Lilianna Castaneda

I am a first year student here at the media school! I'm interested in PR, and ready to learn what I can.



Projects by Lilianna Castaneda

Journalism Story

IU DANCERS RADIATE WITH ENERGY DESCRIBING THEIR PASSION FOR DANCE

By Ella Blake, Noah Ablove and Lilianna Castaneda

BLOOMINGTON, IND. (Apr. 3, 2025)— With every leap, IU dancers exude passion that lives on well beyond the stage.

At Indiana University, collegiate dancers are more than their skill set and talent. They are their passion, energy, connection and raw emotion.

Dance is beautiful, but not just an art form. For performers, like Belle Matson, and fellow dancer and choreographer Keilyan Bryant, dance is their identity. Their art is their passion, their means of expression, and their happy place. Through their unique experiences, we’ve opened a door to the world of dance, and have come to know just how much dance has shaped them into the performers, students, and people they are today. Each performer has a different story, and a different journey. Speaking with both Belle and Keilyan has shown us that although each path is different, the reward is always great.

“Take the opportunity, do the opportunity,” said Matson, “because the reward is so high.”

When speaking to Belle, it was surprising to find out that she claimed not to be the best dancer throughout her formative years, and although she was never front and center, she was more than eager to learn. Beginning as a competitive dancer, her transition to her current collegiate style was challenging. Because of her passion for her art, she studied any available material, went to every class possible, and rehearsed religiously to achieve the level of skill she currently possesses. She spoke on the importance of saying yes, and taking every chance that comes your way. Matson is a prime example for those aspiring to dance, or take on any kind of challenge,  emphasizing that hard work propels you farther than natural talent ever could. Seizing the moment is what led to her great success.

Belle Matson, IU dance major, shines in rehearsal. She exudes passion with every movement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moments later, briefly sitting down with Bryant, he revealed why dance is important to him, and what it truly means to go out and perform. He best described his career as big effort, and a big smile to match.

“To me, it’s always like a big smile, and putting your best foot forward,” Bryant revealed.

Being a choreographer, as well as a stage performer requires the ability to see his craft from multiple perspectives, which is not an easy feat. He claimed his motivation to create routines,  is actually what he hears when the performances are done. He makes his fellow dancers feel alive. His reward is the impact he makes on his peers, and having knowledge of his craft, as well as experience, it means the world to him when his pieces create a sense of growth and freedom for his dancers.

Both Keilyan Bryant, and Belle Matson perform together. The two are in sync, connecting them both physically, and emotionally.

These two remarkable individuals make up just one part of the IU dance community, and hearing from Belle once again, it seems community is an understatement. Matson, to wrap, really honed in on her fellow dancers always having each other’s back. The IU dance community is a family.

With each performance, and with every dance, Matson, Bryant, and dancers everywhere will continue to discover, nourish, and express parts of themselves that itch to be unleashed. Collegiate dance is a stepping stone to a successful and fulfilling future for these creative minds. Dance is not only an art, but a lifestyle.

Public Relations Story

Apple Announces a Major Technological Breakthrough

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts
Abby Meisler
Lily Castaneda

CUPERTINO, California (Sept. 9, 2014) — Apple CEO, Tim Cook, unveiled their newest product, the Apple Watch— a revolutionary device with a beautiful design, completely customizable and tailored to fit each individual’s wants and needs. The Apple Watch, a smartwatch, was engineered for the most efficient maneuvering, with every feature accessible with the tap of a finger or the flick of your wrist. It is a wearable, and powerful tool that changes the way we interact with the world for the better. With its cutting edge features, Apple has created a watch that isn’t just a watch, but a powerful addition to our everyday experiences with technology.

“We set out to make the best watch in the world, one that is precise,” said Cook. “It’s incredibly customizable, so you can find one that reflects your personal style and taste. Because you wear it, we invented new intimate ways to connect and communicate directly from your wrist.”

The Apple watch was designed to redefine the world’s perception of wearable technology. The design of this product, both internally, as well as externally, was created specifically for user convenience. With the most simple of movements, the individual sporting their new Apple Watch has access to an incredible range of action. Combining the traditional, classic aspects of a typical watch, as well as almost all fitness tracker features, and those of the average smartphone, the Apple Watch truly does it all. This watch features a digital crown, a touch screen, a heart rate monitor, and a fitness tracker, not to mention access to the internet, and the ability to call and message.

With the Apple Watch’s first launch, Apple offers several sizes, styles, and finishes. It is available in two sizes, 38mm and 42mm, as well as in three collections— Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition. The Apple Watch, the basic collection, is made with stainless steel, and is just as durable as it is appealing to the eye. The Apple Watch Sport is tailored to individuals with a more active lifestyle, featuring lightweight aluminum, and access to more durable band styles. From running to rock climbing, this collection was made for action. Finally, the Apple Watch Edition is the most luxurious of the three, featuring the elegant 14k gold finish. Being so customizable, Apple ensures that there is a watch for everyone. Like the watch itself, Apple also offers several styles of bands, including athletic bands, leather bands, and stainless steel bands with a wide variety of finishes. Your opportunity for self expression doesn’t stop here, as there are several opportunities to personalize internal features as well, such as your watch face’s theme, color scheme, and font.

Several Apple Watch designs that appeared in release video
A wide variety of Apple Watches cascade across the screen during the release video. Apple presents their development of a watch design for every lifestyle.

This groundbreaking technology is not only for aesthetics though, as it allows for a new, more convenient form of communication, acting as the perfect partner of the iPhone, but not just an extension of it. With its newly developed software, through the Apple Watch, the user can stay connected in several ways, including call, text, and interaction with Siri, Apple’s AI assistant. By using only your voice, or a simple gesture, users can reply to messages, check the weather, or set an alarm. Real-time notifications are also easily accessible, as well as several other apps.

Apple’s vision for their Apple Watch was to create a personal, convenient, and functional device for their users, and they did just that. To own an Apple Watch is to be healthy, connected, and entertained. With this device’s wide array of features, I have confidence that it will, and has, paved the way for many more wearable technology developments. The Apple Watch is revolutionary, reliable and truly a lifestyle.

Cook presents the brand new Apple Watch. This keynote speech took place in Cupertino, on September 9th, 2014.

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