Mt. SAC Repertory Dance Company Earns Duet Award at Palm Desert Choreography Festival
Palm Desert, Calif. – The Mt. San Antonio College Repertory Dance Company was once again invited to perform at the distinguished Palm Desert Choreography Festival, held at the McCallum Theatre on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Dance Department Chair Michelle Shear’s piece, Concessions, was selected as one of 15 works showcased in the festival’s pre-professional concert.
The two-day festival highlights innovation in dance. Saturday’s program featured choreographers collaborating with professional dance artists, while Sunday focused on those working with pre-professional performers – technically skilled individuals emerging as artists at the beginning of their careers.
Shear’s piece, performed to Bolero by Maurice Ravel, starred Roberto Morales and Dylan Tillman. Both dancers were also featured in last year’s award-winning work, It Never Happened, which received the festival’s “Ensemble Award.” Making this partnership even more meaningful is the bond the two dancers have formed during their time at Mt. SAC, growing as artists and achieving success together.
Additional contributors to the performance’s success included Nolan Catingub, who designed the lighting. Shear designed the costumes, and her husband, Ethan Shear, crafted a beautifully constructed set for the piece.
The Mt. San Antonio College Repertory Dance Company was honored with the festival’s “Duet Award,” which includes a $750 prize. The funds will support future competitions, festivals, and travel opportunities for the Dance Department.
About the Palm Desert Choreography Festival
Founded in 1998 by choreographer Shea New, the Palm Desert Choreography Festival is a choreography competition that celebrates dance innovation while fostering professional development for emerging talent. The festival features master classes, dynamic performances, and networking opportunities, connecting dancers, choreographers, donors and community leaders. Over its 28-year history, it has become a cornerstone event, championing creativity and access to dance education.
The festival also emphasizes community outreach, offering workshops for students and creating professional opportunities for local youth pursuing careers in dance.
Reflections from Mt. San Antonio College Repertory Dance Company Performers:
Roberto Morales – “Palm Desert Choreography Festival 2025 is one that I will remember for the rest of my life. Not only was I able to perform a duet with my best friend, Dylan Tillman, but I was able to represent the college that has given me so much. Representing Mt. SAC at one of the most prestigious dance events in our community was both an honor and a privilege. Through the support of the Kinesiology, Athletics and Dance Division, we were able to participate in both a master class with industry professionals and perform for a panel of esteemed judges, including the legendary David Parsons. Through this experience, I was inspired by Michelle Shear’s dedication to her dancers and her commitment to pursing excellence. I will forever be grateful to have her as a teacher, choreographer and mentor.”
Dylan Tillman - “This year’s Palm Desert Choreography Festival was not only an amazing experience, but one that I will truly remember for years to come. I performed a piece that is dear to my heart alongside my best friend, Roberto Morales, under the guidance of one of my dance mentors, Professor Shear. Being able to experience and be exposed to different choreographers and artists expanded my creative process and pushed my artistic boundaries. Dance festivals and projects like these help artists, such as myself and other Mount San Antonio College students, continue to pursue their dreams across the many facets of dance we choose to explore.”
About Michelle Shear:
Michelle Shear serves as the Dance Department Chair at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California. She received her BA in Dance from California State University, Fullerton and an MFA in Dance from the acclaimed Mills College in Oakland, California. Michelle has been a professor for over 20 years. In addition to teaching, she enjoys working on special projects and collaborations, such as her bilingual children’s book, Kate Takes a Dance Class. This is Michelle’s second year presenting work at the Palm Desert Choreography Festival and she thanks the organization for this platform to showcase artists.
