Undergraduate Choreographers Take the Stage in Physical Graffiti 2026

From contemporary ballet to hip hop, the program highlights the breadth of movement and storytelling within UCI Dance

At UC Irvine, the next generation of dance makers steps into the spotlight with Physical Graffiti 2026, an annual undergraduate choreographic showcase that brings bold new voices, inventive movement and deeply personal storytelling to the stage.

Presented by the Claire Trevor School of the Arts and the Department of Dance, this year’s production features 12 original works created by undergraduate choreographers, each offering a distinct perspective on the expressive potential of the body in motion. Spanning genres from contemporary ballet to hip hop and beyond, the program reflects both the diversity of the department and the creative energy shaping dance today. Physical Graffiti 2026 is directed by co-artistic directors Charlotte Griffith and Cyrian Reed, who guide the development of each work while supporting student choreographers through the creative process.

“Each choreographer brings a unique movement vocabulary that reflects not only their individual voice, but also the richness and diversity of our department,” said artistic directors Cyrian Reed and Charlotte Griffith. “It takes courage to pursue an artist’s life. We are honored to support these emerging choreographers and to be a part of their journey.”

From theatrical spectacle to introspective reflection, the works explore a wide range of themes, including identity, nostalgia, artistic value and human connection. Shelby Ells’ Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome! invites audiences into the dazzling world of cabaret, while Yuki Miyata’s Suspended examines the emotional dissonance of change and memory. Rheylie Bennie’s Is It Worth It? interrogates the evolving value of art in a fast-paced, consumption-driven world, and Emma Brumm’s Dinner offers an intimate look at relationships revealed around the table. Across the program, choreographers engage questions both personal and universal, using movement as a vehicle for inquiry and expression.

Physical Graffiti also highlights the collaborative nature of performance-making at UC Irvine. The production is supported by student designers and stage managers from the Department of Drama, whose work in lighting, costume, sound and production brings each choreographic vision to life. Their contributions play a vital role in shaping the audience experience and realizing each artist’s vision.

As part of a leading R1 research university, UCI Dance positions choreography as both creative practice and research, encouraging students to investigate ideas through embodied experimentation. Physical Graffiti serves as a culminating platform for undergraduate choreographers to develop and present original work while gaining hands-on experience in composition, collaboration and production.

Performances will take place April 30 through May 2, 2026, in the Claire Trevor Theatre, with evening shows at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1, and two performances on Saturday, May 2 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $25, with discounts available for students, seniors, UCI affiliates and groups.

The performance includes loud music, strobe and flashing lighting effects and theatrical haze.

Tickets and additional information are available at: https://www.arts.uci.edu/events/physical-graffiti-2026