Sands College Stars Shine Bright at the VMAs

Under the bright lights of the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), recent graduates of Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts—Svetha Nallapaneni, Elsa Stallings, and Mckenzie Landis—found themselves on one of the world’s most iconic stages. They were not just spectators but integral parts of a high-profile performance with none other than rock legend Lenny Kravitz, whose electrifying act left the audience of millions in awe. For Svetha, Elsa, and Mckenzie, this was not only the culmination of years of training but also the realization of dreams.

“While I was performing, I looked up for a split second, and Paris Hilton was just dancing in front of me so nonchalantly,” says Svetha. “All I could think was, ‘Oh my God, that’s Paris Hilton!’ and then I went right back to the dance!”

“Getting to experience this dream with so many friends I made through my years at Pace was just the cherry on top! This was definitely a dream job of mine, and I’m looking forward to doing it again in the future.”

For Svetha, the journey to the VMAs started with a single phone call. “I was direct-booked for this project by Fatima Robinson and her creative team,” she recalls. Svetha, a 2023 graduate with a BFA in Commercial Dance, had worked with Robinson during her time as a Knicks City Dancer. Mckenzie, who graduated with Svetha and is also currently in her third season as a Knicks City Dancer, also made her VMA connection through her prior work. When the opportunity arose to dance at the VMAs, Robinson knew who to call. “This was the first awards show I’ve danced at, and getting to dance with Lenny Kravitz of all people was so surreal,” Svetha says. “Getting to experience this dream with so many friends I made through my years at Pace was just the cherry on top! This was definitely a dream job of mine, and I’m looking forward to doing it again in the future.”

Elsa’s path to the VMAs was equally exciting but rooted in her ongoing professional relationship with Robinson. Since graduating in 2020, Elsa had worked closely with the renowned choreographer as her assistant and had been a part of Kravitz’s Blue Electric Light Tour. “I've had the honor of working closely with her for the past year or so, and we just wrapped up our work as the creative team for Lenny's Blue Electric Light Tour and his kick-off show for UEFA at Wembley Stadium in London in June,” Elsa explains. “His performance at the VMAs was somewhat of an extension of the work we’ve done with him this summer.”

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The VMAs have always been known for their ability to pull in massive viewership, and this year was no different. The show attracted over 4 million viewers, making it the most-watched VMAs in years. Performing alongside Kravitz, the Pace performers weren’t just dancing—they were contributing to a performance that would be talked about for months. “The moment I walked on stage with my fellow dancers during the real show is something I'll never forget,” recalls Elsa. “The entire process leading up to the show was very intense, but right when I got on stage and heard the crowd cheering, I felt a wave of ease and confidence that I only get when performing.”

Mckenzie agrees, adding, “The feeling when we walked onto the stage and saw the crowd and all the fans in the pit was crazy!”

The preparation, of course, was no easy feat. Elsa had the added challenge of juggling multiple roles, from creative assistant to production assistant, while still fulfilling her duties as a performer. “Along with being hired as a dancer, I was also the creative assistant and production assistant... so balancing these three roles was pretty time-consuming,” she says. “The choreography for the performance constantly evolved, with changes being made right up until the day of the show.” For Svetha, this was all part of the challenge. “We had to make changes on the spot every single day, so being adaptable and smart while in rehearsal and during the performance was crucial.”

“My training before Pace was mainly in ballet, so I really wouldn’t have been able to perform this commercial choreography if it weren’t for my eclectic training at Pace."

So, what was it like performing with Lenny Kravitz?

“Given his unmatchable star power and icon status, Lenny is an incredibly humble, kind, and overall wonderful person to be around,” Elsa says. “He has a very hands-on collaborative approach while still giving his team the space they need to create. He's a true master at his craft, both as a performer and musician, so you can imagine how inspiring it is to be around someone of his caliber.” Mckenzie echoes Elsa’s sentiment about the rock legend, “Lenny was so nice and super involved in the process and vision, which was very cool!”

“Lenny Kravitz is everything you imagine a rockstar to be!” adds Svetha.

Both graduates credit their time at Pace’s Sands College of Performing Arts for preparing them for the high-pressure environment of the VMAs. “My training before Pace was mainly in ballet, so I really wouldn’t have been able to perform this commercial choreography if it weren’t for my eclectic training at Pace,” says Elsa. “For this, I’m very grateful for the curriculum and faculty that nurtured me into a well-rounded artist.” Svetha echoes this sentiment: “During the LA Semester, we took both Choreography for the Camera and Dance on Camera, which allowed me to see dance in a different way. I learned how to position myself in formation according to camera, how to perform to the camera, and what movements looked right for camera if I ever had to improvise! I don’t feel like I would’ve been as prepared if I didn’t have that training.”

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As part of a larger contingent of Pace alumni performing at this year’s VMAs, Svetha, Elsa, and Mckenzie were joined by Maddie Obregon, who also performed with Kravitz, as well as Andrew Mulet, who danced for Chappell Roan, Valeria Yamin with Katy Perry, and Hunter Tayman with Eminem. Their collective presence was a testament to the world-class training offered at Sands College.

For Elsa, Svetha, and Mckenzie, the VMAs were not just another gig—it was the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to stand beside music legends and showcase the talent and discipline that Pace had instilled in them. “Nothing will ever beat the feeling of performing for me, and this was an extra special moment in my career,” Svetha says. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget rocking it out on stage with the legendary Lenny Kravitz!”

“Performing at the VMAs was definitely one of my big goals,” says Mckenzie. “And I’m blessed to say I can check it off the list!”

For these go-getters, the future is wide open, but one thing is clear: they are more than ready for whatever comes next.