Elements of Style

Santa Fe College’s annual dance showcase, Elements of Style, returns to the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall (3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville) on April 3–4, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. This year’s production features more than 30 SF dance students performing works in seven distinct styles, highlighting the depth, versatility, and artistic range of the college’s dance program. Audiences can expect an exciting evening spanning classical, contemporary, and culturally rich dance forms.

This year’s concert includes two works selected for the Gala at the American College Dance Association Southeast Region Conference:

• Contemporary Hip Hop — NOID
  Choreographed by SF Dance alum Garrett Perry, now pursuing his BFA in Dance at the University of Florida.
• Contemporary Ballet — Unsaid
  A contemporary pas de deux choreographed by Assistant Professor Jessie Dominguez.

In addition to these celebrated works, five brand‑new pieces will make their premiere, showcasing the creativity of faculty, guest artists, and students. The program includes:

• Classical Ballet — Waltz of the Flowers
  Choreographed by Assistant Professor Jessie Dominguez.
• Jazz — A Place in Ourselves
  A stylistic contemporary jazz work choreographed by Adjunct Assistant Professor Harley O’Neill.
• Traditional West African Dance & Drumming
  Led by Adjunct Associate Professor Mohamed DaCosta.
• Contemporary — Until There’s Nothing Left
  Choreographed by Assistant Professor Melissa Brenner, channeling the rebellious spirit of rock and roll set to Heart's "Barracuda.”
• Musical Theatre — Blow, Gabriel, Blow from Anything Goes
  Choreographed by Adjunct Assistant Professor Calypso May Haddad.

“We’re committed to delivering a dynamic, well‑rounded education that not only prepares students to reach their goals but also inspires them to think bigger about what dance can be,” said SF Assistant Professor of Dance Melissa Brenner. “Our students train directly with accomplished faculty, innovative visiting artists, and a vibrant community of peers who push them to grow. In our rehearsal processes, they dive into the cultural and historical roots of diverse movement styles, gaining a powerful understanding of their place in the broader dance lineage. The qualities they develop here—confidence, discipline, creativity, critical thinking, and a strong sense of community—give them a competitive edge in any career field.”

In addition to their onstage work, students gain professional‑level production experience by collaborating with SF’s expert technical theater staff and technical theater students. This hands‑on training prepares them for real‑world performance environments and sets them up for success in the industry.