This season, WCDW has chosen the theme of "Surround" as we endeavor to encircle our community with love, strength, endurance, and all the things that dance helps to develop.

Learn more about our Surround Campaign here:

https://givebutter.com/wcdwsurround

SURROUND

CONCERT

PROGRAM

FEATURING

-All WCDW Performing Companies

-Feet First Dance INC, Junior and Senior Dance Companies

-Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts’ Elementary Hip Hop 2

2:00 p.m. Pre-Concert Reception for Premier Ticket Holders including Food Tasting and Cash Bar

2:30 p.m. Concert Seating Begins

3:00 p.m. Surround Dance Concert

“For the enjoyment of all guests and to respect the performers, we kindly ask that you refrain from flash photography and video recording during the performance.

Thank you for your cooperation.”

1. Different

FEATURING: DM DANCE MACHINE

Choreographer: Candace Matthews-Bass

Music: Am I Wrong by Ratata (Nico and Vinz, Skrillex)

Dancers: Isabella Brun, Samantha Brun, Cameron Fisher, Macy Fisher, Natalie Hess, Sophie Krewson, Regina Lijoi, Susannah Lijoi, Aniyah McGibboney, Adam Nsereko, Hazel Simms, Rachael Smith, Isla Stuart, Olasumbo Vincent

“Culture change starts with just a few folks that don't mind being different. Integration depends on it.”

2. Khumbaya

FEATURING: ANNOINTED

Choreographer: Diane Matthews

Music: Khumbaya by the Soweto Gospel Choir

Dancers: Tracy Flanagan, Donna Hymes, Tia James, Sue Kelley, Esther Smidt, Sadaayah Thomas, Grace Zarnoch

“We dance as a prayer and petition for help and peace that goes beyond all understanding.”

3. To Those We Meet Along The Way

FEATURING: Junior Performers

Choreographer: Mary Lynch

Music: Send Me On My Way by Rusted Rooted

Dancers: Haylee Benz, Leah Broussard, Jeneeta Durham, Taylah Easter, Quinn Galey, Zuri Hudson, Vivienne Hutnick, Araoluwa Osimokun

“An ode to the people we meet in our lives that help us on our journey. ‘Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.’” -Oprah Winfrey

PAUSE: ANNUAL CAMPAIGN VIDEO

4. Rain

FEATURING: Annointed Too

Choreographers: Nikki Matthews & Kiara Bass

Music: Rain by Melodic B & Rain by Sunday Service Choir

Dancers: Isabella Brun, Macy Fisher, Aniyah McGibboney, Adam Nsereko, Hazel Simms, Rachael Smith

“You heavens above, rain down my righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let the salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the Lord, have created.” Isaiah 45:8 NIV

5. Downstream

FEATURING: Feet First Dance INC’s Junior Company

Choreographer: Hannah Brumbach

Music: Minquiers by Minihi

Dancers: Jade Handy, Avery Hansen, Grace Heffelfinger, Amelia Hyde, Brooklyn Metzger, Jillian Notwick, Grace Pavoni, Charlotte Rorke, Anna Schaible, Emma Sofia, Natalie Valencia

“The movement of water is molded by the shape of its path, and even moments of stillness eventually cannot resist gravity's guiding force downstream.”

6. Celebration, We Are Not Alone

(An Excerpt from Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the Line)

FEATURING: Signature & Training Company

Choreographers: Diane Matthews & Candace Matthews-Bass

Music: Immanuel by Tye Tribbett

Dancers: Jerry Nathaniel Betts, Isabella Brun, Amanda Krenos, Susannah Lijoi, Candace Matthews-Bass, Adam Nsereko, Rachael Smith

“‘Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the Line’ tells the true story of Rachel Harris, an enslaved woman who escaped and lived free in West Chester, PA in the 1830’s, only to be recaptured. This project brings history to life with a regionally significant story that engages the audience through dance, projected historical images, live and recorded music, percussion, and narration. Rachel’s story illustrates how, during a dark time in American history, many people of varying backgrounds took risks and contributed to the pursuit of freedom.”

Final full production for this season, June 22nd at the Performance Garage. Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/west-chester-dance-works-presents-rachel-harris-one-woman-over-the-line-tickets-1075696058869

INTERMISSION - 20 MINUTES

Last chance to purchase raffle tickets and bid on remaining silent auction items! Please see WCDW staff for assistance. Drinks also available for purchase at the bar.

7. Yes

FEATURING: Annointed Too

Choreographers: Nikki Matthews & Kiara Bass

Music: Yes by Shekinah Glory Ministry

Dancers: Isabella Brun, Macy Fisher, Aniyah McGibboney, Avianna Mooring, Adam Nsereko, Hazel Simms, Rachael Smith

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:8 NIV

8. Greatness in Motion

FEATURING: E Hip Hop 2 (OUR DIANE MATTHEWS SCHOOL OF DANCE Feature)

Choreographer: Nikki Matthews

Music: Who That Is by Social Club Misfits & DJ Laz

Dancers: Samiyah Daniels, McKinley Johnson, Ava Kajubi, Molly O'Brien, Emma Salmeron, Ritvik Vijay

“Kids being unapologetically themselves, not conforming to others' expectations, and celebrating their authenticity.”

9. From the Dust

FEATURING: DM DANCE MACHINE

Choreographers: Susannah Lijoi & Candace Matthews-Bass

Music: Survivor (Destiny's Child, 2WEI feat. Edda Hayes)

Dancers: Isabella Brun, Samantha Brun, Cameron Fisher, Macy Fisher, Natalie Hess, Sophie Krewson, Regina Lijoi, Susannah Lijoi, Aniyah McGibboney, Adam Nsereko, Hazel Simms, Rachael Smith, Isla Stuart, Olasumbo Vincent

“After a tough defeat, we can recover and rise if we work together.”

PAUSE: SENIOR RECOGNITION

10. Set Me on Fire

FEATURING: Feet First Dance INC’s Senior Company

Choreographer: Kelsey Brennan-Patrick

Music: Burn by Tom Walker; edited by Brian Pezzuti

Dancers: Abby Chester, Alex DePiano, Leah Garofalo, Annabelle Gauthier, Nora Khazen, Stella Khazen, Celeste Lennon, Sophia Marchionne, Delaney Rotella

“There are people in our lives that take advantage of us. We can be a victim or become a force that can withstand anything using the pain from the experience to fuel us.”

11. The Brighter Side

FEATURING: Junior Performers

Choreographer: Mary Lynch

Music: Look Up by Joy Oladokun

Dancers: Haylee Benz, Leah Broussard, Jeneeta Durham, Taylah Easter, Quinn Galey, Zuri Hudson, Vivienne Hutnick, Araoluwa Osimokun

“When things get hard and the world around us seems dark… positivity and hope will always light the way and help us see ‘the brighter side’.”

12. We Are Born the Same

FEATURING: WCDW’s Technique Class

Choreographer: Kelly Butterworth-Dhamo

Music: Worship by Jon Batiste

Dancers: Isabella Brun, Samantha Brun, Cameron Fisher, Macy Fisher, Natalie Hess, Sophie Krewson, Regina Lijoi, Susannah Lijoi, Aniyah McGibboney, Arianna Mooring, Adam Nsereko, Hazel Simms, Rachael Smith, Isla Stuart, Olasumbo Vincent

“We are surrounded by sameness. Our shared human condition is more powerful than any differences we could ever exhibit. We need to ‘return to that place’ of seeing in each other what we see in ourselves, celebrating our ancestors who came before and the people who stand beside us now…”

Raffle Winners Announced

Curtain CAll

“We express our deepest gratitude to the following sponsors, whose generosity has made a significant impact on our organization.”

Chester County Community Foundation

GREATER PHILADELPHIA CULTURAL ALLIANCE

JD2 ENVIRONMENTAL

Johnson & Johnson

Pincus Family Foundation

UPTOWN KNAUER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

WCDW Artistic Directors & Choreographers

Diane Matthews

Diane Matthews is the Director and Founder of West Chester Dance Works and the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts. She is also the Artistic Director of the Signature/Training Company and the Annointed companies. “Ms. Diane” began her dance training at the Philadelphia School of Dance Arts, where she was awarded a full scholarship to study ballet, modern jazz, tap, and gymnastics. She continued her education at West Chester University and Philadelphia College of the Arts. She was one of the original members of Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco) and a featured soloist with the Philadelphia Civic Ballet Company. Ms. Diane has been teaching, performing, and choreographing for various schools, universities, and organizations for over 40 years.

Candace Matthews-Bass

Candace Matthews-Bass trained at the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts (DMSODA) for 16 years, studying ballet, tap, jazz and tumbling. While at Drexel University, Candace was captain of Drexel’s first Dance Team and a member/choreographer with the Drexel University Dance Ensemble. She graduated with a BS in Psychology and went on to complete her MA at Eastern University. Candace has danced professionally with Body Language Modern Dance Company, Freedom Theatre and West Chester Dance Works as both a corps and principle dancer for over 25 years. Additional performing includes freelance projects and contracted performances at colleges and sports venues throughout metropolitan Philadelphia. “Ms. Candi” is entering her 23rd year as director of West Chester Dance Works’ dance team “DM Dance Machine” and serves as the Artistic Coordinator and choreographer for “Expressions of Praise”, the intergenerational dance ministry of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown. Candace has been teaching dance at studios, colleges and conferences for over 30 years.

Kiara Bass

Kiara is a 2021 George Mason University graduate, receiving her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with concentrations in clinical and developmental psychology. During her time at George Mason University she danced with Urbanknowlogy 101 (UK101), George Mason University’s first hip hop dance team. While performing with UK101 she held two executive roles as the team’s Head Artistic Director and President. She also had the opportunity to study modern dance and Afro-Cuban dance styles during her years at George Mason University. Excited to return to her home studio, Kiara has been dancing for over 18 years and started at the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts in 2002. During her time at the studio she studied Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary/Modern, and praise dance. In her later years with the studio, she began teaching and choreographing for the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts, WCDW’s Annointed too, and DMSODA’s summer sessions. Kiara was also a member of West Chester Dance Works’ DM Dance Machine, Junior Performers, and Annointed Too.

Kelly Butterworth-Dhamo

A Long Island native, Kelly graduated from Adelphi University where she studied dance and psychology. She continued to earn her M.A. in Childhood Education with the Advanced Certificate in Special Education. Kelly has been teaching ballet, tap, modern dance, contemporary, and dance composition at various schools for over 20 years, and obtained her New York State Dance Teaching Certification in 2014. Kelly was a dance educator at her alma mater, Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA), where she worked with gifted and talented students interested in pursuing a career in the arts, as well as coordinated a collaborative program that brought dance to students with disabilities. Kelly has had the privilege of dancing professionally with companies including Patricia Kenny Dance Collection, Dance Householder, H.T. Chen and Dancers, and Jamal Jackson Dance Company. Having the opportunity to tour both nationally and internationally has made Kelly a better dancer, teacher, and person. This is her ninth season with West Chester Dance Works, where she teaches studio classes in addition to the WCDW company technique class. She also works as the company assistant, focusing on grant writing and donor communication. She is grateful to her talented students and beautiful family for their endless inspiration!

Susannah Lijoi

Susannah has been dancing with West Chester Dance Works for 13 years, training in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary/modern, and West African dance. She began dancing as a part of the performing company 6 years ago, starting off as a member of Junior Performers before joining DM Dance Machine and Signature & Training Company. Susannah participated in the Teachers Aid (TA) Program through West Chester Dance Works for 3 years, and currently teaches pre-elementary jazz, tap, hip hop, and ballet classes in the studio. Through teaching she’s discovered a love for dance education, hoping to work to inspire the next generation of dancers. Susannah has also participated in many independent projects, choreographing dances that were performed in presentations locally at Downingtown West High School, as well as participating in choreographing for DM Dance Machine under the direction of Candace Matthews-Bass. She hopes to continue her passion and love for dance after graduation through joining dance teams and creating choreography while also pursuing a combined Bachelors/Master of Science in Physics and Chemistry.

mary lynch

Mary’s love of dance began in 2013 at the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts, where she trained in the principles of ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and modern. She began teaching at DMSODA in 2018 and has continued to hone her dance skills and develop as a dance instructor ever since. Mary is also a former West Chester Dance Works’ DM Dance Machine, Annointed Too, and Signature/Training Company member. Mary recently graduated from West Chester University with a bachelors in psychology and a minor in dance. At WCU, Mary was a member of the University Dance Company, where she was a five-time student choreographer and served in a leadership capacity as the organization's secretary for two years. Through her studies at WCU, Mary continued her love of dance and further advanced her technique and artistic abilities in modern and contemporary styles. When Mary is not dancing or teaching dance, she works at a Children's Hospital, helping to provide psychosocial support to patients and families as they navigate the challenges of hospitalization and healthcare experiences. Dance has made a monumental impact on her life and played a significant role in the woman she is today. Ms. Mary is ecstatic to teach this year and can’t wait to share her passion and joy for movement and artistry with all her students.

Nikki Matthews

Nikki is a former student of the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts where she studied jazz, ballet, modern, and hip-hop dance styles. She has also performed with four of the West Chester Dance Works’ companies, including Junior Performers, DM Dance Machine, Annointed Too, and Signature & Training Company. Nikki began teaching as a high school student specializing in the studio’s youngest dancers ages 3.5-6 years old, and has since been teaching and choreographing for all ages over the last 10 seasons. Now the Director of Annointed Too, Nikki focuses her energies on building the company’s youth dance ministry, guided by her faith and inspired by her young daughter.

Guest Choreographers​

Kelsey Brennan-Patrick

Kelsey Brennan-Patrick is the owner and artistic director of Feet First Dance Studio located in Phoenixville PA. Dance was always an important part of Kelsey’s life. After pursing a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern University, she started teaching dance in the greater Philadelphia area and performing with varies dance companies. Her passion is sharing her love of dance with others, allowing them to experience dance full mind, body and spirit, creating a nurturing environment for people to come explore dance and how it can transform you. Her dance studio has become a place for all ages, and people creating a beautiful eclectic community. At Feet First she teaches hip-hop and contemporary and runs the youth dance company.

Hannah Brumbach

Hannah Brumbach is a dancer and choreographer in the Philadelphia area. She was raised and trained in Williamsport, Pennsylvania and earned her BA in Dance from Eastern University. Hannah is trained in Graham technique, tap, jazz, modern, classical ballet, and West African techniques. In addition to her technical ambitions, Hannah's involvement in Dance Medicine and Science curriculum has allowed her to demonstrate for Megan Richardson from the Harkness Center for Dance Injury at the Mid-Atlantic Dance Medicine and Science Convention. Outside of the dance studio Hannah has maintained a full and developing performance career with Philadelphia based contemporary company, SHARP and Johnstown based company, Apex Dance Company. Currently, Hannah fulfills her need to dance by teaching the next generation of movers.

2024-2025 WCDW Company Members 

Signature & Training Company

Jerry Nathaniel Betts, Isabella Brun, Amanda Krenos, Susannah Lijoi, Candace Matthews-Bass, Adam Nsereko, Rachael Smith, Kacei Womack

DM Dance Machine

Isabella Brun, Samantha Brun, Cameron Fisher, Macy Fisher, Natalie Hess, Sophie Krewson, Regina Lijoi, Susannah Lijoi, Aniyah McGibboney, Adam Nsereko, Hazel Simms, Rachael Smith, Isla Stuart, Olasumbo Vincent

JUNIOR PERFORMERS

Haylee Benz, Leah Broussard, Jeneeta Durham, Taylah Easter, Quinn Galey, Zuri Hudson, Vivienne Hutnick, Araoluwa Osimokun

Annointed Dance

Tracy Flanagan, Donna Hymes, Tia James, Sue Kelley, Esther Smidt, Sadaayah Thomas, Grace Zarnoch

Annointed Too

Isabella Brun, Macy Fisher, Aniyah McGibboney, Avianna Mooring, Adam Nsereko, Hazel Simms, Rachael Smith

WCDW Leadership

Founder/Executive Director: Diane Matthews

Artistic Director & DM Dance Machine Director: Candace Matthews-Bass

Annointed Too Director: Nikki Matthews

Annointed Too Co-Choreographer: Kiara Bass

Junior Performers Director: Mary Lynch

WCDW Technique Instructor/Choreographer & Company Assistant: Kelly Butterworth-Dhamo

Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts Teaching Staff: Shareese Asparagus, Isabella Brun, Kelly Butterworth-Dhamo, Antoinette M. Coward-Gilmore, Audrey Hammit, Susannah Lijoi, Lauren Linder, Mary Lynch, Diane Matthews, Nikki Matthews, Candace Matthews-Bass, Senfuab Stoney, Kacei Womack

Technical Coordinator: Rodney Matthews

Performance & Booking Manager: Ashanti Meaux

Operations Manager: Stacie Scheer

Events Manager: Guillermina Rios

Financial Manager: Jennie Radford

Accountant: Scott Frankenfield

Board of Directors

President: Donna Hymes

Vice President: Rodney Matthews

Treasurer: James D. Smith Jr.

Board Members: Steven Datlof, Diane Matthews, Faith Nsereko, L. Diane Toaltoan

Our Programs

SIGNATURE/TRAINING COMPANY

Signature & Training Company is our semi-professional modern dance company offering creative growth, performance experiences, lecture demonstrations, and residencies for artistic, cultural and educational outreach. One of the current focuses for this group is helping our youth and communities overcome the obtrusive barriers to healthy and productive lifestyles through our “Relevate Youth” project.

DM DANCE MACHINE

Teamwork. Technique. Total performance.

Targeted for intermediate to advanced dancers aged 13 through 18, DM Dance Machine makes room on its team for every hard-working dancer looking to share their gifts in dance with audiences in a variety of theater and community-based settings. Our dance team combines technical strengthening in contemporary jazz and hip hop with team building, personal goals and performance enhancement.

JUNIOR PERFORMERS

Junior Performers is our performance group that gives youth ages 9 through 12 an opportunity to have more serious performing experiences. Annually, we continue to build this group of young dancers with those that have the desire to improve their performing skills and train in a more professional environment.

ANNOINTED DANCE MINISTRY

Adults who have a desire to praise the Lord through movement in a fellowship of Christian believers are welcome to join our spiritual performance group, Annointed. Members experience the joy of interpreting uplifting songs and sharing their talents and faith through community outreach in the name of Jesus Christ. 

ANNOINTED TOO DANCE MINISTRY

Praising God through movement and music interpretation describes our youth dance ministry, Annointed Too. This ministry is open to anyone between the ages of 8 and 18 with the desire to praise the Lord through dance. 

In addition to community performances, see below for our focused dance programming:

DIane Matthews School of Dance Arts

The educational program of WCDW offering classes to students of all ages, beginning 2.5 through adult. A nurturing family environment that provides quality instruction.

RELEVATE YOUTH

How can we work together to overcome the obtrusive barriers to healthy and productive lifestyles that are threatening today’s youth? In partnership with local schools and community organizations, our “Relevate Youth” project seeks to address barriers in youth development while affirming and building feelings of self-worth through interactive dance programs.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION

We are proud to continue our more than 30-year tradition of preparing an annual Christmas production in conjunction with the Greater West Chester Area Chamber of Commerce holiday activities. It continues to provide a festive seasonal outing for the young and young at heart. Auditions for our annual Christmas production typically occur in late September, and are open to dancers aged 8-18.

Artist In Residence

Residencies are extended lessons that precede or follow a dance program. Dance is used to enhance or deepen the understanding of the topic by teaching students’ movement in a structured, more intimate setting. Residencies can range from occurring in a week-long daily meeting session, to a once per week meeting that may occur over three to four weeks. Residencies give students a chance to engage with dance professionals to learn more about dance as communication and affirm their feelings or perspectives.

Thank You 

West Chester Dance Works would like to thank the following people and businesses for their generous contributions!

(Includes donations received from 3/8/24 through 4/3/25)

“Sustainer” ($1,000 and up)

America Online Giving Foundation

Benevity

Chester County Community Foundation, “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is”

Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

JD2 Environmental, Inc

Suzanne Kelley

Musa & Faith Nsereko

Pincus Family Foundation

L. Diane Toaltoan

Vanguard

“Supporter” ($500-$999)

Rev. Diane A. Burkland

Sarayne Mark Coffin

Brian & Michele Daniszewski

Ted and Elsie Erwin

Bryan Fisher

Jennifer Gentile-Guy

Donna Hymes

Miriam I. Lawson

Kathleen McBratnie Memorial Foundation, CCCF

“Donor” ($1-$499)

Kimberly Beazley, Kamille Catchings, Michelle Cope, Sarah Daniels, Jerry Flanagan & Tracy Flanagan, Nataki Hudson, Stephanie Hutnick, Johnson & Johnson, Rachel Kagan, Betsy Kalish, Eva Krewson, Roger Lacy, Barbara Lappano, Pamela Rainey Lawler, Stephens Lytch, Aniyah McGibboney, Ann McNally, Persymphonie Miller, Chui Kian Smidt, Randolph and Charleene Smith, Deanna Stissi & Several Anonymous Donors

Online Auction Donors

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

Special Thanks

Guest Artists: Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts & Feet First Dance INC

Photographer: Clinton Wolfe

Stage Manager: Kelly Dhamo

Technical Assistance: Rodney Matthews

Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Executive Director: Heather Grayberg

Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Technical Director: George Koenig

Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Staff

West Chester Dance Works Volunteers & Families

“Thank you for your tremendous dedication, support, and commitment.”

…and God from whom all blessings flow

Our Mission

THE MISSION OF WEST CHESTER DANCE WORKS (WCDW) IS TO UPLIFT, NURTURE AND TRANSFORM DANCERS AND COMMUNITY THROUGH AN ACCESSIBLE, INCLUSIVE DANCE EXPERIENCE.

 We provide informed dance instruction, thoughtful community outreach programming and inspirational performances to audiences of all ages.

 Our vision is for dance to become a vehicle for improved outlook, conversation, reconciliation, awareness and unity between all people regardless to ethnicity, socio– economic background, religion, race or gender.

WCDW works to: increase healthy lifestyles through physical activity and education, create a link between artistic expression and advocacy (particularly for participating youth), help improve self-esteem and peer-to-peer support, and hone leadership skills with a focus on team-building. Each of our programs focuses on bringing artistic enrichment to those who otherwise may not have the opportunity to experience it.