Shenandoah Conservatory alumni Lily Farrar ’21, ’23 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, Master of Science in Performing Arts Leadership & Management) and Ian Sabatine ’24 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance) are continuing their professional dance careers as company members with Odyssey Dance Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah, under the direction of Derryl Yeager. Farrar is celebrating her fourth season with the company, while Sabatine is in his second.

Farrar performed in the company’s 40-show run of “Thriller” and also appeared in “Spectacular,” Odyssey’s Christmas holiday production. This spring, she will perform in “Romeo and Juliet: One Funky Tale” as Juliet’s best friend and understudy for Juliet and will tour internationally with the production in Germany. In addition to performing, Farrar serves as the company’s head of social media marketing.

Sabatine also spent the season touring “Thriller” in multiple cities and performing in “Spectacular,” while also rehearsing for upcoming productions, including “Romeo and Juliet: One Funky Tale.”

“Being a company member with Odyssey Dance Theatre has been nothing short of an incredible experience, and I’m so honored to be spending a second year with the company,” said Sabatine. “My first season gave me an invaluable glimpse into the professional dance world with touring and performing in three productions over the course of nine months, and I’ve learned so much about this wonderfully complex and fulfilling world. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside inspiring dancers and mentors who continue to shape my growth as an artist, and I’m building connections I know I’ll cherish for years to come.”

Sabine also reflected on his work preparing for the tour of “Thriller.”

“Odyssey has made my transition from collegiate life to the professional world seamless, and I’ve truly enjoyed being a sponge soaking up every moment and lesson. While I have the advantage of knowing ‘Thriller’ well, I still push myself to uphold its integrity while dancing it with even greater intention and refinement. The unpredictable nature of live theatre has kept me on my toes, but I thrive on the challenge of being ready to jump in wherever and whenever I’m needed.”

After the “Thriller” tour closed, the company began rehearsals for its second show of the season, “Spectacular,” which debuted in Salt Lake City in December. This is then followed by a European tour of “Romeo and Juliet: One Funky Tale” in March and two final productions in April. 

“I’m endlessly thankful for the training and mentorship I received at Shenandoah University, all of which laid the foundation for this exciting chapter, and I can’t wait to see where this journey continues to take me as I navigate life as a professional dancer.”