WMU Winter Gala Dance Concert Showcases Diverse Styles and Emotions

The annual performance at Western Michigan University's Department of Dance blended classical and contemporary elements to powerful effect.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Western Michigan University's Department of Dance concluded its annual Winter Gala Dance Concert on February 15, 2026, delivering a powerful and diverse program that blended classical and contemporary dance styles. The two-act, eight-piece concert featured work from students, faculty, and guest choreographers, showcasing technical mastery and emotional resonance.

Why it matters

The Winter Gala is a highly anticipated annual event that highlights the exceptional talent and innovation within WMU's renowned dance program. This year's concert demonstrated the department's ability to push the boundaries of the art form, offering a thought-provoking reflection on the current cultural moment through the medium of dance.

The details

The concert featured a range of pieces, from the playful and energetic to the deeply evocative. Standout works included Peter Chu's 'Breathing Echoes,' which embodied the rhythm and resonance of Jeff Buckley's music, and Seyong Kim's 'Four Seasons,' which blended classical ballet with a musical theatre ethos. Other notable pieces included Annalee Traylor's 'Crossing Over,' which incorporated an actor delivering a monologue from 'Purple Rain,' and Mike Esperanza's 'Nocturnal Animals,' which transformed the stage into a seductive underground nightclub.

  • The Winter Gala Dance Concert ran from February 13 to February 15, 2026.
  • The final performance was held on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Western Michigan University Department of Dance

A renowned dance program that consistently showcases exceptional talent and innovation.

Peter Chu

A choreographer whose piece 'Breathing Echoes' was a standout of the concert, embodying the rhythm and resonance of Jeff Buckley's music.

Seyong Kim

A choreographer whose piece 'Four Seasons' blended classical ballet with a musical theatre ethos.

Annalee Traylor

A choreographer whose piece 'Crossing Over' pushed the boundaries of theatre dance by incorporating an actor delivering a monologue from 'Purple Rain.'

Mike Esperanza

A choreographer whose piece 'Nocturnal Animals' transformed the stage into a seductive underground nightclub.

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The takeaway

The WMU Winter Gala Dance Concert demonstrated the exceptional talent and innovation within the university's renowned dance program, blending classical and contemporary styles to create a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant performance that pushed the boundaries of the art form.