Spring Dance Fest is an annual juried performance featuring the most innovative work of the Arizona State University dance season, bringing together a dynamic collection of new works created within the School of Music, Dance and Theatre.

This 2025–26 season, the pieces selected by the program committee reflect a wide range of choreographic voices, drawing from different movement traditions, creative processes and artistic perspectives.

“The program moves through a wide range of choreographic landscapes, from quietly unfolding duets to large-scale ensemble works,” said Mitchell Castro, dance graduate student and associate artistic director of dance this year. “Each piece offers a distinct perspective on movement, inviting audiences into worlds shaped by curiosity, collaboration and the evolving voices of ASU dance artists.”

Audiences will experience works by guest artists Akosua Akoto and Joan Rodriguez; faculty choreographer MK Ford; and ASU student choreographers Ashley Koclanis, Astrid Camacho, Diana Toledo, j. bouey and Yi Peng.

“The works are brought to life by a large ensemble of ASU dancers, each piece offering a distinct choreographic voice and approach to movement,” said Mitchell.

Rodriguez said he was thrilled to work with ASU students. A Cuban-born dancer, choreographer and educator known for his dynamic versatility and signature blend of Afro-Latin, contemporary and multimedia movement, Rodriguez is currently in his fourth season with BODYTRAFFIC in Los Angeles.

“I think that some of the smartest artists that I have encountered are trained and based here,” said Rodriguez. “My best advice is to really take in as much as you can of your teachers, the amazing faculty that you have here, and how much this city has to offer in regards to growing as a wholesome, holistic artist — not just as a dancer.”

His work is a tribute to where he is now, to his home country of Cuba and to what it feels like to be home. He said he wanted to create a work that “feels like you are being pulled back to the best memories you ever had.”

Akoto has worked as a performer, choreographer, cultural consultant and movement coach for recording artists, films, major award shows, dance tours and music videos. Her work features both traditional and contemporary West African dance styles.

Akoto’s choreography for Spring Dance Fest, “Farafina Muso,” will be presented in three parts: “Maraka” comes from the Soninke people in the Kayes region of Mali and is performed to welcome the Marakafoli people when they arrive for social festivities like weddings. The dance is designed to welcome the audience to the piece. “Koredjuga” is from the Bamana people of Guinea and Mali, who are known for their comedic wisdom — they perform for the public in a mime-like or gesture fashion as they give life lessons. The last track is a fusion of dances from Guinea and Mali that honors African women, mothers and young girls. The featured dances and techniques are also taken from several other traditional rhythms including Yokui, Guinea Fare, Mane, Kassa, Bao, Yankadi and Yamama.

“Throttle,” by Clinical Assistant Professor MK Ford, features a live performance created with ASU students. There will also be a lobby installation highlighting excerpts of a screendance titled “State of Emergency/State of Emergence,” created in collaboration with Glendale Community College students.

For choreographers Koclanis and bouey as well as performer Jimena Perez-Flores, this will be their last performance at ASU.

The five pieces created by undergraduate and graduate students include: “Half Life” by Yi Peng and Grace Crain; “HYSTERIA” by Ashley Koclanis; “SATURN: Chapter One” by j. bouey; “Otro Dia” by Astrid Camacho; and “Doom Bags: A Love Letter to the ADHD Weirdo” by Diana Toledo,

Audiences can purchase tickets to attend Spring Dance Fest through the Herberger Institute Box Office.

https://news.asu.edu/b/20260414-202526-asu-spring-dance-fest-brings-innovative-dance-works-stage?