UCI Dance Alumni Represented in SoCal Ballet Scene: Ballet Festival 2025

Eight graduates bring their training and artistry back to Irvine for performances at the Barclay Theatre

This Saturday, September 13, 2025, the annual SoCal Ballet Scene: Ballet Festival 2025 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre showcases the artistry of several UC Irvine Department of Dance alumni. Directed by Rena Kamariotakis, the festival brings together professional dancers from across the region in a program that highlights both classical and contemporary work.

Among the performers are UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts graduates Alec Guthrie, Elise Holmes ’20, Karli Padilla ’2021, Stella Singyiun ’22, Isabella Granqvist ’23, Emma Mertens ’23, Brayden Page ’25 and Lauren Clarke ’25. Their participation underscores the Department of Dance’s continuing impact on the professional field and the strong community that extends beyond campus.

“Dancing at UCI has prepared me for this upcoming SoCal Ballet Festival in many ways,”  shared Brayden Page. “From working through multiple rehearsals to understanding what is expected of a dancer at a higher level, my training broadened my dancing so that I can do almost anything asked of me in the professional world.”

That sense of versatility also resonated with Karli Padilla, who noted that her time at UCI helped shape her artistic identity. “I had the opportunity to train in so many different styles and work with choreographers who challenged how I labeled myself as an artist,” said Padilla. “It also helped me network and create a strong dance community. I love dancing alongside fellow alumni and continuing to create art together.”

With multiple generations of UCI dancers represented, the festival demonstrates how the department’s emphasis on technical excellence, creative exploration and professional preparation continues to shape careers in the field.

“The rigorous training and creative exploration at UCI Dance have prepared me to bring both discipline and individuality to the upcoming ballet festival that I can’t wait for audiences to see,” said Stella Singyiun.

The SoCal Ballet Scene: Ballet Festival 2025 takes place in September at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Tickets are available through the Irvine Barclay Theatre website.