The 2022–2023 Season
The 2022-23 Season is a momentous occasion for Dance Kaleidoscope with the celebration of the 50th Anniversary. Over its 50-year history, Dance Kaleidoscope has been recognized for exceptional contemporary dance, arts education, and for its outstanding contributions to Indiana’s arts and cultural communities. This historic year will be a time to reflect on a golden legacy of achievement, the tremendous growth the organization has achieved and to celebrate all those who helped to facilitate it.

This important 50th Anniversary milestone will be marked by a year-long series of performances and events that aim to celebrate the past and embrace and envision the future.

We welcome you to join us in Celebrating 50 Years of Creativity, Commitment, and Community!

Artistic Director David Hochoy to Retire at the end of the 2022-23 Season

After a thirty-two career at Dance Kaleidoscope, David Hochoy will retire from his position as the Artistic Director at the end of the 2022–2023 Season.  This planned retirement coincides with Dance Kaleidoscope’s 50th Anniversary Season.

David Hochoy was hired as the Artistic Director in 1991 when co-artistic directors Cherri Jaffe and Ginger Hall retired.  Prior to joining DK, he spent two years as a full-time faculty member at Texas Christian University. Born in Trinidad, West Indies he received a B. Sc. at McGill University in Montreal, where he began studying for a career as a doctor, and continued his graduate work in theater earning an M.A. in Directing from Penn State. It was there, at age 20, David took his first dance class and discovered his true love of dance.

In New York, he studied at the Alvin Ailey and Martha Graham schools and danced with numerous national companies. In 1980, he was invited to join the Martha Graham Dance Company.  He was promoted to soloist in 1982 and rehearsal director in 1986 and toured the world with Graham until 1989. He has given master classes in Graham technique throughout the world, and he remains on the faculty of the Martha Graham School.

Throughout David’s career he has highlighted the wealth of artistic talent in Indianapolis by partnering with institutions such as the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, American Pianists Association and the Indianapolis Children's Choir.  He was a founder/co-artistic director of Spotlight, the annual fundraiser for the Indiana Aids Fund that unites all of the Indianapolis performing arts groups annually. Under his direction, the company also enjoyed a 10-year residency at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Over the span of Hochoy’s career he has brought more than 60 dancers to Indianapolis from across the nation. The majority of these dancers stayed beyond their dance career with DK to open their own studios or start their own company or creative endeavor.  Additionally, David Hochoy has supported the creative passions of company members by allowing them to choreograph and present their works at the IndyFringe Festival and on the main stage since 2008.  

Since becoming Artistic Director at Dance Kaleidoscope, David has choreographed over 70 dances including audience favorites Carmina Burana, Magical Mystery Tour and Scheherazade, all of which are a part of his final season with Dance Kaleidoscope.

“It is time for a new generation of artistic leadership at DK. Change can be hard but this change is planned in the spirit of growth and potential, not just for DK but for the entire arts and cultural sector.  I am excited about where the company is right now organizationally, and I am confident of where we are going next,” Hochoy said. 

In 2021, the Board of Trustees hired Kim Gutfreund as the new Executive Director after Jan Virgin’s 25 year tenure and retirement.  Gutfreund said, “When I was hired, I was aware of the transition plan. Though my time working with David will span less than 2 years when he retires, I'm honored to be a small part of his lasting legacy.  He is inspiring and generous, and his love for this company is evident every day.”

Though it came late in his career, Hochoy is proud that with former executive director Jan Virgin and current executive director Kim Gutfreund, he led a successful capital campaign to create an artistic home for Dance Kaleidoscope.  He understands what this means to the company today and for the next generation of dancers. 

Hochoy said, “My time with DK has been rewarding and rich, and I’m very grateful to the Indianapolis community for making it so. It has been a pleasure to work with Lighting Designer Laura E. Glover who has been with me since 1991.  I’ve enjoyed working with the best and most talented dancers and choreographers,  costume designers, stage managers and technical crew, and our many dedicated board and staff members.  With the love and support of our donors and patrons, Dance Kaleidoscope is Indiana’s longest running dance company and the 25th largest professional contemporary company in the nation. I can never say thank you enough. “

Glover said, “David has been the best artistic partner throughout his tenure with DK, not only for me but for his dancers and collaborators.  His artistic vision has been steadfast and he has always demanded excellent standards.  I thank him with all of my heart and soul for supporting my own artistry with DK through our collaboration, nurturing my growth as a lighting designer and our wonderful friendship.”

Hochoy said, “It’s humbling to be retiring at the end of the 50th Anniversary Season.  We’ve been reflecting on the past but mostly we are all looking forward together to an exciting and sustainable future for Dance Kaleidoscope.” 

Board Co-Chair Jessica Reckamp expressed the Board of Trustees appreciation for David’s artistic leadership. “David leaves a legacy of excellence and has built a rock solid foundation upon which we can continue to grow. His vast contributions to Indianapolis and the art form of contemporary dance sets DK up to support the next generation of dancers and dance lovers.” 

Dance Kaleidoscope has hired a firm to conduct a nationwide search for a new Artistic Director and plans to announce the new hire in spring 2023.

The Company

Comprised of 11 professional dancers from across the United States, Dance Kaleidoscope performs 4 mainstage performance each season along with multiple performances and engagements throughout the city in collaboration with other organizations such as the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The company is known for their world class performances, and their movement is grounded in athleticism and technical expertise.

The Repertory

Recent guest chorographers include Brock Clawson and Lalah Ayan. 

Dance Kaleidoscope offers many opportunities for people of all ages and communities to discover and experience contemporary dance through workshops and customized dance performances. In partnership with Arts for Learning, DK has been in schools throughout Indiana since 1992.

A full range of workshops and classes are offered including Graham Technique, ballet, contemporary, improvisation and expression.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our Mission:
       To inspire, educate and entertain through the experience of outstanding contemporary dance. 

Photo credit: Drew Endicott