‘Elements of Style’ offers show-goers a wide variety of dance flavors
Press release from Santa Fe College
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Santa Fe College’s (SF) 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.
Presented by the Santa Fe College Fine Arts and Entertainment Technology, Elements of Style will feature 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 will enjoy performances spanning classical, contemporary, and culturally rich dance forms.
This year’s concert includes two works chosen — out of 12 selected from college dance programs across the nation — for the Gala at the American College Dance Association Southeast Region Conference, a first for the SF Dance program. Those performances are:
- Contemporary Hip Hop — “NOID” — choreographed by SF Dance alum Garrett Perry, who is now pursuing his BFA degree in Dance at the University of Florida.
- Contemporary Ballet — “Unsaid” — a contemporary pas de deux choreographed by Assistant Professor Jessie Dominguez.
Read more about this national recognition for the SF Dance program here.
The remainder of the performance will include five brand‑new pieces making their premiere:
- 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.
SF Assistant Professor of Dance Melissa Brenner said, “We’re committed to delivering a dynamic, well‑rounded education that not only prepares students to reach their goals but inspires them to think bigger about what dance can be. 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.
Tickets for Elements of Style may be purchased at the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall box office at 352-395-4181 or online on Showpass. Admission is free for SF students, faculty, and staff with ID.