25 to Watch Live: Connecting Talent and Highlighting Brilliance
The second annual 25 to Watch Live, on July 29, was both a compelling, one-time-only performance and a marvelous meeting of artists who might not otherwise have crossed paths. A sense of warm camaraderie suffused the Ailey Citigroup Theater in New York City during an evening of stellar performances and panel discussions that featured the work of 12 dancers and choreographers from 2024’s “25 to Watch” list.
Many of the artists danced work they had created themselves—some made specifically for the occasion. Kaitlyn Sardin opened the show with her dynamic Fever, a fusion of traditional Irish dancing and hip hop, followed by tap dancer Naomi Funaki in her percussive Desire. Danielle Swatzie then danced her work The Fleeting Serenade, inspired by jazz music and jazz artists, and Erina Ueda performed 33, choreographed by Giordano Dance Chicago’s Nan Giordano and Cesar Salinas. Yuval Cohen zipped through the intricacies of an excerpt from William Forsythe’s In the middle, somewhat elevated, and Sydnie L. Mosley got the audience moving in her structured improvisation, I Wished On the Moon. These six performers then joined Dance Magazine senior editor Courtney Escoyne onstage for a discussion of pre-show superstitions, what they chose to perform, the best advice they’ve ever received, and what they’re excited about in the future.
Kaitlyn Sardin in her Fever. Photo by Emma Zordan. 
Naomi Funaki in her Desire. Photo by Emma Zordan. 
Danielle Swatzie in an excerpt from her The Fleeting Serenade. Photo by Emma Zordan. 
Erina Ueda in Nan Giordano and Cesar Salinas’ 33. Photo by Emma Zordan. 
Yuval Cohen in an excerpt from William Forsythe’s In the middle, somewhat elevated. Photo by Emma Zordan. 
Sydnie L. Mosley in her I Wished On the Moon. Photo by Emma Zordan.
After a short intermission, the second act of 25 to Watch Live started with Karla Puno Garcia shimmying through her Jazzy Joint For Her, followed by Miguel Alejandro Castillo’s moving, personal excerpt from his loud and clear. Kia S. Smith presented her Garnered By Grace, danced by Chloe Chandler. Jindallae Bernard’s In dreams was a cheerful wisp of poetry, followed by Lucy Fandel’s thoughtful, introspective the windy days – bags. Donovan Reed wrapped up the evening’s performances on a high note with Kyle Abraham’s Show Pony (2018), followed by a second onstage panel discussion.
Karla Puno Garcia in her Jazzy Joint For Her. Photo by Emma Zordan. 
Miguel Alejandro Castillo in an excerpt from his loud and clear. Photo by Emma Zordan. 
Chloe Chandler performing Kia S. Smith’s Garnered By Grace. Photo by Emma Zordan. 
Jindallae Bernard in her In dreams. Photo by Emma Zordan. 
Lucy Fandel in her the windy days – bags. Photo by Emma Zordan. 
Donovan Reed in Kyle Abraham’s Show Pony (2018). Photo by Emma Zordan.
A warm thank-you to everyone involved in 25 to Watch Live, from artists to audience to sponsors Philadelphia Ballet and George Mason University School of Dance.
This event was sponsored by:
