Each spring, the Flint School of Performing Arts (FSPA) dancers bring a season of dedication to life in a captivating event: the Festival of Dance, held at the UM-Flint Theatre.

The annual celebration showcases performers of all ages, highlighting not only their technical growth but also their creative expression through original and classical works.

A highlight of this year’s festival was the return of celebrated choreographer Darrell Moultrie, whose relationship with FSPA spans over two decades. A Juilliard graduate and choreographer for world-renowned companies such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Company, Moultrie first collaborated with FSPA in 2001. This year marked his eighth original work set for the Flint Youth Ballet (FYB).

Moultrie joined the company for an intensive weekend in January. During his brief but impactful visit, he observed the dancers, identified their individual strengths, and created a completely new piece titled “UNCHARTED” in just two days — a process that professional companies often stretch over a period of weeks. Because his time with the group was so limited, the choreography was kept short enough to allow plenty of time for individual coaching.
“That is the most valuable part of this relationship,” says Tara Gragg, chair of the FSPA dance department and director of Flint Youth Ballet. “He just has an innate sense of what the dancers are capable of and cuts to the core of their growth areas right away. With only a little observation he knows immediately what each dancer needs to work on.”

While setting choreography was the first step, the process continued long after Moultrie left. FSPA instructors rehearsed and refined the work with the dancers, regularly sending video updates to Moultrie for feedback. And his influence extended beyond movement — he also advised on costumes and lighting, often offering unexpected but brilliant ideas. “That’s what’s beautiful about art,” says Gragg. “It surprises you. It’s like receiving a present you love but wouldn’t have picked for yourself.”

Gragg credits Moultrie with challenging dancers in ways they wouldn’t choose on their own and helping them rise to meet those challenges. “They care more because they want to meet his expectations, and he shows them they can do it,” she explains.

The Festival of Dance also highlighted emerging student choreographers Madeline Marshick, Brooklynn Wilson and Zyona Looney. All three presented original works in the March Emerging Choreographers Showcase and were selected to perform at the festival. Wilson’s neoclassical trio en pointe was selected by adjudicator Greg Patterson of Oakland University to be featured on both performance days.

Rounding out the weekend was a charming excerpt from the classical ballet Coppélia, performed by the Flint Youth Ballet, along with spirited performances from younger FSPA dancers — many of whom will one day follow in the footsteps of their older peers. The annual festival offered these young performers more than just a chance to take the stage; it gave them a powerful glimpse of all they can become. While older dancers thrived under the expert guidance of Darrell Moultrie, they also became role models — showing the next generation what’s possible with a little guidance, some creativity and lots of determination.