In preparation for DanceNOW 2026, VCUarts Dance sat down for a video interview with guest choreographer, ERA Dance Company Founder and VCUarts Dance Alumni, Jelani Taylor (B.F.A. ’19) to discuss his new piece Midnight Offering.
Taylor was invited to participate as a guest choreographer for DanceNow 2026 with the opportunity to stage an original work for the 2025-26 VCUarts Sophomore Dance class to perform. When discussing his motivation behind choreographing the piece, Taylor states that he “really wanted to find that VCU Dance fire. VCU Dance has a really palpable, pulsing energy.”
In the video, several VCUarts Dance students reflect on the experience of getting to work with Taylor and the uniqueness of his choreographic and instructional style. One student noted that “It helps you connect with the movement more than the timing of the music.”
You can view the full video interview below to learn more about the process of choreographing Midnight Offering.
DanceNOW 2026 will take place February 19-21, 2026 at the Grace Street Theatre at 7:30 p.m. nightly. Tickets may be purchased online now!
