Nieya Amezquita
What could have been but wasn't. What was and now isn't
choreographed by Nieya Amezquita
"What could have been but wasn't. What was and now isn't" premiered in July 2025 as a part of Converge, a collaborative production in partnership with Analog Dance Works and Ruby Josephine Dance Theater at The Southern Theater in Minneapolis, MN. Converge was co-produced by three new, local companies to foster stronger connections within the dance community through collaboration and a shared commitment to its growth and stability.
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This piece explores the personal and collective psychology of nostalgia—its emotional complexity and its lasting impact. It delves into the dual nature of nostalgia as both comforting and bitter, examining how we revisit the past while striving to remain grounded in the present.​
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Audience Reviews
"I absolutely loved this production! The prioritization of community displayed itself beautifully on stage and I enjoyed the vision and voice of each choreographer. I hope these companies produce something similar in the future."​
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​"The pieces were mesmerizing and engaging. There were moments when I held my breath in eager anticipation of what would happen next."​
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"...the cast did a phenomenal job. The partnering was innovative, the lines were clear, and everything was very visually appealing."
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"...The emotional trails that flowed from one dancer to the next was electric."
The Team
Colin Myles Edwards
Dancer
Jayde Grass
Dancer
Doug Hooker
Dancer
Juliana Johnson
Dancer
Vy Nguyen
Dancer
Mary Mailand Schlichting
Dancer
Addie Smith
Dancer
Ruby Josephine Smith, Nieya Amezquita, Brenna Mosser
Directors & Dancers
Music:
Sálfræðingur deyr (feat. Pepijn Caudron) by Jóhann Jóhannsson
Come Wander With Me by Jeff Alexander
Kadan by AWARÉ
1919 by Ryuichi Sakamoto
Lighting Designer: Jacob Lee Hofer
Marketing Director: Katy St. John
Stage Manager: Julie Marie Muskat
Graphic Designer: Ruby Josephine Smith
Photographer & Videographer: Studio Aura
Additional Partners
Thank you, Lundstrum Performing Arts, for opening their space and generosity to the Converge project. We are grateful to partner with an organization committed to helping the arts flourish.
Grant Support
The development of this activity was made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.