Chanah & The Next Stage Project (TNSP)
present
HOPE
Fundraiser performance for the families of the hostages.
Co-Sponsored by Congregation B'nai Jacob.
Thursday March 7
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Congregation B'nai Jacob. 401 9th Street, Brooklyn
Message from Chanah:
With this show, I wanted to bring some joy and hope and unity into peoples hearts - when such horrific things are happening. We have a saying “joy breaks all boundaries” and it’s in the next 2 months that it’s especially this theme on the Jewish calendar. So for us it’s about trying to keep our spirits higher have full faith that it’s all good and that one day we can actually see the revealed light ❤️ Your support, attendance and kind donations will go towards helping the families of the hostages.
Concept, Choreography & Direction:
Marijke Eliasberg
in collaboration with the artists
Choreographic advise, expertise & moral support:
Jana Hicks
The Next Stage Project Artists:
Manatsu Aminaga, Aly Candland, Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim,
Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht), Rachel Kleiman, Sara Pizzi,
Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, Aika Takeshima
Videography:
Hwajin Kim
This performance would not be possible without the support of:
Congregation B'nai Jacob, Rabbi Shimon Hecht, Chanah’s family, Hwajin Kim, Jana Hicks, Julia Ehrstrand, Theo Eliasberg and all the dancers giving their time, passion and artistry!
* THE NEXT STAGE PROJECT is a fiscally sponsored member of New York Live Arts, Inc., a non-profit tax-exempt organization. If you want to make a tax deductible financial donation go to our website https://www.thenextstageproject.com or: https://newyorklivearts.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n3q00000WXTjsAAH
SHOW order:
Opening with The Next Stage Project dancers
~ Live music by: Aly Candland
~ Singing by: Abigail Register
Can You Feel It
Dancers: Manatsu Aminaga, Aly Candland, Mila Hartog, Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht),
Hwajin Kim, Rachel Kleiman, Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet,
Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, Aika Takeshima
Music: The Jacksons
~ Oif'n Veg Shtait Ah Boim > all the company dancers
~ Dance: Chauncey Pauley, Sara Pizzi, Aika Takeshima
Until You Leave
Choreography: Marijke Eliasberg in collaboration with the dancers
Dancers: Manatsu Aminaga, Aly Candland, Hwajin Kim, Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht),
Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, Aika Takeshima
Music: Rita
With love for all the ones we love and miss
~ Spoken Word: Rachel Kleiman
~ Mi Shebeirach: A Prayer for Healing
A Light Life Line
Choreography: Marijke Eliasberg in collaboration with the dancers
Dancers: Aly Candland, Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim, Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht),
Rachel Kleiman, Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register,
Rosa Silva, Aika Takeshima
Music: Pan American, Max Richter, Adam Norden, Sheridan Tongue, Deadbeat
~ Live music by: Aly Candland
~ Dance: Sophia Pielet
Yin Yang
Choreography: Marijke Eliasberg in collaboration with the dancers
Dancers: Manatsu Aminaga, Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim, Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht),
Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, Aika Takeshima
Music: Queen, Phaeleh, David Darling
~ Live music by: Aly Candland
~ Dance: Rosa Silva
~ Spoken words: Rachel Kleiman & the company dancers
In The Middle
Choreography: Marijke Eliasberg in collaboration with the dancers
Dancers: Manatsu Aminaga , Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim, Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht),
Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva
Music: Biosphere, Shigeru Umebayashi, Francois-Eudes Chanfraults
That’s it
Choreography: Sara Pizzi & Aika Takeshima
Dancers: Manatsu Aminaga, Aly Candland, Mila Hartog, Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht),
Hwajin Kim, Rachel Kleiman, Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register,
Rosa Silva, Aika Takeshima
Music: Paul Kalkbrenner
The Next Stage Project:
Founded in 2002 by Artistic Directors MARIJKE ELIASBERG and JANA HICKS, The Next Stage Project (TNSP) is a global dance company creating performance opportunities and experiences to help dancers further their careers and realize their dreams. By forming partnerships between selected artists from around the globe, creating and seeking national and international venues to perform our works, TNSP aims to push artists to their next level and to challenge and encourage creative artistic growth through dance, choreography, performance, education and exchange programs. Company dancers are selected for their commitment, passion, talent and genuine interest in collaborating with the Artistic Directors. The Next Stage Project is known for it’s organic movement style and exposing the space beyond one's kin-sphere in a satisfying combination of full body movement and small obscure interactions, portrayed by talented, strong and expressive dancers. Creating and working fast and furious, the work thrives on passion for dance - always in the moment and letting inspiration lead the way.
THE NEXT STAGE PROJECT is a fiscally sponsored member of New York Live Arts, Inc., a non-profit tax-exempt organization. If you want to make a tax deductible financial donation go to our website https://www.thenextstageproject.com or: https://newyorklivearts.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n3q00000WXTjsAAH
Meet the artists:
Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht) is a Chassidic Jewish woman, born and raised in Park Slope. She is also a personal trainer, EMT volunteer, dancer, and, not least, the mother of an adorable 1-year-old daughter. Ever since she was a child, Chanah dreamed about performing dance. It took 21 years until she finally figured out how to make that dream become a reality. She began by taking private lessons with a female instructor, and now, 9 years later, she is scheduling her second public performance for women! Chanah is immensely grateful to G-d for all of her blessings, and she is particularly thankful for her incredibly supportive husband. She hopes to continue blending her passions for dance and her Jewish way of life by performing for female audiences for many years to come.
Manatsu Aminaga was born and raised in Japan. She started her Classical Ballet training at Yoshimura Dance Center. She has participated in international dance competitions including Japan International Ballet Festival Conteporary (1st Place) and Seoul International Dance Carnival Solo Grand Prix. She received a scholarship for the Peridance Center Certificate Program Contemporary and Ballet Track in 2021. She has trained with Igal Perry, Nikki Holck, Richard Chen See and has worked with Nathan Trice, Jesse Obremski, Cesar Brodermann, Gregory Dolbashian and more. She joined Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company, Marie-Christine Giordano Dance, Fadi J Khoury Dance and The Next Stage Project in 2023. She is currently working with Preston Mui and Stephanie Jae Park for a new sexy version of “I Enjoy Being a Girl” (Playbill), in addition to a Pre-Production Work for White Rose, The Musical Off-Broadway with Jordan Ryder. She joined new musical Ice Queen - The 92nd Street Y, New York with Megan Doyle from 2024.
Aly Candland grew up in St. George, Utah with an upbringing deeply immersed in dance and music. In May of 2023, she graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a major in Contemporary Dance and a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship. During her time at UNCSA, Aly performed works by José Limón, Gaspard Louis, Ming-Lung Yang, Trisha Brown, Mariana Oliveira, Shen Wei, and Igal Perry. Since moving to New York to pursue the Kenan Fellowship at Lincoln Center Education, Aly has also been a Trainee with Peridance Contemporary Dance Company.
Milena “Mila” Hartog was born in New York City and grew up in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, she studied at the Dutch National Ballet Academy and performed works by Hans van Manen, Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, Toer van Schayk, and Ohad Naharin, amongst others. In addition, she danced in various productions with the affiliated HET Nationale Ballet, including their Nutcracker and Mouse King, Romeo & Juliet, and annual galas. Mila had the opportunity to supplement her training through summer programs and workshops at Canada's National Ballet School, NW Dance Project, Princeton Dance, and the Amsterdam International Ballet Summer School. Mila worked with State Street Ballet and Library Dances in Santa Barbara and with Portland Ballet in Maine, and was featured in productions by the Music Academy of the West and the Portland Symphony. In Maine, she served as Assistant to Nell Shipman, Portland Ballet's Director. Mila has performed as a guest artist for companies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. She moved back to NYC in 2021 and has since worked with numerous contemporary and classical companies and choreographers, including The Next Stage Project (Jana Hicks/Marijke Eliasburg), Synergy NYC (Julie Carter), Disagreeable Creatures (Danita Shaheen), Matthew Bovee's Lady on the Train at The Tank, Saya Springs Dance Theatre/Long Island Ballet Theatre, and AFFEKT Dance Company.
Hwajin Kim is from South Korea and moved to New York in 2015. Since graduating from the international dance program at Peridance Center, she has worked with many beautiful artists and loves everything she's done and the people she's worked with.
Rachel Kleiman is from Marlboro, New Jersey, where she grew up studying dance styles including ballet, modern, jazz, tap and hip-hop. In high school she attended The Academy of Dance Arts (Tinton Falls, NJ), where she was taught by former Boston Ballet dancers, as well as current and former dancers of American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Political Science from The George Washington University in 2017, performing in works by Vladimir Conde Reche, Donna Uchizono, and Dana Tai Soon Burgess. As a New York City resident, she trains at Peridance, Alvin Ailey Dance Extension, Gibney, and more. Before her career in strategic communications, Rachel worked and interned at New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. She is honored to be a part of tonight’s event.
Sara Pizzi from Italy, began her dance studies with Urban Dances performing in concerts, music videos & TV shows. In 2017, Sara moved to NYC with a scholarship from Steps on Broadway; later joining the Certificate Program, Contemporary/Ballet Track at Peridance Center, graduating in 2020. Sara is a company member of The Next Stage Project, Valerie Green/Dance Entropy, Light Painting NY, Six Degrees Dance, sarAika movement collective co-founded with Aika Takeshima. Sara is an educator for Musicamente, a dance program for people with disabilities and for Woodside on the Move, a preschool program for seniors and kids. Sara is also a teaching artist for Valerie Green/Dance Entropy and sarAika movement collective for community classes and residencies. Lastly, Sara is a photography/videography assistant for BECCAVISION.
Chauncey Pauley graduated from Elon University Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance Performance & Choreography. Since living in New York she has worked & performed with Salvatore LaRussa Dance Theatre, Ariel Rivka Dance, ToUch Events (Elizabeth McGuire), Alison Cook Beatty Dance & in the Lincoln Center Summer Festival’s production of Paradise Interrupted. She is currently dancing for, The Next Stage Project (Jana Hicks & Marijke Eliasberg), Danse En L'air (Yuka Kawazu), as well as with Disagreeable Creatures (Danita Shaheen).
Sophia Pielet is a queer dance artist and collaborator from El Paso, Texas where she grew up studying classical ballet and modern technique. She followed her love for movement to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where she graduated in May 2023 with her BFA in Contemporary Dance and a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship. Upon graduating, Sophia received the Kenan Fellowship at Lincoln Center Education where she is currently training to become a Teaching Artist and collaborating with her artistic and life partner, Aly Candland, on a duet to be performed at the end of January 2024. Sophia found Marijke’s class in 2016 and knew immediately it would not be the last time she would share the space with her. When she moved to NYC in July of 2023, she began apprenticing, and now dancing with all of the amazing dancers of The Next Stage Project. Sophia is extremely grateful and humbled to be a part of a long legacy of exceptional dancers who love to collaborate and have the biggest hearts with TNSP. Special thanks to Chanah for inspiring me, Marijke for believing in me, and all the dancers for welcoming me and reminding me why I love what I do.
Abigail Register is from Marietta, GA where she was a company member at the Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theater. She performed roles such as Aurora, Mercedes, and Sugar Plum Fairy, and pieces by Tom Pazik, Kassandra Taylor Newberry, and Balanchine. Abby received her BFA from the University of NC School of the Arts, specializing in Ballet. Her senior year, Abby danced with the Oklahoma City Ballet under Robert Mills and Penny Askew. After graduation, Abby moved to New York and has performed with Ajkun Ballet, Athena Music Foundation, Hope Community NYC, The Next Stage Project, and has produced her own independent show.
Rosa Silva originally from La Paz - Bolivia, moved to NYC 9 years ago to study at Steps On Broadway. Since then she has danced for Max Stone, Julia Ehrstrand, Eveline Kleinjans, Jessica Lewis, Richard Pierlon, Plu Sayampol, Katherine McClintic, and became a member of The Next Stage Project family, which she has performed with multiple times over the past few years.
Aika Takeshima (she/her), from Japan, is a dance artist with a 10+ year career, a DEI practitioner, and a co-founder of the sarAika movement collective. In 2014, Aika attended the International Dance Program at the Academy Peridance Center in NYC, working with Amy Jordan “Victory Dance Project Company,” Ashlé Dawson, Julia Eshstrand, Elisabetta Minutoli, and Light Painting New York by Chanette Manso. She began her dance education with hip hop and locking, expanding further to ballet, jazz, contemporary, and dance theater; now her major is contemporary, with substantial floor-work, fluid, dynamic, and irregularly shaped movements made possible by joint utilization from her long-term research and forever passion for the torso, and using each skill from various dance styles. Aika is currently a performer for The Next Stage Project and sarAika movement collective co-founded with Sara Pizzi. She was a guest artist for Dance Parade NYC, 7MPR, Dixon Place, The Craft, IKADA, JCAL, and BAAD! The Bronx, Movement Research, Dance Parade, NYC Pride March, Japan Day, SJAC, Creative Performances, The Dynamite Experience, Crossmove Lab, Queensboro Dance Festival, Turnout NYC, Liberty Hall Dance Festival, ESTIA, 3:33, 4533, Honey’s Brooklyn, EMERGING ARTISTS THEATRE, HERE, JCAL, Red Tail Residency, The Brick & more. She is also a founder of “LIVABALL,” a DEI (Diversity Inclusion Equity) consultant whose ultimate goal is to help people find more freedom and possibilities in themselves, aiming to make society more livable.
🦋
present
HOPE
Fundraiser performance for the families of the hostages.
Co-Sponsored by Congregation B'nai Jacob.
Thursday March 7
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Congregation B'nai Jacob. 401 9th Street, Brooklyn
Message from Chanah:
With this show, I wanted to bring some joy and hope and unity into peoples hearts - when such horrific things are happening. We have a saying “joy breaks all boundaries” and it’s in the next 2 months that it’s especially this theme on the Jewish calendar. So for us it’s about trying to keep our spirits higher have full faith that it’s all good and that one day we can actually see the revealed light ❤️ Your support, attendance and kind donations will go towards helping the families of the hostages.
Concept, Choreography & Direction:
Marijke Eliasberg
in collaboration with the artists
Choreographic advise, expertise & moral support:
Jana Hicks
The Next Stage Project Artists:
Manatsu Aminaga, Aly Candland, Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim,
Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht), Rachel Kleiman, Sara Pizzi,
Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, Aika Takeshima
Videography:
Hwajin Kim
This performance would not be possible without the support of:
Congregation B'nai Jacob, Rabbi Shimon Hecht, Chanah’s family, Hwajin Kim, Jana Hicks, Julia Ehrstrand, Theo Eliasberg and all the dancers giving their time, passion and artistry!
* THE NEXT STAGE PROJECT is a fiscally sponsored member of New York Live Arts, Inc., a non-profit tax-exempt organization. If you want to make a tax deductible financial donation go to our website https://www.thenextstageproject.com or: https://newyorklivearts.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n3q00000WXTjsAAH
SHOW order:
Opening with The Next Stage Project dancers
~ Live music by: Aly Candland
~ Singing by: Abigail Register
Can You Feel It
Dancers: Manatsu Aminaga, Aly Candland, Mila Hartog, Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht),
Hwajin Kim, Rachel Kleiman, Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet,
Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, Aika Takeshima
Music: The Jacksons
~ Oif'n Veg Shtait Ah Boim > all the company dancers
~ Dance: Chauncey Pauley, Sara Pizzi, Aika Takeshima
Until You Leave
Choreography: Marijke Eliasberg in collaboration with the dancers
Dancers: Manatsu Aminaga, Aly Candland, Hwajin Kim, Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht),
Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, Aika Takeshima
Music: Rita
With love for all the ones we love and miss
~ Spoken Word: Rachel Kleiman
~ Mi Shebeirach: A Prayer for Healing
A Light Life Line
Choreography: Marijke Eliasberg in collaboration with the dancers
Dancers: Aly Candland, Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim, Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht),
Rachel Kleiman, Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register,
Rosa Silva, Aika Takeshima
Music: Pan American, Max Richter, Adam Norden, Sheridan Tongue, Deadbeat
~ Live music by: Aly Candland
~ Dance: Sophia Pielet
Yin Yang
Choreography: Marijke Eliasberg in collaboration with the dancers
Dancers: Manatsu Aminaga, Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim, Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht),
Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva, Aika Takeshima
Music: Queen, Phaeleh, David Darling
~ Live music by: Aly Candland
~ Dance: Rosa Silva
~ Spoken words: Rachel Kleiman & the company dancers
In The Middle
Choreography: Marijke Eliasberg in collaboration with the dancers
Dancers: Manatsu Aminaga , Mila Hartog, Hwajin Kim, Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht),
Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Abigail Register, Rosa Silva
Music: Biosphere, Shigeru Umebayashi, Francois-Eudes Chanfraults
That’s it
Choreography: Sara Pizzi & Aika Takeshima
Dancers: Manatsu Aminaga, Aly Candland, Mila Hartog, Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht),
Hwajin Kim, Rachel Kleiman, Sara Pizzi, Chauncey Pauley, Sophia Pielet, Abigail Register,
Rosa Silva, Aika Takeshima
Music: Paul Kalkbrenner
The Next Stage Project:
Founded in 2002 by Artistic Directors MARIJKE ELIASBERG and JANA HICKS, The Next Stage Project (TNSP) is a global dance company creating performance opportunities and experiences to help dancers further their careers and realize their dreams. By forming partnerships between selected artists from around the globe, creating and seeking national and international venues to perform our works, TNSP aims to push artists to their next level and to challenge and encourage creative artistic growth through dance, choreography, performance, education and exchange programs. Company dancers are selected for their commitment, passion, talent and genuine interest in collaborating with the Artistic Directors. The Next Stage Project is known for it’s organic movement style and exposing the space beyond one's kin-sphere in a satisfying combination of full body movement and small obscure interactions, portrayed by talented, strong and expressive dancers. Creating and working fast and furious, the work thrives on passion for dance - always in the moment and letting inspiration lead the way.
THE NEXT STAGE PROJECT is a fiscally sponsored member of New York Live Arts, Inc., a non-profit tax-exempt organization. If you want to make a tax deductible financial donation go to our website https://www.thenextstageproject.com or: https://newyorklivearts.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n3q00000WXTjsAAH
Meet the artists:
Chanah Krasnianski (nee: Hecht) is a Chassidic Jewish woman, born and raised in Park Slope. She is also a personal trainer, EMT volunteer, dancer, and, not least, the mother of an adorable 1-year-old daughter. Ever since she was a child, Chanah dreamed about performing dance. It took 21 years until she finally figured out how to make that dream become a reality. She began by taking private lessons with a female instructor, and now, 9 years later, she is scheduling her second public performance for women! Chanah is immensely grateful to G-d for all of her blessings, and she is particularly thankful for her incredibly supportive husband. She hopes to continue blending her passions for dance and her Jewish way of life by performing for female audiences for many years to come.
Manatsu Aminaga was born and raised in Japan. She started her Classical Ballet training at Yoshimura Dance Center. She has participated in international dance competitions including Japan International Ballet Festival Conteporary (1st Place) and Seoul International Dance Carnival Solo Grand Prix. She received a scholarship for the Peridance Center Certificate Program Contemporary and Ballet Track in 2021. She has trained with Igal Perry, Nikki Holck, Richard Chen See and has worked with Nathan Trice, Jesse Obremski, Cesar Brodermann, Gregory Dolbashian and more. She joined Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company, Marie-Christine Giordano Dance, Fadi J Khoury Dance and The Next Stage Project in 2023. She is currently working with Preston Mui and Stephanie Jae Park for a new sexy version of “I Enjoy Being a Girl” (Playbill), in addition to a Pre-Production Work for White Rose, The Musical Off-Broadway with Jordan Ryder. She joined new musical Ice Queen - The 92nd Street Y, New York with Megan Doyle from 2024.
Aly Candland grew up in St. George, Utah with an upbringing deeply immersed in dance and music. In May of 2023, she graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a major in Contemporary Dance and a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship. During her time at UNCSA, Aly performed works by José Limón, Gaspard Louis, Ming-Lung Yang, Trisha Brown, Mariana Oliveira, Shen Wei, and Igal Perry. Since moving to New York to pursue the Kenan Fellowship at Lincoln Center Education, Aly has also been a Trainee with Peridance Contemporary Dance Company.
Milena “Mila” Hartog was born in New York City and grew up in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, she studied at the Dutch National Ballet Academy and performed works by Hans van Manen, Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, Toer van Schayk, and Ohad Naharin, amongst others. In addition, she danced in various productions with the affiliated HET Nationale Ballet, including their Nutcracker and Mouse King, Romeo & Juliet, and annual galas. Mila had the opportunity to supplement her training through summer programs and workshops at Canada's National Ballet School, NW Dance Project, Princeton Dance, and the Amsterdam International Ballet Summer School. Mila worked with State Street Ballet and Library Dances in Santa Barbara and with Portland Ballet in Maine, and was featured in productions by the Music Academy of the West and the Portland Symphony. In Maine, she served as Assistant to Nell Shipman, Portland Ballet's Director. Mila has performed as a guest artist for companies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. She moved back to NYC in 2021 and has since worked with numerous contemporary and classical companies and choreographers, including The Next Stage Project (Jana Hicks/Marijke Eliasburg), Synergy NYC (Julie Carter), Disagreeable Creatures (Danita Shaheen), Matthew Bovee's Lady on the Train at The Tank, Saya Springs Dance Theatre/Long Island Ballet Theatre, and AFFEKT Dance Company.
Hwajin Kim is from South Korea and moved to New York in 2015. Since graduating from the international dance program at Peridance Center, she has worked with many beautiful artists and loves everything she's done and the people she's worked with.
Rachel Kleiman is from Marlboro, New Jersey, where she grew up studying dance styles including ballet, modern, jazz, tap and hip-hop. In high school she attended The Academy of Dance Arts (Tinton Falls, NJ), where she was taught by former Boston Ballet dancers, as well as current and former dancers of American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Political Science from The George Washington University in 2017, performing in works by Vladimir Conde Reche, Donna Uchizono, and Dana Tai Soon Burgess. As a New York City resident, she trains at Peridance, Alvin Ailey Dance Extension, Gibney, and more. Before her career in strategic communications, Rachel worked and interned at New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. She is honored to be a part of tonight’s event.
Sara Pizzi from Italy, began her dance studies with Urban Dances performing in concerts, music videos & TV shows. In 2017, Sara moved to NYC with a scholarship from Steps on Broadway; later joining the Certificate Program, Contemporary/Ballet Track at Peridance Center, graduating in 2020. Sara is a company member of The Next Stage Project, Valerie Green/Dance Entropy, Light Painting NY, Six Degrees Dance, sarAika movement collective co-founded with Aika Takeshima. Sara is an educator for Musicamente, a dance program for people with disabilities and for Woodside on the Move, a preschool program for seniors and kids. Sara is also a teaching artist for Valerie Green/Dance Entropy and sarAika movement collective for community classes and residencies. Lastly, Sara is a photography/videography assistant for BECCAVISION.
Chauncey Pauley graduated from Elon University Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance Performance & Choreography. Since living in New York she has worked & performed with Salvatore LaRussa Dance Theatre, Ariel Rivka Dance, ToUch Events (Elizabeth McGuire), Alison Cook Beatty Dance & in the Lincoln Center Summer Festival’s production of Paradise Interrupted. She is currently dancing for, The Next Stage Project (Jana Hicks & Marijke Eliasberg), Danse En L'air (Yuka Kawazu), as well as with Disagreeable Creatures (Danita Shaheen).
Sophia Pielet is a queer dance artist and collaborator from El Paso, Texas where she grew up studying classical ballet and modern technique. She followed her love for movement to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where she graduated in May 2023 with her BFA in Contemporary Dance and a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship. Upon graduating, Sophia received the Kenan Fellowship at Lincoln Center Education where she is currently training to become a Teaching Artist and collaborating with her artistic and life partner, Aly Candland, on a duet to be performed at the end of January 2024. Sophia found Marijke’s class in 2016 and knew immediately it would not be the last time she would share the space with her. When she moved to NYC in July of 2023, she began apprenticing, and now dancing with all of the amazing dancers of The Next Stage Project. Sophia is extremely grateful and humbled to be a part of a long legacy of exceptional dancers who love to collaborate and have the biggest hearts with TNSP. Special thanks to Chanah for inspiring me, Marijke for believing in me, and all the dancers for welcoming me and reminding me why I love what I do.
Abigail Register is from Marietta, GA where she was a company member at the Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theater. She performed roles such as Aurora, Mercedes, and Sugar Plum Fairy, and pieces by Tom Pazik, Kassandra Taylor Newberry, and Balanchine. Abby received her BFA from the University of NC School of the Arts, specializing in Ballet. Her senior year, Abby danced with the Oklahoma City Ballet under Robert Mills and Penny Askew. After graduation, Abby moved to New York and has performed with Ajkun Ballet, Athena Music Foundation, Hope Community NYC, The Next Stage Project, and has produced her own independent show.
Rosa Silva originally from La Paz - Bolivia, moved to NYC 9 years ago to study at Steps On Broadway. Since then she has danced for Max Stone, Julia Ehrstrand, Eveline Kleinjans, Jessica Lewis, Richard Pierlon, Plu Sayampol, Katherine McClintic, and became a member of The Next Stage Project family, which she has performed with multiple times over the past few years.
Aika Takeshima (she/her), from Japan, is a dance artist with a 10+ year career, a DEI practitioner, and a co-founder of the sarAika movement collective. In 2014, Aika attended the International Dance Program at the Academy Peridance Center in NYC, working with Amy Jordan “Victory Dance Project Company,” Ashlé Dawson, Julia Eshstrand, Elisabetta Minutoli, and Light Painting New York by Chanette Manso. She began her dance education with hip hop and locking, expanding further to ballet, jazz, contemporary, and dance theater; now her major is contemporary, with substantial floor-work, fluid, dynamic, and irregularly shaped movements made possible by joint utilization from her long-term research and forever passion for the torso, and using each skill from various dance styles. Aika is currently a performer for The Next Stage Project and sarAika movement collective co-founded with Sara Pizzi. She was a guest artist for Dance Parade NYC, 7MPR, Dixon Place, The Craft, IKADA, JCAL, and BAAD! The Bronx, Movement Research, Dance Parade, NYC Pride March, Japan Day, SJAC, Creative Performances, The Dynamite Experience, Crossmove Lab, Queensboro Dance Festival, Turnout NYC, Liberty Hall Dance Festival, ESTIA, 3:33, 4533, Honey’s Brooklyn, EMERGING ARTISTS THEATRE, HERE, JCAL, Red Tail Residency, The Brick & more. She is also a founder of “LIVABALL,” a DEI (Diversity Inclusion Equity) consultant whose ultimate goal is to help people find more freedom and possibilities in themselves, aiming to make society more livable.
🦋
