Chromatic Truths: Junior Dance BFA Students Illuminate Identity, Movement, and Process

By Chad Eric Smith, Director of Marketing & Communications, Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts   

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Ira Aldridge Theatre, the Department of Theatre Arts Dance Program at Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts will present Chromatic Truths, an evening of bold movement and creative exploration led by the Junior Dance BFA class. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Each year, this works-in-process showcase gives students an opportunity to experiment, refine, and reveal. The evening begins with a special “Behind the Scenes” preview and conversation with the choreographers—offering audiences a window into the questions, ideas, and inspirations shaping each original piece. From contemporary forms to African diasporic traditions, the showcase highlights the dynamic range and depth of Howard’s dance students as they share stories of identity, truth, and surrender through movement.

“Our Fall Showcase always centers student voice and process,” said Larissa I. Joseph, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of the Dance Program. “Audiences will witness young artists testing ideas in real time, refining craft, and honoring the lineage of Black dance while pushing toward new possibilities.”

For Morgan Williams, a junior choreographer, the title Chromatic Truths captures the vibrancy of her class’s collective exploration.

“It’s about the discoveries we’ve made along the journey of choreography,” she shared. “I hope audiences leave with a sense of surrender—to the present moment, to trust, and to the brightness that lies ahead.”

Williams, who hails from Texas, reflected on how her time at the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts has deepened her understanding of dance as both discipline and language.

Being part of the creative processes of several esteemed choreographers has shown me what dance can be. Coming from a drill team background, stepping into this space has taught me to value the subtleties—the breaths between counts. Watching others bring their visions to life has inspired me to create something profound.

Her classmate Kai Paul shared how the program’s curriculum and mentorship have shaped her artistry and her sense of purpose.

“Taking classes like dance history, which center the origins of dance from Africa, and learning from pioneers in this program has been transformative,” Paul said. “Engaging through the lens of a predominantly Black artistic space is empowering. It’s taught me how to honor this art form and how to excel even amid times of political tension and social unrest.”

For Roman Neal II, who will debut his original work at the showcase, Chromatic Truths represents both freedom and authenticity.

“It’s about living fully and expressing yourself without barriers,” Neal explained. “It speaks to the times we’re living in—how we continue to push through and rise above the roadblocks we face.”

In addition to premiering new choreography, Neal is also a Washington Wizards dancer, balancing a growing professional career with his academic pursuits at Howard. His presence in both spheres reflects the discipline, artistry, and excellence that define the Dance Program’s emerging leaders.

As the curtain rises on Chromatic Truths, audiences will witness not only performance but process—the ongoing evolution of artists grounded in tradition yet daring in innovation. The evening invites all who attend to move, to feel, and to believe in the transformative power of dance.