SIUE Alumni Part of Diavolo’s Dance Theatre Featured on “America’s Got Talent”
Two Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni will perform with the Diavolo dance and performance company on the Tuesday, Aug. 29 broadcast of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”
Rico Velazquez and Erin White, who both earned a bachelor’s in theater and dance from SIUE in 2014, will converge on stage with pieces of giant moving structures. Diavolo Dance Theatre advanced through two rounds on the NBC show to make it to tonight’s live performance.
According to the founder and artistic director, Jacques Heim, Diavolo is architecture in motion and “uses dance to explore the relationship between the human body and its architectural environment.”
During one showing of “America’s Got Talent,” the group’s spokesman Velazquez said: “Jacq will come up with an idea that sounds crazy to everyone, and sometimes we don’t even know if it’s possible. But at the end something beautiful is created.”
“Rico is extremely charismatic and has a great personality that comes across when he is performing,” said Kristin Best-
Kinscherff, assistant professor in the Department of Theater and Dance. “He just lights up on stage and you are drawn to watch him.”
Best-Kinscherff taught both Velazquez and White. “They are both super athletic and beautiful to watch,” she added.
“Erin combines her athleticism with great grace,” Best-Kinscherff continued. “She has a nice flow to her movement and at the same time is a fireball of power.”
Photos:
Rico Velazquez earned a bachelor’s in theater and dance from SIUE in 2014.
Erin White received a bachelor’s in theater and dance from SIUE in 2014.
