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Home › Alumni Stories › Alicia-Lynn Nascimento Castro

Alicia-Lynn Nascimento Castro

Adjunct Professor at GCU, ASU and GCC
Alumni, BFA, 2005

What I've Been Up To

After graduating from the UofA, I joined Philadanco’s second company D2 where I had the opportunity to take class everyday with the main company with teachers like Pat Thomas and Milton Myers. I experienced a traumatic break in Philadelphia and decided to move somewhere new to regroup. I ended up moving to Denver where I danced with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble performing works of Katherine Dunham, Alvin Ailey, Donald McKayle, Talley Beatty, and Milton Myers. Dancing and touring with Cleo took me to ADF, Jacobs Pillow and many other amazing festivals and venues. I really got an understanding of who I was and how important it is to preserve ancestral roots, culture and the history often times erased from text books. Cleo made me connect to my Afro-Brazilian roots in such a way that I moved to Brazil, specifically Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. There I lived and danced for 7 years. Some professional highlights include dancing with Mario Nascimento Dance Company, having a leading role in the Beatles musical Because, and presenting solos with Rede Sola de Dança. I had the incredible honor of teaching at the world renowned Grupo Corpo, and the dance conservatory, Palácio das Artes. My time in Brazil lead me all over the country touring and connecting with a different contemporary dance perspective. I got the chance to study under some phenomenal master teachers and share the stage with incredible dance artists. My dance journey has always been a balancing act of my personal life and job fulfillment. Becoming a mother made me rethink where to raise my family and lead me back to the United States. Since moving to Phoenix I have continued my artistic endeavors performing with the Black Theatre Troupe and presented work at the BlakTinx Dance Festival, Breaking Ground, and at Beta Dance festival. My favorite part of dance currently though is helping shape future dance artists. I absolutely love teaching and challenging the way we currently think about dance and remembering to make these spaces as inclusive as possible. I am currently teaching at Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University and Glendale Community College.

How UA Dance inspired and/or impacted me as an individual

University of Arizona gave me the technical skills needed as a professional dancer along with being able to balance a heavy work load. I went out into the dance world knowing that dance is not only physically challenging but mentally challenging as well. Touring and 8 hour days was possible because I was physically and mentally prepared. During my undergrad we had to write a grant or project for Careers in Dance. I actually submitted my project and was awarded money through the Medici scholarship which I used to take the Philadanco Summer Intensive. This really is where my professional career began. From that scholarship I had the opportunity to experience company life and became a D2 member which really set me on my path as a professional. I am so thankful for the outstanding program and professors at UofA. There is a reason it’s always at the top. The training and preparation is built for students success. I am forever grateful for my time at UofA.

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On this Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2021, UA Dance remembers the Selma to Montgomery voting rights march led by Dr. King in March 1965. We are proud to have taken part in the 50th anniversary commemoration that took place in March 2015. Professor Melissa Lowe received an invitation from Alabama Gov. Robert J. Bentley and under her coordination, faculty member Barbea Williams choreographed a piece and traveled with now School of Dance alumni, Kennedy Thomas and Kevyn Butler to Alabama where they performed on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol in a nationally televised ceremony. Bernice King, Dr. King’s daughter, was among the featured speakers. Thomas and Butler also performed in educational programming designed for youth and the three participated in lectures and discussions.

Of the experience, Lowe said, “This is one of my high points in all of my years of teaching. When we can send a dancer to an event that is of national importance, it not only provides great visibility and prestige for us, but it is a great opportunity for our dancers.”

Photo left to right: UA Dance Ensemble members Kevyn Butler and Kennedy Thomas, Bernice King, UA Dance faculty member Barbea Williams at the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Selma to Montgomery March in Alabama (2015)
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19 hours ago

On this Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2021, UA Dance remembers the Selma to Montgomery voting rights march led by Dr. King in March 1965. We are proud to have taken part in the 50th anniversary commemoration that took place in March 2015. Professor Melissa Lowe received an invitation from Alabama Gov. Robert J. Bentley and under her coordination, faculty member Barbea Williams choreographed a piece and traveled with now School of Dance alumni, Kennedy Thomas and Kevyn Butler to Alabama where they performed on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol in a nationally televised ceremony. Bernice King, Dr. King’s daughter, was among the featured speakers. Thomas and Butler also performed in educational programming designed for youth and the three participated in lectures and discussions.

Of the experience, Lowe said, “This is one of my high points in all of my years of teaching. When we can send a dancer to an event that is of national importance, it not only provides great visibility and prestige for us, but it is a great opportunity for our dancers.”

Photo left to right: UA Dance Ensemble members Kevyn Butler and Kennedy Thomas, Bernice King, UA Dance faculty member Barbea Williams at the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Selma to Montgomery March in Alabama (2015)
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Cheers to our graduating dance majors!
We are so proud of you. 💙 ❤️

BFA
Elise Cricchio,
Katie McCluskey, &
Ben Ferguson, Outstanding Senior!

MFA
Emigdio Arredondo Martínez

Celebrate their big achievement by visiting: graduation.cfa.arizona.edu
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1 month ago

Cheers to our graduating dance majors! 
We are so proud of you. 💙 ❤️

BFA
Elise Cricchio,
Katie McCluskey, &
Ben Ferguson, Outstanding Senior!

MFA
Emigdio Arredondo Martínez

Celebrate their big achievement by visiting: https://graduation.cfa.arizona.eduImage attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment
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How exciting. Congrats

i love you all!!💙💙❤️❤️

Congratulations!💙❤️

CONGrats!🎉

Well done! Congratulations!

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Now Showing!
UA Dance Digital Debut: Dec. 15-20 & Jan. 5-10
Online/On-Demand
Free Admission
To register and watch: watch.dance.arizona.edu

Join UA Dance for a virtual performance of works produced during the Fall 2020 semester that capture and juxtapose the isolation and togetherness of our current collective experience. The program features a new work by Hayley Meier, a re-staging of Elizabeth George-Fesch's “Woven” (2016), a new poppin' take on a holiday classic by Marquez Johnson, and an excerpt from Paul Taylor's “Cloven Kingdom” (1976). Plus, view an improvisation collaboration featuring the entire freshman class!

Photo by Ed Flores
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1 month ago

Now Showing! 
UA Dance Digital Debut: Dec. 15-20 & Jan. 5-10
Online/On-Demand
Free Admission
To register and watch: watch.dance.arizona.edu

Join UA Dance for a virtual performance of works produced during the Fall 2020 semester that capture and juxtapose the isolation and togetherness of our current collective experience. The program features a new work by Hayley Meier, a re-staging of Elizabeth George-Feschs “Woven” (2016), a new poppin take on a holiday classic by Marquez Johnson, and an excerpt from Paul Taylors “Cloven Kingdom” (1976). Plus, view an improvisation collaboration featuring the entire freshman class!

Photo by Ed Flores
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Thank you UA Dance!!!

Happy last day of classes! Already looking forward to 2021 back in the studio!

Photo: Erina Ueda
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1 month ago

Happy last day of classes! Already looking forward to 2021 back in the studio! 

Photo: Erina Ueda
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Such a gorgeous space!

Beautiful, Erina💜

Beautiful!

>> Pointes from Professors <<
Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Tamara Dyke-Compton, is the co-director of dance at Perry Mansfield Performing Arts Camp, has been on faculty for Dance Masters of America, Domaine Forget in Montreal, and The Dance Project in Toronto. She has performed principal roles in Twyla Tharp’s “Movin’ Out,” as well as the national Broadway tour of “Fame.”

Tammy tells us how she ensures she is providing equal attention to both online and in-person students simultaneously:

“I always like to check in with my students—when we first log onto Zoom and with my in-person dancers—with a simple ‘Good morning, how is everyone?’ We usually start every class with a mindfulness pause and set our intention for the class. This allows us all to be present, in the moment, and connect as a class even if it is virtually.”
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2 months ago

>> Pointes from Professors
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I had the opportunity to watch Camryn in your class last year . You are such a gift to U of AZ...

Bella would love to take class with you again!

Mom and dad did something right You should be proud What a beauty. Inside and out

Christopher loves your classes! 🥰🤗👍

Congratulations to LILY CONG, who was the 2019/2020 Ralphie Spirit Award winner!

One way we celebrate our UArizona Dance values is the Ralphie Spirit Award, a recognition named in memory of dance major Ralph Romero. This peer selected award recognizes a dancer in our program who exemplifies these five qualities:
OPTIMISM of the “glass is always full” variety;
KINDNESS that manifests itself in daily acts of generosity;
ASPIRATION that is undaunted and filled with the lust for life;
A SENSE OF SELF that is unique and unapologetic; and
AN ATTITUDE of the noble variety

Former Dance Collective club president, Ally Hauke, wrote “Lily is a beautiful example of everything this award is. Her kindness spreads throughout the entire program….She has been an inspiring and gracious leader to not only her freshman class, but to the program as a whole! Thank you Lily for the love and positivity you've brought into the program this past year— we are so grateful, and you're appreciated by all of us!”
... See MoreSee Less

2 months ago

Congratulations to LILY CONG, who was the 2019/2020 Ralphie Spirit Award winner!

One way we celebrate our UArizona Dance values is the Ralphie Spirit Award, a recognition named in memory of dance major Ralph Romero. This peer selected award recognizes a dancer in our program who exemplifies these five qualities:
OPTIMISM of the “glass is always full” variety;
KINDNESS that manifests itself in daily acts of generosity;
ASPIRATION that is undaunted and filled with the lust for life;
A SENSE OF SELF that is unique and unapologetic; and
AN ATTITUDE of the noble variety

Former Dance Collective club president, Ally Hauke, wrote “Lily is a beautiful example of everything this award is. Her kindness spreads throughout the entire program….She has been an inspiring and gracious leader to not only her freshman class, but to the program as a whole! Thank you Lily for the love and positivity youve brought into the program this past year— we are so grateful, and youre appreciated by all of us!”
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Congratulations that's fabulous

Congratulations Lily

Congrats !!!! Such an honor !!!

CONGrats, Lil’ 💙❤️

Congratulations Lily!

Congratulations to you, Lily! 🎉❤️

Congratulations!! This is so awesome!!!

Congratulations, Lily!

Congratulations Lily!!! 🎉

This is so wonderful. I knew Ralph Romero and he had all of those attributes. So glad you guys are doing this still💜

Congratulations 🎉

Sooooo well deserved!! ❤️

Congrats 🎉🎈🎊

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All photos by Ed Flores featuring UA Dance Ensemble members unless otherwise noted.

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