Costuming
Morgan Wade

Performer
Morgan Wade

Choreographer
Brianna Forbes

Music Credits
“Unknowing” Olafur Arnalds,
“I am the Greatest” CJ Chan

Costuming
Brianna Forbes

Performers
Paul Evans-Robinson, Addison Tate, Emerson Smith

Greatness is born in the space between uncertainty and courage—the moment you move forward not because you’re sure, but because you’re willing.

— Author Unknown

Often, the journey to greatness begins the moment our preferences for comfort and certainty are overruled by a greater purpose that requires challenge and contribution

—Brendon Burchard

Choreographer
Bernadine Prince

Music Credits
Hope

Costume Design
Bernadine Prince

Performers
Southern Durham High Dance Company

Choreographer
Brianna Forbes

Music Credits
Syria-Unders

Costume Design
Brianna Forbes

Performers
Alex Blackmon, Sarah Comer

Across the world, where sorrow grows—
In Congo’s cries, in Syria’s throes—
Our truest measure is not in might,
But in the love that shares its light.
Not just for kin, or those we see,
But for the souls we’ll never meet.
“Let us not love in word or tongue,
But in truth, in deed, in every way.

– Brianna Forbes

Choreographer
Brianna Forbes

Music Credits
“Iron Lion Zion” Bob Marley

Costume Design
Brianna Forbes

Performers
Ramya Boggavarapu, Maria Gonzalez

Like a flower that grows through the cracks in the pavement, we rise from the hardest places, bringing beauty and light to the world—much like Bob Marley did, turning his music into a beacon of hope and resilience for all.

— Brianna Forbes

Editing
Brianna Forbes and Simone Smith

This video features local organizations in collaboration with the Spring’25 Dance Performance Cohort, that help to make a difference in the lives of the students and faculty members of NC State, as well as the local community.

Choreographer
Jordan Kaplan

Music Credits
“When I Get There” Pink Floyd

Costume Design
Jordan Kaplan

Performers
Alex Blackmon, Sydney Stansel, Natalie Lopez, Jordan Kaplan

This piece represents the loss of a loved one and how they have a special place in the light. Each movement shares a moment of grief from their absence. The dancers emphasize the legacies of those we have lost through their movements across the stage. This dance is a tribute to the beautiful connections we share with those we’ve lost and reminds us that they are always with us in spirit.

Choreographer
Elainie Hammond

Music Credits
“Count Me Out” by Kendrick Lamar

Costume Design
Elainie Hammond

Performers
Elainie Hammond

This piece highlights the personal struggles such as the rejection, pain, and grief that we as individuals may face and finding a path to overcome them through self-reflection and self-growth. Brining all into the light.

Choreographer
Bernadine Prince

Music Credits
Crazy

Costume Design
Bernadine Prince

Performers
Southern Durham High Dance Company

Choreographer
Myaja Watson

Music Credits
“Another Lifetime” by Nao
“2 2” by Saya Gray
“I’m Tired” by Labrinth and Zendaya

Spoken Word
Anonymous/ Various Speakers

Costume Design
Myaja Watson

Performers
Entire Spring ‘25 Rep Cohort

This piece is a heartfelt reflection on grief and the journey of coping with the loss of a loved one. Inspired by the choreographer’s personal experience of losing their father in August 2024, the dance captures the emotional complexities that come with mourning—sorrow, confusion, and the moments of quiet resilience. The choreography illustrates that healing is not a straight path; it’s a process filled with both setbacks and glimpses of hope. Though the choreographer is still navigating this journey, this work serves as a tribute to their father and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Dedicated to Anthany W. Watson JR. 
July 27, 1975 – August 23, 2024

Choreographer
Brianna Forbes

Music Credits
“Let’s Groove Tonight” Earth, Wind, and Fire

Costume Design
Bernadine Prince/Brianna Forbes

Performers
Southern Durham High Company

Choreographer
Hannah Harris

Music Credits
“Formation” Beyonce

Costume Design
Hannah Harris

Performers
Alex Blackmon, Jordan Kaplan, Sydney Stansel, Maria Gonzalez, Layla Faith Batts, Ramya Boggavarapu

Brianna Forbes is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Dance, Department of Performing Arts and Technology, at North Carolina State University.

Bernadine Prince (formerly Fields) has trained in an array of styles ranging from hip hop, classical ballet, jazz, and modern. She has over 16 years of teaching and performance experience. She first received her training in modern dance from the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem and went on to receive her degree in Dance Education with K-12 licensure at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. 

She is currently the dance director for the performing arts at Southern School of Energy and Sustainability where she enjoys teaching and giving back to the community. She also teaches in several local studios in the triad area where she is a regular and guest teacher and choreographer for companies and competition teams. Many of the students from her program have successfully gone on to pursue dance careers and have been very successful in their fields.

Bernadine enjoys teaching and performing and strives to push not only her students but also herself to the next level. A performer herself, she has also had experience in the entertainment industry. Her experience includes concert stage, live stage performances, and appearances in film/television. Her credits include the movie Bolden! Disney’s Step Up 3, TLC Network, Marcus Anderson Unlimited Tour, NuParadigm Entertainment Company, Elevate Production Company, Bellan Contemporary Dance Theatre, and more.

Jordan Kaplan is a second year student majoring in Sport Management with double minors in Coaching Education and Dance Performance and Choreography. She has been dancing for 14 years starting with a dance studio in Raleigh. She has trained in many styles such as Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet and Contemporary. She has competed in multiple dance competitions and conventions. She was a part of her high school dance program and dance team where she held positions of Vice President and Captain.

Myaja Watson, a dedicated advocate for mental health within the dance community, is the driving force behind Majestic Strength LLC. With a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Old Dominion University, Myaja brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the dance industry. Having started dancing at the age of four, Myaja developed a deep passion for the art form that has only grown stronger over the years

As the first of fourteen siblings to attend and graduate from college, Myaja embodies the values of perseverance and determination. Myaja is not only a dancer; she is also a writer, choreographer, instructor, and mentor. Despite facing numerous challenges, Myaja pursued higher education and emerged as a trailblazer in her family. With a rich background in dance, Myaja has trained in numerous prestigious institutions, honing her skills in almost every dance style imaginable. Beyond her formal education, she has also graced music videos and collaborated with renowned artists, showcasing her versatility and talent.

Myaja’s dedication to the art of dance has earned her esteemed titles such as Miss Dominion Volunteer, Miss Interview, and Miss Congeniality of the World Dance Pageant, among others. Additionally, she has been recognized with awards such as ‘Most Captivating Performance’ and the esteemed ‘Firecracker’ award, solidifying her reputation as a captivating and dynamic performer.