Andy Quijada is the first Male Dance Major in the history of TAPA: Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts. He began dancing alone in his room when he first started high school. Thankfully, he soon after learned about TAPA and transferred. Though his favorite genres are Breakdance and Contemporary, he has also trained in Yoga, Ballet, Breakdance, Modern, Swing, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, & Contemporary with Kerri Peterson-Weaver, Oliver “Sidesho” Arias, Daddy Long Legs, Emma Blue Russo, Brittany Lombardi, Michelle Bach-Coulibaly, and the current TAPA Dance Artist in Residence, Matt Garza. He currently dances with Classified Visuals Dance Crew as well as Day Breaker Crew and recently began dancing with New Works/World Traditions Dance Company at Brown University. He is currently pursuing his 200 hour Yoga Teacher Certification and is planning to teach community dance and yoga classes after graduating from TAPA. When he’s not dancing or working out, Andy enjoys graffiti art, Anime, and sports.
Tatyana Cepeda, a senior dance major at the Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts started her dance career as a young girl at the festival of ballet. She did not truly find her inner dancer until she entered TAPA founding class in 2010. Tatyana has been trained in Modern, Ballet, and Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and Yoga. Over the course of her years at TAPA Tatyana has worked with Jennifer Patten, Oliver “Sidesho” Arias, Emma Blue Russo, Brittany Lombardi, Kerri Peterson-Weaver and the current TAPA Dance artist in residence Matt Garza. Tatyana hopes to continue her career in dance and yoga by teaching classes in the community as well as gaining a degree in psychology to be a therapist. When Tatyana is not dancing, she enjoys creative writing, poetry, meditation, and adventuring the parks of Rhode Island.
Trent Lee, born and raised in Providence, RI, Trent is a senior at The MET: Metropolitan Career & Technical Center. When he was 12, he was inspired to start teaching himself breakdancing. 6 years later, he was accepted for a performance and teaching internship to work under Matt Garza in the Dance Department at TAPA: Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts for the 2015-2016 school year. Trent is a not only a breakdancer, but he also dances and choreographs contemporary dance and enjoys parkour. He recently began dancing with New Works/World Traditions Dance Company at Brown University and is also a crewmember of Classified Visuals Dance Crew as well as Day Breaker Crew. He has been practicing yoga for one year and helps assist in yoga classes for the Providence community. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, watching Anime, attending Anime conventions, eating delicious food, and 2-D graphic design.
Produced & amp; directed by: Matt Garza, TAPA Dance Artist in Residence
Makeup & amp; Stage Manager: Alyssa Madriaga (10th Grade)
THE LAST DAY - This piece was created in collaboration by Anas Nahlah, during his guest residency at TAPA. Anas is a breakdancer, circus artist, and activist who lives and works in Amman, Jordan to advocate for the role of art in a just society. This is a contemporary breakdance piece that explores reality for artists across cultures as well as the harnessing of individual and collective power. In this performance, it also tells the mythological story of the Greek God, Pan who gathered the forest nymphs to perform a dance that would win the heart of the Moon. This piece was invited to be performed at the Voices of Beauty Concert as well as the Rhythm of Change Festival Closing Ceremonies, both of which took place in February.
Devised by: Anas Nahleh (Guest Artist from Jordan in the Middle East), Andy Quijada, Trent Lee, Aries Burgos (10th Grade), & Matt Garza
Performed by: Andy Quijada & Trent Lee
Music: “Pan” by James Blake
MIRRORS - This original song, composed and performed by Grace Goodrich, inspired some reflection on how sometimes, our most difficult relationship can be with our own self. We explored this idea that we can be our own worst enemy through movement, writing, reflection, and by leading activities with people in the community. This piece tells a story of liberation - from being out of control and battling the inner self, to transforming our fears and insecurities into skills that support others.
Devised by: Tatyana Cepeda, Everlee Rodriguez (11th Grade), Nyla Walker (11th Grade), & Matt Garza
Performed by: Tatyana Cepeda, Everlee Rodriguez (11th Grade), & Matt Garza
Music: “Golden Hue” by Grace Goodrich
A SELECTION FROM “MASKING” - This piece is a selection from “MASKING” originally devised and performed by New Works/World Traditions – a contemporary dance company. The 45 minute theatrical dance piece explores the nature, mythology, and history of dreams and nightmares. In January, Andy, Tatyana, and Mr. Garza went on retreat with this dance company to begin creating this piece. Andy, Trent, and Mr. Garza performed “Masking” at Brown University’s Spring Festival of Dance May 5-8.
Created & directed by: Michelle Bach-Coulibaly, Brown University
Performed by: Trent Lee, Andy Quijada, & Matt Garza
Music: “Coma” from “The Theory of Everything” Soundtrack
PRESENTATION: DANCE IN THE COMMUNITY
JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF TRENT - This piece is about the hardships I’ve experienced in my childhood and the popular children’s story “The Ugly Duckling.” At a young age, I had to learn how to survive on my own just to get basic human needs like food, shelter, and clothing. However I also learned to accept the facts of my position and that I could work to make things better for myself. It would have been so easy for me to be a thief; a gang member; a thug - but I decided that wasn’t the path for me. I didn’t want to just be another Black kid on the streets. I am part of the next generation of Black male dancers. I am graceful. I am strong. I am emotional. I am forgiving. I am me.
Devised & performed by: Trent Lee
Music: “The Swan” composed by Camille Saint-Saëns & performed by Yo Yo Ma
JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF ANDY - For me, Dance isn’t just movement and choreography. Dance is about the anatomy of the human body, and what you need to do to keep your heart, body, mind, and soul healthy. Day by day I get more in depth in my study of dance and movement. Dance is not just moving my body, it’s also connecting with gravity and the earth’s rotation, becoming tuned into vibrations, and exploring light and darkness! This piece shows my journey as a dancer, artist, student, and human being. I am no longer scattered, broken, and helpless. I have an open mind. I’m on track. I am changing. I am accountable and reliable. I am a healer. I have unraveled my happiness and strength.
Devised & performed by: Andy Quijada
Music: Orchestral Cover of "Unravel" from Ling Tosite Sigure by Mike Reed IX
JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF TATYANA - We all have a down fall at one point or another in our lives that causes us to be less than we are. I began this piece with the intentions of displaying my downfall and what it has been like for me to have people see and feel on my level. But as time has gone by, I realized I do not want people to see and feel me at my lowest. Warrior is one of my favorite poses in yoga, where the back leg is straight and firm and the front is bent and flexible. I have used this pose as a metaphor: where our past cannot be changed, our future is in our control. Both legs are connected to the same body but each leg holds a different purpose. Even though our past and future are each a part of us, they hold different purposes. My strength is what defines me and strength is what defines this piece.
Devised & performed by: Tatyana Cepeda
Music: “Wilhelm Scream” by James Blake
