DanceWorks digital delivers Y2K nostalgia

DanceWorks, SU’s largest student-run dance organization, held its annual spring showcase Friday and Saturday. The event featured a celebration of talent, dedication and a reflection on the organization’s history. 

This year, for the 40th anniversary of DanceWorks, the theme “Digital” explores electronic music with a heavy emphasis on Y2K. The soundtrack featured music from iconic 2000s artists such as Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake. and Missy Elliot. Filip Piechowiak, co-producer and choreographer, described this year’s theme as fun, glitzy, and fierce. 

“I think really, in essence, DanceWorks is about being confident in yourself and fearless,” Piechowiak said.

The event took place in Goldstein Auditorium and sold out 1400 seats for the Friday show — a record high for the organization and a testament to its growing campus presence.

Before each performance, the choreographers appeared on screen in a testimonial-style video to discuss their dance and reflect on their time in Danceworks. The short videos allowed the audience to hear directly from the choreographers, fully immersing viewers in their vision.​

The opening routine, choreographed by SU seniors Stevie Michaels and Sam Shapiro, began with a mashup of 2000s hits, including “Satisfaction” by Benny Benassi. To stay on theme, the costume design incorporated mesh tops, neon bras and yoga pants. The high energy continued into the next dance, choreographed by Marina DePalo and Filip Piechowiak, featuring purple bedazzled jumpsuits and songs by Britney Spears and Kelis, drawing loud cheers from the crowd with every move. 

To slow it down in Act 2, choreographers Sophia Hoyos Murray, an SU junior, and Sydney Dolor, and SU senior, presented a lyrical piece to “Snowing” by Sonya Kitchell. Each dancer’s emotions were expressed through their movements, deepening their connection with the audience and highlighting the range of the “Digital” theme. 

Photo by Rebbeca Beckas

Dancers perform to “Black and Gold,” a contemporary piece choreographed by Lena Madonick during the DanceWorks showcase in Goldstein Auditorium at Syracuse University, on Feb. 27, 2026.

Attendees cheered, waved and held posters as their dancer performed, involving everyone in the event. Jonah Wassersug, an SU senior, was there to support a close friend in the show and watched her take on multiple roles throughout the night.

“One of my best friends, I met her in my first year, the first day, and she killed it,” Wassersug said. “She choreographed one dance and danced in four.”

For many in the cast, Danceworks has been pivotal to their college experience. Numerous dancers who joined in their first year are now graduating seniors. For them, this year’s showcase marked not only the end of a show but also the end of a four-year journey with the organization. 

Senior Revati Mahurkar joined Danceworks her first year as graphics and apparel chair. This year, Mahurkar serves as one of the executive directors. Dancing since she was two, Mahurkar knew she wanted to continue performing throughout her college years. 

“I think as a dancer it really fulfilled a part of me that needed that in my life, because obviously it’s a great way to keep active, but also, a great way to express yourself,” Mahurkar said. 

Ellie Cohen, a senior and executive director for DanceWorks, echoed this sentiment. 

“Dance has always been such a huge part of my life, and getting the chance to lead this organization has been the most rewarding part of my time at Syracuse,” Cohen said. “Being able to choreograph and help guide more than 100 dancers, and to watch DanceWorks grow from my freshman year to now, has been absolutely phenomenal.”

By the final performance, tears were shed, cheers swelled, and the sense of fulfillment was palpable. Each dancer savored their moment onstage, making the most of every second. After each performer took a bow, the stage became a mini dance party for the cast, filled with hugs and smiling faces. Beyond the choreography and costumes, DanceWorks Digital honored the decades of hard work and history that have shaped the organization.

“I hope that people are both excited and inspired by the show. There are so many different emotions that these dances are portraying,” Cohen said. “There’s a huge part of not just creativity but showcasing everyone’s individuality, and this show in particular does a really great job of doing that.”