Cleveland State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will host the 2026 Spring Dance Concert Feb. 20-22 at the Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square.

Directed by CSU Director of Dance Michelle Ainza, the concert showcases the work of theatre and dance students and serves as a culmination of their learning, collaboration and creativity. The performance is part of Dance 300: Dance, Repertory and Performance, a course that lets students earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience in a theatrical setting.

“Students leave campus and go to a professional setting, with their work viewed by the greater Cleveland area,” said Ainza. “It’s a wonderful experience for them.”

In recent years, the concert has placed a greater emphasis on student choreography, a shift Ainza said she celebrates.

“This is a great opportunity for students to hone their artistic voices before going out into the world and trying to do it on their own,” said Ainza. “Students can get independent credit for that as well if they want to choreograph.”

SCHOOL OF MUSIC COLLAB

Another highlight of the concert is a partnership with CSU’s School of Music, producing innovative, interdisciplinary pieces that blend live music and dance.

“Dance students and music students are coming together and they're working on something that started off on an improvisational base, but has moved to a choreographed piece,” said Ainza. “That's always fun too, because it's nice to be able to collaborate with other artists. It's also an opportunity to work within the community.”

Now in its second year, the collaboration with the School of Music is guided by musical director Katalin LaFavre. This unique setting provides students with a platform to explore the intersection of music and movement, emphasizing the natural synergy between the two art forms.

“In music, we have to spend so much time by ourselves perfecting what we do,” said LaFavre. “That is essential, but there’s this other part where we have to get out of that bubble, get out of the practice room and get out of the music school to go see what other disciplines do.”

In addition to community efforts, audiences can enjoy performances that display different perspectives of creativity and talent.

“There’s a wide variety of dance forms in this concert,” said Ainza. “You’ve got contemporary dance forms, you’ve got a postmodern improvisational set going on. There’s hip hop, jazz, ballet and tap. I will say, expect to be entertained.”

STUDENTS SHOWCASE THEIR TALENTS

Students will present 14 pieces during the approximately 90-minute concert, including lecture-demonstrations honoring the legacy of New Jack Swing and celebrating Black History Month. Other student choreographers draw on retro 1980s aesthetics and contemporary storytelling. Ainza also contributes work inspired by her artistic journey, including a piece set to music by Janet Jackson.

“I’m doing a big piece with the dance company called ‘J,’” said Ainza. “There are songs that I used to listen to and love when I was a kid growing up. I wanted to bring an element of my upbringing into the show.”

Beyond performing, students gain hands-on experience in all aspects of production, a process CSU student Zachary Thatcher said gives him a valuable opportunity for personal expression while preparing him for future success. 

“I’ve gotten some experience with lighting, scenic design, costume selections and choreography, which are all extremely important in the industry,” said Thatcher. “Being able to grow as a choreographer has been the most rewarding part of preparing for future success!”

Ainza said she loves seeing students put what they’ve learned into practice, applying compositional concepts while learning to work with dancers, collaborate and manage schedules, calling it a valuable learning experience.

Thatcher, who choreographed a lyrical solo for the concert, described the creative process as reflective and deeply personal.

“I hope that my love for the art form reads for the whole audience,” said Thatcher. “I want the audience to see the joy that I put on stage and how I dance with my heart. It's an out-of-body experience for me when I'm performing.”

Ainza emphasizes the concert’s role in developing self-awareness and confidence. The performance becomes more than technique—it teaches self-regulation, intentionality and the ability to communicate through movement. 

“Students can feel their posture and stand tall, making sure when they walk in the room, they're walking in with a sense of confidence and love,” said Ainza. “That's very challenging, especially as a younger person. As someone such as myself, a Mexican American woman, I want to be able to walk in the room and still feel very confident that I am coming in with all of my knowledge and my history. I want to teach my students to be able to have that kind of sense of self and love. Nobody can take that away from them.”

By combining artistry, community engagement and professional experience, the Spring Dance Concert reflects CSU’s commitment to integrated education, preparing students for careers in dance while fostering personal growth.

For audiences, the concert promises to deliver a rich and immersive experience.

“This concert is meant to be thought-provoking, enjoyable and entertaining,” said Ainza. “Take in all the emotion because that’s what it’s about.” 

More information, including how to purchase tickets are available online.