May 30, 2026
1 min read

Dancers shine in “Loading:Unity” Concert at Phillips Hall

Gabriel Mata pauses for applause after an electric dance display titled "Borderline Body". Photo by Dylan Burch / el Don

Early this month I attended the Santa Ana Dance Department’s concert titled “Loading:Unity.”  

The lights dimmed and the performance began. Dancers bobbed and weaved out onto a dimly lit stage, contorting their bodies and forming shapes with one another.

Interspersed between the dance acts were commentaries on how one’s prejudice blinds their view from each other’s common humanity.

The energy and movement that the dancers showcased spoke more than words could.  

Ariana Ballinas performing “Where is my shadow?” The act was commemorated to those around us, but whose shadow has gone silent. Photo by Dylan Burch / el Don
“The Wall” was performed, a commentary on how people build a wall around their own prejudices and ideology, closing themselves off from each other’s common humanity. Photo by Dylan Burch / el Don
Ariana Ballinas (left) and Daniella Maldanado (right) performing “I Found You”. Photo by Dylan Burch / el Don
From left to right: Daniella Maldanado, Sergio Ramirez, Ariana Ballinas and Alejandro Roman performing “Shared Pulse”. Photo by Dylan Burch / el Don
Ariana Ballinas and Mia Mendoza during the performance. Photo by Dylan Burch / el Don
Ariana Ballinas is in the foreground with Ariel Alcaraz in the background. Featured prominently throughout the performance both dancers alternated between elegant nuance and high energy sets. Photo by Dylan Burch / el Don
Kimmie Nguyen (left) with Mia Mendoza (right) performing “Check Your Six”. Photo by Dylan Burch / el Don
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