Webster University Presents: New Works Concert 2025

 Webster University BFA Candidates perform onstage wearing dark colors in low lighting.Webster University BFA candidates perform a piece together. Photo By Carly Vanderheyden.

Webster University’s Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts Department of Dance presents its New Works 2025 Concert, taking place Jan. 30 – Feb. 1 on the Webster Groves campus.  

New Works is a dynamic dance concert featuring modern dance, contemporary ballet and tap. It provides a platform for students and choreographers to express their creativity, refine their skills and share their passion with the community. The concert serves as a space for students and choreographers to experiment with new ideas, explore fresh approaches and take artistic risks, fostering growth and valuable feedback.  

“New Works offers invaluable experience as both a training dancer and a choreographer,” shared Zoe DeYoung, a senior BA candidate. “The opportunity to be a part of multiple choreographic processes at once allows me to pull ideas for my own work, evaluate communication between dancer and choreographer and take that information to improve my own methods. Through New Works I’ve gained valuable time in-studio to practice showing up confidently and preparedly in rehearsals, tools that influence my career as a professional dance artist.”  

“This was my first opportunity to work with this community of dancers,” said Christine Knoblauch-O’Neal, one of this year’s New Works choreographers. “This group learned the choreography quickly while sustaining the nuances of the work. The dancers grasped the unique nature of the work, easily blending corrections and suggestions.” 

Junior Ally Lame (left) and freshman Alivia Fletcher dance onstage in low lighting.

Junior Ally Lame (left) and freshman Alivia Fletcher dance in low lighting. Photo By Carly Vanderheyden.

Senior Faith Carson (front) and sophomore Keenon Hamburg (back) perform a dance against a purple background.

Senior Faith Carson (front) and sophomore Keenon Hamburg (back) perform. Photo By Liping Wang.
 
“New Works features a dynamic lineup of choreographers, including Webster dance alumni Heather Brown and Miranda Payne, as well as Webster University faculty members Tara W. F. Cacciatore, Dawn Karlovsky, Dr. Christine Knoblauch-O’Neal and myself,” shared Xi Zhao, visiting assistant professor in Webster University’s Department of Dance. “By attending, you’ll experience the transformative power of dance, deepen your appreciation for the arts, and support the next generation of artists while enriching the cultural vibrancy of Webster Groves.” 
 
The performance will take place at Webster University’s Stage III, located on the lower level of Webster Hall. Tickets can be reserved online.  

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