Faulkner
Sound Designer - Kiefer Cure
Costume Designer - Angeli Novio
Media Designer - Evey Vo

Big Trouble!
Choreographed by Angela Smith

Performers - Jamie Chen, Zoe Cushman Walders, Zachary Frazee, Milo Longenecker, C Macko, and Peter Pattengill
Stage Manager - Jay Manu
Lighting Designer - Mariah Faulkner
Sound Designer - Kiefer Cure
Costume Designer - Anna Sorrentino