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Laila

@l_simone7

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Passion and intention in every action.
#riseagainsthunger

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And so I face the final curtain 🥹🩰
DanceWorks will forever hold a special place in my heart! I actually learned about this org during my tour of Elon way before I committed and knew it sounded like the place for me. From being a member who attended every class my first year, Assistant PR my second year, VP last year, and now getting ready to close my chapter as President, I’ve learned so much about myself both as a dancer and a person. I’ve met sooo many wonderful people that I know I can genuinely call lifelong friends. To all of the dancers in this organization, keep shining!! I’m so proud of you all!! To the cast of Are You That Somebody? You already know I’m going to miss our rehearsals! To the board, I couldn’t have asked for better people to run this organization with. I love you all!! ~ President Mackenzie signing off 🪩💙

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My first week here at Elon I got an email about participating in a research project, and little did I know it would lead me to this.

A chance to perform with the most amazing, talented, and supportive black women I know. Being able to tell this powerful story through movement as been an honor.

Evelyn, thank you for all of your hard work, consideration, persistence, love, and including me in this project. Anaya, thank you for being understanding and always making the best jokes. Laila, thank you for showing me that I should always be confident in myself in and out of the studio. Lulna, I truly wouldn’t pick anyone else to have my Scott’s debut with, I love you like a sister. And Jasmine, thank you for believing in all of us, giving your support and help to make this possible.

The support and love was unmatched. To be seen my community and my peers in such a special way literally brought me to tears.

This is only the beginning of my dance journey at Elon and there was no better way to start than with this performance, Rhythms of Resilience.

All of my love and gratitude,
Benta❤️

Photos: @sophies_photos24 @lilasnodgrass
Choreography: @evelyn.ealey @rhythms.of.resilience

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great start to 2026😆📸

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@rhythms.of.resilience world tour?🤎

📸: @sophies_photos24

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•first spring dance- so much love•

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Rhythms of Resilience 🫶🏽

It’s been almost a week and I’m still trying to find the words to express the amount of gratitude I have for this research thesis and every single person who was a part of the journey. Over the course of a year and half I learned so much about myself and built powerful connections that will last a lifetime. This research has brought me more than just data and facts, it has connected me to the incredible lineage of Black women who came before more me and given me hope for those that come after me.

Bringing this topic to light and sharing it to broader audiences was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. But the process of interweaving each unique story into choreography to portray adversities with mental health, and showcase the legacy being built for future students at PWIs was so incredibly fulfilling.

The biggest thank you goes out to my dancers for choosing to be a part of my thesis. You made my vision come to life in ways I didn’t know were possible, and our time spent together has been a highlight of my time at Elon.

Finally, a big thank you to everyone who came to support the show 🙌🏽

Lighting Design: Casey Spielman
Choreography: me!
Photos by: @sophies_photos24

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Words can’t express the gratitude for everyone who came out to support the performance last weekend. Rhythms of Resilience touched the hearts of the cast just as deeply as it touched so many of you in the audience. Bringing the mental health impacts of Black dancers at PWIs to the stage gave the research and data a sense of humanity that honored the lineage of dancers who came before and strengthens the path for those who will follow.

Sharing these stories shed light on the realities of the mental health impacts Black dancers navigate at PWIs. Although the final bow has been taken, the journey of sharing the research will continue on and work to advocate for Black collegiate dancers’ mental well‑being 🤎

Choreography by: @evelyn.ealey
Photos by: @sophies_photos24
Lighting Design: Casey Spielman

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Opening Night was absolutely amazing! Thank you to everyone that came to support us and hear our stories. There’s one more opportunity to see us dance today, check below for details! Photos by: @lilasnodgrass

📍Roberts Studio Theatre
⏰2:00pm
🎟️ Link in Bio

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the best fall dance 💝

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“guidance” performed by Laila Cottman & Anaya Agard

This is duet is about having someone to share your experiences with and help you navigate college. That person eases our minds and helps keep ourselves mentally healthy for what’s to come. Sometimes all it takes is a little guidance to grow into your truest self and unlock the potential you never knew you had

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