Bekka Bennett is a graduate of the University at Buffalo, earning a BA in Dance and History, Summa Cum Laude. While at UB, she was a member of Zodiaque Dance Company and performed works by local and internationally renowned choreographers, including a performance for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. After graduating, Bekka began teaching and choreographing nationally, with her dancers and works receiving numerous prestigious awards. She has completed commercial and print work for Google and was a founding dancer and choreographer for Converge Dance. Bekka is the founder of Progressive Arts and currently serves as adjunct faculty at Nazareth College, a guest artist, and adjudicator.

Michael Deeb Weaver (he/him) is co-director of Zodiaque Dance Company, and a faculty member at the University at Buffalo, where he teaches jazz, tap, and musical theatre dance. In addition to his academic work, Michael’s recent choreographic credits include Sweet Charity (Kavinoky Theatre – Artie Award nominee), Mamma Mia! and Merrily We Roll Along (Second Generation Theatre), Grease and Sister Act (Starring Buffalo), and Fursona Non Grata (First Look Buffalo). He has served on faculty at Nazareth University, Dance Masters of America, the Chautauqua Institution, and at Steps on Broadway in New York City. An accomplished dancer and actor, Michael’s performance credits have taken him all over the world. He holds his BFA in Dance from the University at Buffalo, and he is proud to continue the long tradition of excellence in the UB Dance program and in Zodiaque Dance Company.

Ali Dietz is a tap dancer, choreographer, and educator passionate about preserving and advancing tap dance history. Originally trained at Mary Alice’s Dance Studio, she now teaches nationwide, sharing rhythm, culture, and context with the next generation. She is faculty at Broadway Dance Center and New York City Dance Alliance, and previously served on faculty at Steps on Broadway. Ali co-founded Dancers Give Back, a nonprofit that has raised over $1 million for cancer research and community support through dance. She continues to build community through art, education, and advocacy. Her work emphasizes inclusivity, musicality, and cultural respect. Go Bills!

Arianna Dixie is a dancer and choreographer from Buffalo, New York. She started dancing at the age of 3 years old and started competing/training professionally at 14 years old with the Future Dance Center’s performance company. Arianna trained in styles of ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. She has choreographed and danced for local artists, assisted and taught on Empire Dance convention, and now teaches and choreographs for the Future Dance Center. Arianna plans to continue spreading her knowledge and passion in the dance arts, and continuing to guide aspiring artists.

Chanon Judson is an Associate Professor at the University at Buffalo, a Bessie-nominated choreographer, and served as Co-Artistic Director of Urban Bush Women (UBW). She is an investigative innovator working in the lineage of artists who use creative practice to unmask history, pursue healing, deepen learning, and activate pathways to liberation. Chanon creates through dance-theatre, visual design, and the curation of arts-based communal practices. Her choreographic credits include Haint Blu (Urban Bush Women), Chronicle X (Nia Witherspoon), The Hang (Taylor Mac, Niegel Smith), Cannabis! A Viper Vaudeville (Talvin Wilks), and The Invention of Tragedy (Meghan Finn).  As a performer and collaborator, her work includes Dancing with Glass and the Tony Award–winning musical Fela!.

Tom Ralabate (Mr. Tom), Professor Emeritus of Dance, is a past UB Theatre and Dance chair and a past artistic director of Zodiaque Dance Company (ZDC). He has taught for significant U.S., Canadian, and Mexican dance organizations. With his sister, Kip, he was an undefeated Junior Latin Dance Champion, a U.S. and North American Latin Ballroom Dance Champion, and a representative at the World Latin Dance Championships. He has choreographed for the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda, Joffrey Ballet Midwest, state-televised scholarship competitions for the Miss America Program, UB’s ZDC, and other university dance companies. Tom is the third recipient of the Ivy Hall Foundation Award, first awarded to Gene Kelly and presented by Dance Masters of America (DMA). Other professional awards include the Julian Park Award presented by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Scholarship and Creative Activities, the CAS Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Area of Arts, the Artistic Achievement Award from the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (CNADM), a Dance Teacher Magazine Award, and a Dance Teachers Club of Boston (DTCB) Lifetime Member Award. Scholarships in his name are presented yearly by DMA, DTCB, and through his UB endowments, the Tom Ralabate (Mr. Tom) UB Dance Jazz Award, the Tom Ralabate (Mr. Tom) Design and Technology Award, and the Tom Ralabate UB Dance Organization Award. Tom appears in the documentary Gus, an American Icon, and the HBO Max documentary film UPROOTED: The Journey of Jazz Dance.

Kerry Ring, Teaching Professor of Dance at the University at Buffalo, is a choreographer who creates works with various levels of collaborative investigation, teaches ballet and modern dance techniques and is director of Zodiaque Dance Company. She received her BFA in Dance at the University of New Mexico and her MFA in Choreography from Mills College in Oakland, CA. Kerry is core faculty for Dance Masters of America, certified in Ultra Barre, Kriya Yoga and the Cecchetti Method. For more information visit: kerryaring.com

Roberto Villaneuva (Choreographer), Director and Founder of BalaSole Dance Company, brings 35 years of experience as a producer, director, choreographer, performer, adjudicator, and educator, along with three decades of leadership in for-profit and nonprofit administration. He has been praised by The New York Times for the “deftness and technical control” of his dancing and described as “a powerhouse” (New York Daily News) and “breathtaking” by Switzerland’s La Liberté. He has performed in North America, Europe, and Asia; worked with Complexion Contemporary Ballet; served as LMCC grant panelist; and serves as Director of Operations for the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Gia Antonini (Dancer/Costume Designer) is in her sophomore year as a dance and public health major obtaining her BA in dance and is on the occupational therapy track at UB. She grew up dancing in Westchester, New York, where she has lived her entire life. Gia danced at Westchester Dance Academy from age 10 till graduating high school. This is where she was able to grow and learn about her love for dance. Gia has always known that she wants to pursue the love she has for dance. After auditioning for UB’s dance program, she automatically knew it was the place for her. She has spent her time here pursuing dance and academics. She is so thankful to have so many friends that love and support her each and every day. Gia is so honored to be a part of Zodiaque Dance Company and all the amazing opportunities.

Erinn Cosgrove (Dancer/Costume Designer) is excited for her second season with Zodiaque Dance Company! Erinn is a junior BFA Dance and BA Communication double major from Syracuse, New York. She started dancing when she was three years old and trained at CMC Dance Company, where she discovered her passion for dance. During her time at UB, Erinn has performed in many departmental productions including Choreolab, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, MFA Thesis, Dancers Workshop, and The Pajama Game. She is grateful to her castmates, choreographers, and the production team for creating another amazing show!

Ava Crean (Dancer/Costume Designer) has been dancing since age 2. Ever since she could walk, Ava was dancing. She grew up training at Mary Alice’s Dance Studio, located in Orchard Park, New York. Here is where she found a passion and love for dance. When deciding on what she wanted to pursue in college and as a career, Ava knew it was dance. Ava is currently a sophomore dance major obtaining her BA degree at the University at Buffalo. Ever since coming to UB, the dance program has pushed her to become the best version of herself and gave her an incredible environment filled with the most supportive professors and friends. Ava is so thankful and honored to be a part of Zodiaque Dance Company and its amazing legacy here at UB.

Nathan Eck (Dancer/Asst. to the Directors) is a senior dance major at UB from Long Island, New York. His passion for dance began at a young age, where he trained competitively at Legacy Dance Center and later studied at Long Island High School for the Arts. He has trained with American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Spectrum, Entity Contemporary Dance, and Instincts by Theresa Stone. Nathan has performed as the prince in the American Academy of Ballet's production of The Nutcracker, a featured dancer in Starring Buffalo's production of Grease, and as a performer for Stanzi Vaubel's Indeterminacy Festival. Dancing at University at Buffalo has propelled his versatility and fueled his ambition to dance professionally. Nathan is a member of Zodiaque Dance Company and is an assistant to the directors for the 2025-2026 season. On top of performing, Nathan has choreographed works for Choreographers Showcase and Dancers Workshop. Nathan is very grateful to continue dancing and choreographing.

Lauren Guarna (Dancer) is a senior BFA dance major and minoring in education. She is honored to say she is the ACDA assistant as well as the current director of Dancers Workshop. Lauren grew up in Brewster, New York where she attended Seven Star School of performing Arts since she was 2 years old. She was given many opportunities growing up one including being a part of the USA Tap Team where they traveled to Germany for the world tap championships. While at UB, Lauren has performed in many shows such as Emerging Choreographers Showcase, ChoreoLab, Dancers Workshop, and Zodiaque. Along with performing Lauren also has a love for choreographing and currently has the opportunity to choreograph for Choreographers Showcase this semester. Lauren values all the opportunities Zodiaque has brought her and is honored to be a part of its legacy.

Ella Hankinson (Dancer) is a junior at the University at Buffalo, double majoring in Dance and Communications. Originally from Buffalo, she has trained extensively in styles like tap, jazz, ballet, and contemporary. During her time at UB, she has performed in Emerging Choreographers Showcase, ChoreoLab, and has choreographed for Dancers Workshop. Ella also serves as the junior class representative. Ella is extremely grateful for the opportunity to perform with Zodiaque Dance Company and can’t wait to share the stage alongside such talented artists.

Jenna Hartke (Dancer) is a senior dance major, acquiring her BFA here at UB. She is the current UB Dance merch representative as well as one of the recruitment assistants within the department. Jenna was born in Houston, Texas, but grew up in Orchard Park, New York for the majority of her life. Growing up, she trained at Mary Alice’s Dance Studio. This was where she found her love for dance and knew this would be the passion for the rest of her life. Her dance teachers and family’s support allowed her dream to seem attainable and worth running after. Without them, Jenna would not be where she is today. Since being at UB, she continues her training in jazz, modern, ballet, and tap. Jenna’s strong love for movement along with her individual artistry has shaped her into the person she is today.

Mackenzie Leone (Dancer) is a Junior pursuing her BFA in dance and BA in psychology at UB. She grew up training in Syracuse, NY where she found her love for dance. She’s toured with Soul de Soul dance convention as a SoulElite and has choreographed short works for Groundwork’s summer session directed by Tracie Stanfield and Eric Campros. This summer she worked with Melanie Aceto performing for The Indeterminacy Festival. She’s performed in many departmental shows including MFA Thesis, ChoreoLab, Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase, and Dancers Workshop. Mackenzie is excited to be performing as a first-year member of Zodique Dance Company.

Mario Liguori (Dancer) is a senior at the University of Buffalo. He will be graduating this Spring with a BFA in Dance and a BA in Psychology. He is a member of the Honors College and a Collegiate Ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences. Mario is thrilled to be performing in his third year with ZDC. He recently performed in Lancaster Opera House’s production of Crazy for You (Junior). You will see him in Musicalfare’s production of Hairspray this May. Mario is eternally grateful for his friends, professors, and especially his parents!

Kiera Oppelt (Dancer) is a second-year Zodiaque Dance Company Member. She is a third-year Dance major at the University at Buffalo, also majoring in Statistics. Originally from Rochester, NY, she grew up learning the styles of ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, and acrobatics. In addition to Zodiaque, Kiera has participated in other departmental shows since coming to UB, including Emerging Choreographers Showcase, ChoreoLab, and Dancers Workshop. She is thrilled for her junior year and to continue to be a part of the Zodiaque legacy.

Vic Oshman-Bruce (Dancer) is excited to be a part of Zodiaque Dance Company once again! She is a Junior BA Dance Major at the University of Buffalo and has participated in many departmental productions within her first year. Since they were 2, Vic has had the pleasure of training in various dance styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, acrobatics, hip-hop, and musical theater, among many others. This past summer they also performed in Sotto Voce’s show of Grit and Silk as a dancer and helped to debut an original dance piece at this year’s Lewiston Jazz Festival with fellow ZOD company members. Vic is also an avid storyteller and would love to thank her mother and brother for supporting her artistic endeavors!

Selena Pereyra (Dancer/Costume Designer) is a senior Dance and Psychology major and a Presidential Scholar in the Honors Program at the University at Buffalo. She serves as Student Assistant to the Director of Undergraduate Dance and the Emerging Choreographers Showcase. She founded Choreo Club and created a program bringing UBTHD students to perform in nursing homes. She has traveled to Guatemala with JUNTOS, offering dance workshops and performances in underserved communities. Pereyra has performed in multiple UB dance showcases and is a recipient of the Lucille and Jack Yellen Award. She looks forward to her second season with Zodiaque Dance Company.

Ariana Parsons (Dancer/Costume Designer) is in her senior year as a dance major obtaining her BFA at UB. Ariana holds the positions of senior class representative and social media intern for the department. She grew up dancing in Rome, New York where she has lived her entire life. Ariana danced at Susan Hasty's School of Dance from age four until graduating high school. This is where she trained and formed her love for the art of dance. Ariana knew from a young age that dance was her passion and something she wanted to pursue. After auditioning for UB's dance program she was certain that it was the place for her. She has spent her time here training and working towards her goals with her best friends. She thanks her loved ones and everyone who supports her journey. Ariana is honored and beyond grateful to a part of the amazing legacy that is Zodiaque Dance Company.

Abby Postle (Dancer) is a first-year member of Zodiaque Dance Company and a junior BA dance and psychology major in the honors program at the University at Buffalo. Originally from Rochester, NY, she grew up training in ballet, modern, tap, and jazz at Sandy Stramonine School of Dance starting at the age of 5. She has performed in many other departmental shows including Emerging Choreographers Showcase, ChoreoLab, and Dancers Workshop through her time at UB. Throughout her time at UB, Abby has learned so much and was able to meet her best friends who she has the privilege of dancing with every day. She would like to thank the professors, her family, and her friends for all of their support and is looking forward to performing with Zodiaque Dance Company for their 51st season!

Grace Rezin (Dancer) is a senior second-year member of Zodiaque Dance Company from Warrens, WI. She started dancing when she was three at Melissa's DanceArts, Marilyn's School of Dance, and Misty's Dance Unlimited. Grace has also trained at the Giordano Dance School, Point Park University Summer Intensive, and Midwest Dance Collective. At UB, she has performed in many shows including, Emerging Choreographer's Showcase, MFA Thesis, ChoreoLab, and Dancers Workshop. Grace is also choreographing for Choreographer's Showcase this fall. She is a Student Recruitment Assistant to Michael Deeb Weaver this year. Her love for jazz dance has grown immensely throughout her three years at UB through guest artists coming in and the incredible jazz program at UB Dance. Grace is incredibly excited to be a part of this legacy and continue showing her love for dance in UB Dance and beyond!

William Schmidt (Dancer/Costume Designer) is a sophomore BFA Dance major at the University at Buffalo. He grew up training at KipTom Dance Center in Cheektowaga, NY, and is a new member of Zodiaque Dance Company. He’s attended the Dance Masters of America intensive at UB and performed in Newsies at Shea’s 710 Theatre, as the Wizard in Three Wishes with the Royal Academy of Ballet, and in Swan Lake with the Greater Niagara Ballet Company. In addition to school concerts, he’s assisted, subbed, and taught classes from a young age and currently teaches while hoping to pursue a professional career after college.

Violet Schraver (Dancer) is a junior BFA dance major with a law minor. Violet is from Rochester, NY, and trained at Fitzsimmons Dance Factory for 13 years in various styles. Violet teaches Pilates in the fitness instruction program at UB and has the pleasure of assistant directing Dancers Workshop. Long term, Violet would love to continue her dance career in New York City, working commercially. Lastly, Violet would like to thank the UB Dance staff for allowing her to be a part of Zodiaque dance company and providing her with so many incredible opportunities. Violet also thanks her family for continually supporting her dance aspirations and making her dreams a reality; she would not be where she is today without them.

Adriana Vetcha (Dancer/Costume Designer) is a senior at the University at Buffalo, pursuing a BFA in Dance. Originally from Rockland County, New York, she discovered her passion for dance at age 11 during her first Ballet class, which led her to explore various styles, including Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, and Arco. She received extensive training at the Edge Dance Company, Steeltoes Dance, Broadway Dance Center, and the Joffrey Ballet School. While at UB, Adriana has performed in Emerging Choreographers Showcase, MFA showcase, Choreolab, MFA Thesis, Dancers Workshop, and Zodiaque. In addition to performing, she's had the chance to choreograph for the 47th and 48th anniversary show of Dancers Workshop and is currently in the process of choreographing a full-length piece for ChoreoLab with one of her peers. Adriana also holds positions as a director of Senior Showcase and one of the recruitment assistants for incoming students. She is inspired to continue her passion for dance and cannot wait to perform her last Zodiaque show of her senior year. Adriana is truly grateful for all the memories that UB Dance has given her and cannot wait to share the stage with her friends one last time.

Audree Woods (Dancer) is a senior BFA in dance and musical theatre. She has a minor in management and is a part of the Honors College. Audree also serves as the College Ambassador for the Department of Theatre and Dance. Audree played Jane Doe in UBTHD’s production of Ride the Cyclone and recently starred as Polly Baker in Crazy for You at the Lancaster Opera House. Audree has had the privilege of training with the Gus Giordano school in Chicago and the Verdon/Fosse Legacy in NYC. This jazz training inspired her most recent work in Choreographer’s Showcase this past fall. You can see Audree onstage next as Amber Von Tussle in MusicalFare’s production of Hairspray this May. Audree would like to thank her family, friends, professors, and the entire Zodiaque team for making her senior year one to remember!

Jasmine White (Dancer) is a senior BFA dance and psychology double major who has been a member of Zodiaque Dance Company for three years. She is from Rochester, NY and has been dancing since she was 10 at her home studio Articul8 Dance. While Jasmine loves all forms of dance, her true love is tap, as it was one of her favorite styles growing up. At UB, Jasmine has performed in a number of shows, including Zodiaque Dance Company, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, ChoreoLab, and Dancers Workshop. She also had the opportunity to choreograph for Dancers Workshop and Choreographers Showcase. Throughout her undergraduate career at UB, she has learned to be more confident in her skills and has gained a greater appreciation for the art of dance. Jasmine is so excited to see where her last year at UB takes her!

Grace Wythe (Dancer/Asst. to the Directors) is a Senior BFA dance major excited to be performing with the Zodiaque Dance Company for a third year. Grace is honored to be one of the student assistants to the directors for this season of Zodiaque. Grace has trained in all genres of dance for the past 18 years at various dance studios including Janet Dunstan's Dance Academy and Greater Niagara Ballet Company where she has had many opportunities to perform, choreograph and teach in recent years. Grace is currently teaching at Tonawanda Dance Arts. Grace has also danced in many shows at UB including Emerging Choreographers Showcase, ChoreoLab, and Dancers Workshop where she also had the opportunity to choreograph. Grace also danced professionally at Art Park in Lewiston, NY in The L'Oiseau Immersive Concert. Grace would like to thank her family, friends, and professors for their continuous support. She is excited to perform on the stage with all her best friends.

Hailey Adams (Stage Manager) is a junior Theatre BA with a concentration in design tech. Recently, she was awarded second place for Theatrical Design Excellence in Costume Design at the American College Theatre Festival. Previously, she has assistant stage managed on many shows, notable mentions include: Urinetown (University at Buffalo, 2025), Twelfth Night (Shakespeare in Delaware Park, 2025), Comedy of Errors (Shakespeare in Delaware Park, 2024).

Alyvia Christensen (Graduate Assistant to the Directors) is an MFA Dance candidate at the University at Buffalo and is thrilled to be the Graduate Assistant for Zodiaque Dance Company this year. She is a multidisciplinary dancer, choreographer, and teacher. Alyvia's professional credits include, choreographing Mother of Ashes at the University at Buffalo, assistant-choreographing Company at Niagara University, co-choreographing Return to the Forbidden Planet at Niagara University, being a choreographer and dancer in Dancing in the Light III at Niagara University, and co-choreographing Rent at Niagara University.

Liam Deyell (Assistant Stage Manager) is a junior pursuing a BFA in Theatre Design/Technology in the UB Department of Theatre and Dance, with a focus in Stage Management and Lighting Design, and a minor in Dance. His recent credits include Stage Manager for ZDC Celebration ’50 Spring Concert and Lighting Designer for ChoreoLab ‘25, Dancers Workshop, The Wolves, and the Choreographers Showcase here at UB. He is very excited to be working on both ChoreoLab 26’ and Zodiaque this semester! Liam would like to thank his mentors, the cast, and the creative team for making this such a fun show.

Koby Fallon (Asst. Lighting Designer/Programmer/Board Op) is a freshman BFA music theater student. In addition to being a performer, Koby is a lighting designer and technician. He is excited to fill many roles in this season’s Zodiaque concert as assistant lighting designer, electrician, programmer, and board operator. He thanks the crew and company for all their work, and particularly the students and mentors in the BFA tech/design program for encouraging performers to continue their work in technical theater. Special thanks to Lynne Koscielniak, Tom Burke, Mallory Tirone, and Marcus Harter.

Marcus Harter (Lighting Supervisor/Lighting Designer) is a junior BFA Theatre Design/Technology student from Buffalo, NY. He works across lighting, sound, and projection design here at UB. His previous shows at UB include Mr. Bruns, 9 to 5, ECS Fall 2024, ZDC Celebration 50, ChoreoLab 2025, The Pajama Game, The Wolves, and ZDC 51 2025. Marcus is very excited to be working on ZDC 51 2026. He would like to thank his mentors, friends, and family for all the support and guidance throughout his undergraduate journey. He hopes that everyone enjoys the show.

Amanda Hatfield (Assistant Stage Manager) is a sophomore pursuing a BA in Dance with a minor in Business Entrepreneurship. Originally from Elmira Heights, NY, she trained competitively and was a member of a local dance company, performing in numerous spring and winter productions. Throughout high school, Amanda performed in the Disney’s Christmas Holiday Parades four times. During her freshman year here, she was a member of the UB Dance Team. She currently teaches dance at Infinity Dance Center. Amanda is excited and grateful for the opportunities she has had to continue dancing.

Kay O’Sullivan (Sound/Projection Designer) is excited to reprise her role as sound and projections designer on the Spring 2026 production of Zodiaque. A junior at UB from Rockland County, New York, she enjoys any opportunity to be creative and sends her thanks to the team that has made this production possible.

Mallory Tirone (Lighting Designer) is a BFA Theatre Design/Technology student at the University at Buffalo. Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, she has been involved in theatre and dance since a young age. Her recent credits include lighting design for Urinetown, the Musical, UB’s Zodiaque Dance Company, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, and Dancers Workshop. This spring, she is excited to continue her work with Zodiaque Dance Company and Into the Woods. Mallory thanks her friends and family for their continued love and support.