Staff

Adrian Moore Trask

She/Her

Director of Strategic Development

Adrian moved to Albuquerque and joined Keshet’s staff in 2016 with ten years of experience in strengthening arts & culture nonprofit organizations. Currently living outside of Philadelphia, Adrian continues to support Keshet’s organizational development and strategic planning as Keshet’s Director of Strategic Development.

Before joining Keshet, Adrian worked as the development & communications manager at Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, leading fundraising and marketing efforts to support the state’s humanities community. Adrian maintains her connection with Rhode Island as an organizational strategies volunteer with Dancing Legacy, supporting the passing on of great, historical dance to new generations of audiences and performers.

Early in her career, Adrian worked in the creative aging field with Arts for the Aging and danced with Nancy Havlik Dance Performance Group in Washington, DC. Adrian has implemented projects that incorporate performance, art, and history with Everett: Company, Stage and School, the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Y-Space (Hong Kong), the National Museum of American History, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Adrian has a bachelor’s degree in dance and anthropology from Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in Public Humanities from Brown University, focusing on community building and public engagement through arts and culture, specifically dance.

Adrian shares, “with a personal mission to connect community through the arts and humanities and to support artists by providing business development support, Keshet is the perfect place for me! I’m very grateful to be part of this inspiring, creative community, even from across the country!”

Alana Sanchez

She/Her

Teaching Faculty

Alana graduated from Keshet’s Pre-Professional Program (KP3) in 2019, and has experience training in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and pointe technique over 11 years. In 2023, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, minors in Chemistry and Health, Medicine, & Human Values, and a Designation in Honors. Alana is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at UNM in the hopes of being able to provide accessible healthcare to underserved women in New Mexico. Dance has continued to play an integral role in nurturing her own physical and mental wellness as well as allowing her to exercise creativity amidst a busy schedule. As a member of Keshet’s Education Faculty, Alana thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to foster other people’s enjoyment of the arts and help young students discover a passion for dance through the pursuit of personal excellence, technique acquisition, and finding freedom in the joy of movement.

Alissa Trujillo

She/Her

Education and Engagement Coordinator

Alissa was born in West Virginia and moved to New Mexico at a young age. She graduated from Manzano High School in Albuquerque and earned her nursing assistant certification at TVI. For 16 years, she worked with children and young adults with physical and developmental disabilities.

Alissa became part of the Keshet community in 2011 when she enrolled her daughter in her first dance class at the age of two. Shortly after, Alissa began taking classes herself and has since performed in many Keshet productions and concerts. Her oldest daughter has been part of KP3 (Keshet’s Pre-Professional Program) since she was seven, and her youngest daughter is now also dancing at Keshet. Even her son joined in for dance camps before discovering his love for baseball. Along with her husband, Alissa volunteered with Keshet for many years before officially joining the staff in 2019. She is now proud to serve as the Education and Engagement Coordinator.

What Alissa loves most about Keshet is its inclusive and welcoming space—a place where all people are truly embraced. That sense of belonging is what has kept her and her family deeply connected to Keshet for so many years.

Ana Lopes Aréchiga

She/Her

Company Dancer, Director of Programming and Engagement, Teaching Faculty

Ana is originally from Mexico and has a BA in Contemporary Dance and Psychology, having graduated with honors Summa Cum Laude in Psychology, Magna Cum Laude in Dance from the University of New Mexico. She apprenticed for Kamea Dance Company in Israel in 2014. She joined Keshet Dance Company as a Company Dancer in 2016 and has continued dancing with Keshet ever since. She has also danced for the Jewell and Company, Blythe Eden Dance Company, J. Garcia Dance Company, lisa nevada dance, and Esteban Garza Dance Company, just to name a few. She has been an adjunct faculty at UNM in the Theater & Dance Department since 2021. She has been part of Keshet’s team since 2014; in 2020 her role expanded to become a part of Keshet’s leadership team as Director of Programming & Engagement. As a choreographer she most recently premiered Hevel, a full-length work in 2022. She is currently working on a collaboration with multimedia composer Zachariah Julian, which is set to premiere in early 2026.

Anastasia Knodle

She/Her

Keshet Arts Apprentice

Anastasia Knodle was born in Gallup, but ended up growing up in Albuquerque at a young age with dance helping her navigate life. Anastasia has been a part of Keshet’s KP3 Program for 5 years and finds ways of going back to Keshet to dance. Anastasia has always thought of everyone in Keshet as family and the place a home. Always trying to be there for others, lending a listening ear when needed, and pushes herself and everyone around her to be their best person. She went to a performing arts school from 6th grade to 11th grade and had Hip-Hop dance as her performing art. As a person who really enjoys different art styles, she tries to learn different styles whether it is visual, performance, musical, or written. Anastasia can see why the arts are so important in cultures and to the people creating those arts. She also likes to create art in a way to communicate and to connect with other people.

Dena Reynolds

She/Her

Teaching Faculty

Dena was born and raised in New Mexico. She has studied and taught various movement disciplines throughout her life beginning with her own exploration of yoga and dance as a child and continuing her focus on the body and movement by earning a BFA in Dance from Southern Methodist University and an MFA in Dance from Florida State University. Dena’s studies of movement include the healing arts of acupressure, tai chi, yoga, meditation, and various body-mind therapies. After graduating from FSU Dena moved to New York City where she studied dance, performed, choreographed and taught in New York City and Hoboken, New Jersey. In 1994, Dena founded her own Dance and Movement Studio in Hoboken, New Jersey which remained active from 1994-2019. During those years, it offered movement and arts related classes for all ages of children to adults. In founding the Movement Space, Dena’s desire was to provide an environment for all people to achieve health through movement and the arts. In October 2020, she moved back to Albuquerque to live and be near family. In joining the Keshet Center as a faculty member, Dena has found a place and people with values and goals much like her own. She is honored to be a part of Keshet.

Diana MacNeil

She/Her

Costumer, Teaching Faculty

Diana MacNeil is a choreographer and teacher dedicated to furthering the movement arts in the field of contemporary dance. Her work over the last four decades has included collaborations with outstanding members of the dance community as well as initiating roles in such institutions as the Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts and the Lewitzky Dance Company.The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Loyola Marymount University, and the Yorke Dance Project, among others, have commissioned her choreography. Educational credits include projects from elementary to postgraduate levels at home and abroad. Performances with the Lewitzky Dance Company and others have earned her a reputation as a dancer of powerful dramatic skill. Her company, the PostHouse Dance Group, has performed to critical acclaim and her choreography, costuming and performance skills have reaped several Horton awards.In addition to teaching at Bianca Lily Ballet and Studio Sway, Diana teaches and applies her gifts as an incredible costumer at Keshet Dance Company and Center for the Arts.

Edward Carrion

He/Him

KCA Theater and Facilities Director

Edward Carrion, a lifelong learner of technical theater, brings diverse experience and an easygoing approach to his role as the KCA Theater and Facilities Director. Hailing from Albuquerque, Edward’s journey into the world of performance began in his youth, where he discovered his love for live performance, exploring both acting and the intricacies of theater tech. His path led him back to theater in high school, where he delved deeper into stage management, setting the stage for a multifaceted career. Graduating Cum Laude from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Arts in Design for Performance, with a Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies, Edward’s academic achievements were marked by notable recognitions such as the National Hispanic Scholarship, and his role as Treasurer in the Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity.

Edward’s professional journey has been marked by diverse roles, including Event Coordinator Assistant and Senior Adventure Leader at the City of Albuquerque’s Parks and Recreation Department and an Intern Stage Manager at Cirque Du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ONE. His technical acumen is underlined by rigorous training experiences such as the USITT Rigging and Stage Management Elite Trainings with Cirque Du Soleil. His time with Tricklock Company solidified his passion for local arts communities. Working on the Revolutions International Theatre Festival – recipient of the Creative Bravos Award from the City of Albuquerque – ignited a drive to see international artists share their talents with his local community.

Joining Keshet in 2021, Edward now oversees technical theater operations, facilities maintenance, and rental management. His primary objectives include providing a platform for artists to share their visions, refining his technical skills, and cultivating inclusive spaces for communities to gather. Beyond his professional endeavors, Edward’s interests extend to rock climbing, graphic novels, electronics repair, video games, and building and crafting. Edward’s multifaceted background and unwavering dedication to the arts position him as an invaluable asset to Keshet and the broader community.

Elysia Pope

She/Her

Company Dancer, Arts and Justice Initiatives Director, Teaching Faculty

Born and raised in Albuquerque, Elysia’s work explores the essence of artistry and advocacy in her role as the Director of Arts and Justice Initiatives and Company Dancer. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance from the University of New Mexico, nurturing her passion for movement and expression. Elysia’s training spans across the dance world, where she has honed her craft under the guidance of esteemed mentors and choreographers including Robert Battle, Erika Pujič, Zoë Knights, lisa nevada, Donna Jewell, Vladimir Conde Reche, Blythe Kanis, Yeztli Danza y Arte, the J. García Dance Company, and Lawine Torrèn. Her expansive training has afforded her the opportunity to perform all over the globe, in Canada, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. Elysia’s professional journey reflects her diverse skill set and unwavering commitment to serving the arts community. Prior to her current role, she lent her talents to diverse positions, from curating fine art portfolios and designing donor events at People For the American Way in Washington, DC, to stewarding community grassroots donors at the National Institute of Flamenco. Elysia’s work centers on the fusion of art and activism, where creativity becomes a conduit for social transformation.

Evening Star Barron

She/Her

Communications Manager

Evening Star joined Keshet in 2022 after a decade of professional experience within the Albuquerque theatre and artistic community. Actor, burlesque performer, intimacy director, and stage combat artist, Evening Star contributes both as an Acting Company Member with Duke City Repertory Theatre, as well as freelances with several local companies including The Left Turn Stage Combat and Stunt Workshop, the New Mexico Shakespeare Festival, and FUSION. She brings a love of marketing and grant writing, most recently with Theatre 3 and Duke City Rep, to her position at Keshet and uses her experience with internet outreach to connect with the community. A queer woman who was raised by professional dance educators in rural New Mexico, Evening Star has studied dance with City in Motion in Kansas City, the United World College in Las Vegas, the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and Move West in Santa Fe. She is passionate about and dedicated to fostering consent-forward practices in all aspects of artistic work.

François Achan

He/Him

M3 Faculty, Teaching Faculty

Originally from Houston, TX, Francois has been dancing and teaching nationally for the past 16 years. In 2010 Francois, along with 8 other artists, founded The Jungle Brothers Crew, traveling the globe battling and teaching. Francois spent four years working as a caseworker, mentor and community activist for Revision – a non-profit that redirects and mentors systemized, food insecure, and poverty-stricken youth. He attended Santa Fe University of Art and Design as a Film Major. For the past 13 years Francois has worked as a free-lance photographer and cinematographer for companies/organizations that include City of Houston, Austin City Limits, Dennis Rodman (of the Chicago Bulls), T-Mobile, Santa Fe Independent Film Festival, Modas Dance, Dancing Earth Creations, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Santa Fe University of Art and Design, Levi Skateboarding, Blueprint House Dance Festival, Monster Energy, and G-Fuel Energy. He has taught breaking and hip-hop at Sam Houston High School, Axis Dance, Jennifer Frost Dance, University of New Mexico, Blake High School of Performing Arts, New Mexico School of the Arts, National Dance Institute of New Mexico(NDI), and Keshet. Francois is currently a faculty member of the University Of New Mexico Theatre & Dance Department, teaching Hip-Hop Culture and Dance in all semesters. As well as a working Videographer, Cinematographer and Photographer, he is also currently Battling and remains a student of the culture of Hip-Hop.

Gerome Olona

Any pronouns

Database Manager

Gerome Olona is a local artist here in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is very excited to join the Keshet team. As Data Systems Manager, they is looking forward to using data to reflect the needs and makeup of our community, as well as aid in grant reporting requirements. A UETF Resiliency Residency Recipient through the National Institute of Flamenco, he has been involved in grant reporting processes and knows how valuable data can be when looking for funding to support artistic programs. Gerome has been involved in theatre and film for the past decade, and is continuously appreciative of this community and their willingness to see the myriad shows and productions across the city.

Hailey Himelright

She/Her

Keshet Pre-Apprentice – Teaching Faculty

Hailey was adopted from China and grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She started dancing when she was four through a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) school in Las Cruces. She received her bachelor’s degree in Socio-Cultural and Linguistic Anthropology with minors in Dance and Honors summa cum laude from the University of New Mexico. It was there that she also founded a dance student group, SLOPE, which aimed to provide more dance opportunities free of charge to students on campus. With SLOPE she served as the Artistic Director, class coordinator, and produced and directed five student-led dance concerts. Hailey hopes to continue her community led work and passion for dance as one of Keshet’s Teaching Faculty.

James Anderson

He/Him

Advancement Manager

James joined Keshet Dance Company and Center for the Arts in 2024, bringing with him a love for performing arts and more than 15 years’ experience supporting nonprofit arts, education, and food justice programs. A native of Southern California, he obtained a B.A. in History from UC Santa Barbara where he got his first experience fundraising for nonprofit programs. James’ varied career has given him the opportunity to sail historic tall ships along the coast of California, teach English to Elementary and High School students in Madrid, Spain, and work with award-winning Chefs preparing meals for families experiencing food insecurity. He is very excited to join such an inclusive and talented team at Keshet where he looks forward to continue serving his community. In his downtime, James enjoys spending time with his partner chasing their toddler around the house, playing table top RPG’s, and trying his best to catch up on sleep as a new father.

John Reiser

He/Him

Teaching Faculty

Originally from Washington, D.C., John studied music and modern dance at Wesleyan University in Connecticut and went on to the Columbia College Chicago Dance/Movement Therapy graduate (M.A.) program. He studied modern dance for 25 years and has danced and presented original choreography in Washington, D.C. , Chicago, and Santa Fe. He taught contemporary dance at Dance Space Santa Fe before moving to Albuquerque in 2023. John has a background in dance, music, theater, and film. He enjoys teaching people of all ages and all levels from absolute beginners to very experienced dancers. He has a passion for creating choreography combining his interests across all the performing arts. He strongly believes dance is for EVERYONE.

Juliana Gorena

She/They

Company Dancer, Teaching Faculty

Juliana Gorena is an artist, educator, and social justice advocate committed to fostering transformative change within communities. Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, Juliana developed a passion for movement and expression at the Public Academy for Performing Arts and further honed her craft in Keshet’s Pre-Professional Program. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in International Studies with a minor in Dance, Juliana explores the intersection of global issues and artistic expression.

Teaching Faculty

Lara Segura is a choreographer, performer, producer, and educator whose creative work lives at the intersection of movement, nature, and human connection. Holding an MFA in Site-Specific Choreography, she designs dance experiences that transcend the traditional stage, drawing inspiration from the land and the stories of the communities she engages. Her process is deeply rooted in mindfulness, presence, and play, guided by themes of social justice, environmental consciousness, and the transformative power of art to build community.

Concierge

Selina is elated to be a member of Keshet Dance and Center for the Arts staff working in the Concierge/Box Office. Selina worked in big-box warehouse retail for 28 years. She is mama to two grown children and their spouses, and Mimi to two beloved granddaughters. Selina loves to travel, camp with her family, paddle boarding, and hike. She enjoys new challenges and meeting new people. Selina has supported Keshet for over 25 years in various ways and is very proud to be involved in a different space to continue that support.

Shira Greenberg

She/Her

Founder & Artistic Director, Teaching Faculty

Shira founded Keshet in 1996 focusing on the intersection of contemporary dance, community, and systems-change advocacy. Her work is focused on accessibility for artists and audiences, the connection of dance and the juvenile justice ecosystem, the dynamic contemporary dance scene locally and globally, and economic development initiatives via arts entrepreneurship, performing arts makerspaces/residencies, and community engagement.

Since launching the organization in 1996, she has created over 60 original dance works for stage and film, including “Nutcracker on the Rocks” [“Any unmoved spectators had to be dead” – Arthur Alpert, Prime Time Magazine]; “Ani Ma’amin” [one of the most moving and beautifully designed dances this viewer has experienced…totally absorbing” – Jennifer Noyer, Albuquerque Journal]; and “A beast an angel and a madwoman” [“Transformative” – Matti Straub-Fisher, KaosPilots, Bern, Switzerland].

She has been recognized by multiple organizations and awards including the Martin Luther King, Jr Multicultural Council’s Keep the Dream Alive Award for “creating an environment where the medium of dance is used to build cross-cultural and social bridges to every aspect of society” and the Obama Administration’s President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities for her influential work at the intersection of dance and juvenile justice. Additional honors include the New Mexico Governor’s Award for Outstanding New Mexico Women; New Mexico Business Weekly’s Top Performing CEO of a non-profit organization, the New Mexico Humanitarian Award, and the New Mexico Ethics in Business Award recognizing the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity and civic and social responsibility. She has been a guest speaker throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East, sharing Keshet’s integrated approach of professional contemporary dance with programming in the areas of social justice, economic development, and creating spaces of belonging.

She has raised over 20 million dollars for Keshet during her tenure thus-far, growing the organization from an idea spark to a vital organization within the New Mexico arts ecosystem, with 30+ employees housed within its namesake performing arts center anchoring Keshet as a creative and activated space for artists and audiences from across the city, state, country and world. She is honored to continue to learn and grow and deepen Keshet’s impact in community with the incredible Keshet team.

Sonia Bologa

She/Her

Company Dancer, IT Coordinator, Teaching Faculty

Originally from Timisoara, Romania, Sonia has been a New Mexico resident since 2006. She has dedicated her life to dance since the age of 16, studying modern, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, Latin, ballroom, and Mexican Folklorico. After graduating from UNM in 2013 with a B.A. in Contemporary Dance, Sonia joined Keshet as a company dancer and teacher. Sonia’s work as an educator includes teaching in Keshet’s Movement + Mentorship = Metamorphosis (M3) program and in Keshet’s Pre-Professional Program (KP3). As a company dancer, Sonia is involved in the creation and touring of new works created for and with Keshet. Considering the profound impact dance has had on her life, Sonia believes that art can make a significant impact on anyone’s life, whether they take a class in a studio, perform on stage, or watch dance from the audience.

Sonya Warwick

She/Her

Director of Advancement

As a small town New Mexican raised in Silver City, Sonya came to Albuquerque to be a part of the “big” city life—as least to her it felt that way. She attended UNM completing a double bachelor’s degree in English and also in Journalism and Mass Communication. Since that time, Sonya has spent her 30-year career working in nonprofits, healthcare, and higher education; raising vital funds for the missions of each organization and increasing their awareness and visibility in the community.

Sonya has three children who are the light of her life and are constant reminders that we are all still learning. Sonya and her life partner Jerald have shared more than 30 years together building a life filled with laughter, love, resilience, and countless memories along the way.

In her spare time, she relishes the opportunity to hike and get out into the forest to connect with nature. Sonya loves to read books that include genres such as historical fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy. Some of her favorite music includes film scores from composers such as Hans Zimmer, Trevor Jones, Randy Eldeman, John Powell and so many others. She also enjoys music by M83, Mogwai, Sigur Rós, Moby, Lorne Balfe, Manchester Orchestra, God is an Astronaut – just to name a few. As a child and teen, Sonya studied ballet, jazz, and tap. To this day, she loves to get out on the dance floor at family events and functions.

Two of her favorite quotes are by Confucius who said, “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop,” and “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”

Sonya is stoked about joining Keshet and being a part of a such an exceptional and talented team!

Téa Woodland

She/Her

Company Apprentice, Teaching Faculty

Téa grew up in Helena, Montana dancing with Cohesion Dance Project (CDP) for 11 years. As a recent high school graduate, she moved to Albuquerque to further her dance training and teaching at Keshet. Her love for dance started at age 6 and grew larger with every production of Nutcracker on the Rocks she was in, most recently performing as Rat Queen for her 9th year of the show in Helena. Teaching became a passion of hers in 2021 when she began teaching 6-8 year old modern dance at CDP and this love has grown with every additional class she has taught. She sees Keshet as an amazing learning and growth opportunity that she feels so lucky to be joining as a company apprentice and teaching faculty for the year.

Vladimir Conde Reche

He/Him

Teaching Faculty

Professor Vladimir Conde Reche,originally from São Paulo, Brazil, is a distinguished artist with a multifaceted career in dance and choreography. He earned his BFA from The Juilliard School and an MFA in Choreography from the University of Iowa. His impressive performance history includes performing as a company member with the Cisne Negro Dance Company, Ballet Stagiun, as well as various guest appearances with other renowned companies. Vladimir’s global career has taken him to countries including Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Colombia, England, Germany, Italy, Mongolia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, the United States, and Uruguay.

Notably, he has also enriched his expertise through a workshop in Israel with Ohad
Naharin and dancers from the Batsheva Dance Company, delving deeply into Naharin’s innovative Gaga technique. With a robust foundation in ballet and a comprehensive background in Graham, Limón, and Taylor techniques, Vladimir seamlessly integrates traditional and contemporary approaches in his teaching. His technique classes are designed to equip dancers with the skills needed to excel in today’s diverse performance Landscape. As a choreographer, Vladimir collaborates extensively with composers, costume, set, and lighting designers, creating works for both students and professionals across contemporary, ballet, and theatrical genres, including plays and musicals. His choreography often engages with current issues, utilizing both traditional and modern language to connect with collaborators, performers, and audiences. In addition to his dance and choreography work, Vladimir is adept in digital media, using Final Cut Pro for video editing and Photoshop and Lightroom for his digital photography, further complementing his artistic practice.

Since moving to New Mexico he has choreographed more than 40 new works.