The University of Nevada, Reno’s, College of Liberal Arts' Fall Dance Festival 2025 is bringing the Redfield Proscenium Theatre to life, highlighting the bold artistic voices of a new generation of choreographers while welcoming alumni back to the creative space.

Featuring original works by eight student choreographers and two returning alumni, this year’s festival celebrates the raw energy, vision and emotional depth that continue to define the Department of Theatre and Dance’s commitment to both tradition and transformation. 

“The Fall Dance Festival is the culmination of almost a year's worth of work for some of these students,” said Eve Allen Garza, teaching associate professor and festival coordinator. “Many of these concepts started early in the spring semester, and it’s so exciting to be able to see them come to fruition on this stage.”

The 2025 choreographers includes students Lili Brost, Matthew Fish, Katarina Hallerbach, Ora Harris, Juliette Hughes, Demiah Hunt, Alyssa Kleszyk and Angel Kominsky, as well as alumni Kristin Austin and Leslie Balzer.

“Returning to the studios where I choreographed my first piece ever, almost ten years ago, it feels like a beautiful full-circle moment,” Balzer said. “It’s an honor to be asked to return as a choreographer — to know that the University’s dance faculty trust my choreographic vision, all these years later.”

Balzer reflected on how her relationship with the process has evolved. “In undergrad, my choreographic work felt like it might be the only piece I ever made, so I put a lot of pressure on myself to make something that mattered,” she said. “Now the pressure feels different in that I want to represent the university and alumni well. And I’ve come to realize that not just my own but all dance matters, motivates and inspires.”

Lili Brost brought deeply personal and socially reflective pieces to the stage. “The process of being a choreographer is challenging but worth it,” Brost said. “There’s so much behind-the-scenes work — proposals, costumes, lighting and choreography — long before I even step into the studio. And sometimes what I prepare doesn’t work, so I have to adapt on the spot.”

Her piece this year follows five dancers navigating conflicting emotions while trying to stay at the top of the social hierarchy. She also performs in a tap number. A lively, upbeat contrast to the heavier themes in her own choreography.

“The audience can expect to see a variety of different stories, concepts and even genres of dance,” Brost said. “It’s an exciting mix.”

Fall Dance Festival 2025 performance dates and times:

• Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 7:30 pm
• Friday, November 21, 2025 at 7:30 pm
• Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 7:30 pm
• Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 1:30 pm

Event location: Redfield Proscenium Theatre, Church Fine Arts, University of Nevada, Reno

Parking information: 

• Complimentary general parking is provided on Level 4 of the Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex, 30 minutes prior to showtimes. Parking is complimentary on all levels Monday – Thursday after 7 p.m., Friday after 5 p.m., and all-day Saturday and Sunday.
• ADA parking is available on all floors. 
• If there is an Athletic event on the same day and time, Level 2 of the Brian J. Whalen Complex will be designated for School of the Arts parking. Signage will be placed at the Virginia Street entrance, directing guests down to the second floor.

Tickets and information on reserved seating can be found on the University's theatre and dance webpage.