Dance Kaleidoscope (Indianapolis, IN), under the leadership of Christel DeHaan Artistic Director Joshua Blake Carter, presents four unique main stage performances annually with diverse work created by industry leading choreographers. Showcasing athleticism and technical expertise, Dance Kaleidoscope leaves the audience feeling invigorated and moved every time they take the stage.
In its 53 year history, the company has toured across the United States including a 10 year summer residency with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (1998-2008), and is Indiana’s longest running professional dance company.
Succeeding David Hochoy, a Martha Graham protégé, Carter now in his 2nd season as Christel DeHaan Artistic Director, brings his unique perspective and extensive background to shape what’s next for contemporary dance.
“…enrichment through visual storytelling with highly proficient performers who all demonstrate unwaveringly admirable skill in engaging and evoking feeling.”
– Amber Shatto, A Seat on the Aisle
“The total effect was one of bedazzlement due to ingenious choreography, impeccable execution and the artistry of the dancers, distinctive music and first-rate production values.”
– On the Aisle with Tom Alvarez
“Audiences and dancers alike needed the intermission to cool off.”
– Rita Kohn, Nuvo.com
This season Dance Kaleidoscope will present a range of compelling world premieres that highlight the incredible diversity and talent within the contemporary dance world. Audiences can expect powerful storytelling, breathtaking movement, and an unforgettable experience.
World Premieres for the 2024-2025 Season include:
Sean Aaron Carmon, formerly of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, choreographic work has received critical acclaim, being described as “powerful” and “seriously flawless” by The New York Times and Newsweek. This world premiere hiFi is set to the music of Perry Como and Rock Hudson.
Autumn Eckman, an Atlanta based choreographer, will create a world premiere during her two-week Indianapolis residency. The Chicago Tribune said “Eckman is a bright choreographic stylist, mixing solid design with color and sparkle.” Eckman’s career reflects her dedication to both performance and choreography, consistently pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance through her innovative and collaborative approach.
Joshua Blake Carter’s Late Night Tales is a collection of short works that represent a series of dreams and begs the question, “Did that really happen?”
Carter also takes on John Adams’ vibrant Shaker Loops for a full company world premiere that is a fusion of creativity and passion.
For his final world premiere of the season, Carter’s Under the Covers utilizes the hauntingly beautiful voice of vocal artist James Blake and features covers of Roberta Flack, Billie Eilish, and Beyoncé. This new work explores the dynamics of human relationships behind closed doors: the bad, the good, the ugly, and the beautiful.
Tsai Hsi Hung was selected from among 78 applicants as the Jaffee & Hall Emerging Choreographer Award Winner. Her work embodies a fresh perspective and innovative spirit that resonates deeply with the ethos of our contemporary dance company. Her choreographic work demonstrates a remarkable blend of technical prowess and emotive storytelling, pushing the boundaries of traditional dance forms while engaging with contemporary themes.
Other featured repertory available for tours:
Kim, an uplifting one-act work choreographed by Joshua Blake Carter about his mother’s journey through divorce and her discovery of happiness on the other side. The Chicago Tribune says, “it’s really about every person who has faced challenges and been forced to reinvent themselves again and again.”
Stories from the Corner Bar (2024 premiere by Joshua Blake Carter) features the soul-stirring music of singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile.
Stories from the Corner Bar (2024 premiere by Joshua Blake Carter) features the soul-stirring music of singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile.
Stories is a masterpiece of movement and storytelling. Jay Harvey from Upstage said, “…mirroring the emotional contours of Carlile’s songs in movement that sets attraction and rejection side by side, blending them so that it’s difficult to tell what’s getting the upper hand.”
David Hochoy’s Rhapsody in Blue and Ella delights audiences with movement that makes the music come to life with his visionary ,delightful artistry, and jaw-dropping partner lifts.
Diva Feva, a one-act, upbeat family friendly performance featuring the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Annie Lennox, ABBA, Rufus Wainwright, Roberta Flack and Celine Dion.
Shorter format repertory works are available by choreographers like Lalah Ayan, Brock Clawson, Stephanie Martinez, and Janice Rosario, as well as additional repertoire from Joshua Blake Carter and David Hochoy.
Dance Kaleidoscope is a collective of performers who value place-making, community-building, and outreach. Dance Kaleidoscope offers opportunities for all ages to discover and experience contemporary dance through a full range of workshops including Graham Technique, ballet, jazz, contemporary, improvisation, and expression along with customized dance performances.
