The dance program at Salve Regina University will present EIGHT at the Casino Theatre in Newport from April 10 to 12, 2025. The title is inspired by the eight dance majors approaching graduation, and the performance highlights the infinite flow of energy and connectedness symbolic of the number eight.
Lindsay Guarino, chair of Salve’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, highlights the eight graduating seniors in CelebrEIGHT in the Pocket, an upbeat, playful celebration to music by the late jazz musician and composer Roy Hargrove. “This particular group of students has transformed Salve Dance with their artistry. It’s a joy to create on them one last time before they go out and pursue careers that move their dance studies into professional spaces.”
Inspired by her collaboration with drummer Marcus Grant, Trinity Leite ‘25 will present a piece exploring the relationship between drums and dance. When the Drum Speaks utilizes tap dance, rhythm-generated movement and body percussion to highlight how the body can act as a drum.
Dancing Sounds by Julia Paulo ’25 investigates dance and music as ways to communicate, connect, and unite people. Set to music by the former U.K.- based jazz group known as Sons of Kemet, Paulo’s piece culminates her journey at Salve with a fusion of influences and aesthetics inspired by the music.
Hannah Rezendes ‘25 is sharing Come Around – a piece about being open to an entirely new world of possibilities when faced with the inevitability of change. She hopes to share the joy that she has experienced while discovering jazz dance at Salve while drawing from her previous training in classical ballet.
Taylor Steeves ‘25, is directing EIGHT and presenting a new work titled Rhythm on the Run, where she explores the dynamic connection between movement and music, drawing heavy influence from jazz. “I decided to create this piece to investigate the body’s response to sound through the use of shapes, rhythm, and improvisation.”
Additional works will be presented by dance majors Angel Ahern ‘27, Lilly Wood ‘27, Anna Mangino ‘26, Cameron Leslie ‘27, Reene Nemchek ‘27, and Cecelia Smith ‘27.
Performances are at the historic Casino Theatre, 9 Freebody Street, Newport, RI. Tickets are $17.00 for general admission, $14.00 for children, military, and seniors, $10.00 for Salve faculty and staff, and free to Salve students with a student ID.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://salve.edu/performances.
