Erin Grant
Southern Editor
This fall, FSC celebrated a milestone: the 10-year anniversary of its dance program and the Fall into Dance show.
The 2025 performance was elevated by the presence of four guest artists and special visiting professor and artistic director Catherine Inzirillo, who guided students through rehearsals and helped bring the program’s vision to life. Similar to past years, the show included several separate pieces across various styles, like jazz, contemporary modern and ballet.
While each dance had its own style and energy, there was a common theme across the show.“I think the biggest theme was really about being in the moment,” said Tamara Zulkarnaen, a performer in the show. “There were moments in each dance where we were distracted by something, but then we stopped caring about it. It showed how people’s emotions change constantly.”
The successful show was made all the more engaging by the inclusion of dynamic and unique dances. Flated, One particularly distinct dance, incorporated balloons, which added an interesting visual effect for the audience and a new challenge for the dancers.
“The balloon piece was something completely new for most of us,” said Zulkarnaen. “It was funny, challenging, and really brought us closer together.”
The success of the show didn’t come without its challenges. Auditions were held within the first few weeks of the semester, forcing dancers to jump right in on audition prep and new choreography. With limited studio space, rehearsals began immediately, sometimes the same week as auditions.
Adding to the challenge, guest artists often returned home shortly after teaching their pieces, leaving faculty to fine-tune choreography with the students. The dancers in the cast ranged in age from sophomores making their college show debut to seniors stepping onto the stage for their final year, highlighting the importance of peer mentoring and flexibility.
For many dancers, the performance was also a milestone in their artistic journey. For Zulkarnaen, this is her first time in a department dance production, a chance to perform on a college stage and grow beyond her comfort zone. For senior Julia Stefanowicz, the performance is her final Fall into Dance with the program and a culmination of years of training and dedication.
Stefanowicz emphasized the strong sense of community the program fosters. Dancers collaborate across grade levels, with experienced seniors guiding first- and second-year students while also gaining inspiration from their fresh energy and perspectives. The long rehearsals and hard work are balanced out by the long-lasting friendships formed through each show.
“Every moment we take the chance to appreciate everyone we share the stage with,” said Stefanowicz. “That closeness is what makes everything work.”
In the future, both dancers plan to continue pursuing dance in different ways. Tamera will continue developing her skills at FSC while Julia plans to pivot to teaching dance to young children. The Fall Into Dance show in 2025 was a celebration of the performers’ art and talent, as well as the sense of community, mentorship, and growth that the FSC dance program has had for the past ten years.
