Catching Contemporary Dance Events...

For live entertainment, some might say nothing is more exhilarting and visually pleasing than modern, contempoarary dance. Considering it was only developed in the 20th century primarily in the United States and Germany, this art form is relatively new in comparison to the rest of the arts. However, it has made gigantic strides in such a short period of time.

This style of theatrical dance rejects the limitations of classical ballet and favors movement deriving from the expression of inner feelings. The boundaries of dancers and choreographers are continually being stretched and broken, movements are becoming increasingly more complex and modern dance concerts are increasingly more breath taking. These performances are not always easy to find as repertory dance companies and troupes are always on the move (no pun intended) and rarely perform which sometimes makes these events difficult to catch unless you are in the inner circle of modern dance.

Some organizations to watch out for are Ultima Vez which was founded in 1986 as the company and organisation of choreographer, director and filmmaker Wim Vandekeybus. Since its foundation, Ultima Vez has intensively developed its activities as an international contemporary dance company with a strong base in Brussels and Flanders. While, during the first years, Ultima Vez focussed mainly on the production, promotion and distribution of the artistic work of Wim Vandekeybus (dance, theatre, film), the organisation has integrated many other activities. Ultima Vez has always functioned as an autonomous and independent structure, relying however on a network of co-producers and partners to realise its projects.

DV8 Phyisical Theatre was formed in 1986 in London and is led by Lloyd Newson. The company has produced .... 15 highly acclaimed dance pieces, which have toured internationally, and have produced five award-winning films for television ....

Founded in 1992 by French-born choreographer Jacques Heim, Diavolo Dance Theater examines the funny and frightening ways individuals interact with their environment., the company, which is known for its sometimes high-risk, dramatic use of set pieces, is comprised of dancers, gymnasts and actors who create performances collaboratively under Heim’s guidance. Diavolo has been recognized by Los Angeles Magazine as one of the most exciting and imaginative dance companies in our city.

Jennifer Wood, the choreographic engine behind Suchu Dance, has been toiling away crafting dance after dance for the past 11 years. It's been said that Wood doesn't make dances -- instead, she creates worlds where dance happens. She has directed ten full-length works and seems remarkably comfortable in the form. Her vivid imagination, combined with a natural sense of theatricality, makes for consistently compelling adventures.

A modern dance company, with roots in ballet and lyrical jazz dance, Vaughn Dance Company was formed in 2002 by choreographer Jennifer Vaughn. Making its mark with unique shapes, undulating movement, and intrinsic interpretation of music, Jennifer Vaughn's choreography captivates broader audiences and dance aficionados alike. Part acting, part dancing, Vaughn's movement is almost always tethered to emotion, and she pays careful attention to character development and tying movement to motivation.

Dance Houston was founded in 2003 by Andrea Cody with the aim to raise awareness and support of dance in and around Houston while making it more accessible for the general public. It is best known for its first and signature event, Dance Houston, a City-Wide Dance Festival featuring 12 - 18 companies in a single performance.

Acclaimed for its dramatic expression, technical mastery and expansive, yet nuanced movement, the Limón Dance Company illustrates the timelessness of José Limón’s work and vision. Founded in 1946 by José Limón and Doris Humphrey, the Company is now led by Carla Maxwell, who worked closely with Limón before becoming Artistic Director in 1978. The Company’s repertory, which balances classic works with commissions from contemporary choreographers, is of an unparalleled breadth, creating unique experiences for audiences around the world.

Heidi Duckler, Artistic Director, founded Collage Dance Theatre in 1987. She has choreographed over 50 original dance works at unique sites in Hong Kong, New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Portland, Oregon and throughout Southern California including the Lincoln Heights Prison, the Los Angeles River, the Subway Terminal Building, the Herald Examiner Building, the Ambassador Hotel and the L.A. Police Academy. Called “the reigning queen of site-specific performance,” by the L.A. Times, her work has been commissioned by Miami Light, Grand Performances, Roy and Edna Disney Hall (REDCAT), Aben Dans in Denmark, and the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation, among others.

Occasionally check into StubDog.com as they have worked with some of the aforementioned organizations. A website offering discount tickets online which seems to have their finger on the pulse when it comes to modern dance events in Houston, Los Angeles and Dallas.

StubDog was created in Houston to promote local events with one goal in mind. Give people the opportunity to try something new and entice them to explore events locally for a fraction of the normal cost. StubDog offers event tickets in Houston, Dallas/Fort-Worth and Los Angeles and more. A Fall Season for Events.

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