Celebrating 20 Years!
As L.A. Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC) embarks on its 20th anniversary season, we take this time to both honor our past and look ahead to the future. Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing conversations and guest posts from members of the LACDC community—artists, choreographers, collaborators, staff and supporters—who have shaped the company over the years.
If you have any archival photos and videos, or even a memory to share, please send them to [email protected] and we will make our best effort to include them in our celebration via the newsletter or social media.
Words from Artistic Director Jamila Glass
Personal Journey – As an original company member who has worn many hats, how has your relationship with LACDC changed over the years, and what does it mean to you to now lead as Artistic Director?
Jamila: In 2005, just one day after graduating from the University of Southern California’s film school, I auditioned for the L.A. Contemporary Dance Company. A week later, I was a founding member. Being part of something at its very inception was nothing short of exhilarating. I had no idea what to expect, but I was deeply grateful just to be in the room, learning from everyone around me.
Looking back now, it's incredible to realize that I’ve been pursuing this profession for 20 years. Over my time with LACDC, I've embraced a variety of roles: Social Media Coordinator, Media Director, Graphic Designer, Assistant Director of the Summer Intensive, Director of all Intensives, Rehearsal Director, Producer, Film Director, Film Editor, Cinematographer, and Choreographer. Each of these positions has not only deepened my connection with the company but has also given me a front-row seat to the complexities of both the business and creative sides of the organization. Through it all, I’ve come to see how each role ties back to one central theme: service.
Today, as Artistic Director (AD), I approach everything through the lens of service. The opportunity to curate experiences that impact hundreds, even thousands, of people is a responsibility I carry with great intention and care. Though I never envisioned myself stepping into an AD role, it’s one that has broadened my perspective in ways I could never have imagined. It’s helped me unlock hidden skills and given me a deeper sense of self, expanding my world in the most unexpected ways.
Words from Executive Director Napoleon Gladney
Challenges & Triumphs – What have been some of the biggest challenges the company has faced, and what achievements are you most proud of?
Napoleon: One of the biggest challenges LACDC has faced was navigating the impact of COVID-19 and the social/cultural awakening individuals and institutions were called to address. Like so many arts organizations, we had to pause (on multiple occasions) and rethink how we operated—rescheduling performances, shifting creative projects and practices, evaluating our infrastructure, taking accountability and adapting to sudden transitions among our artists, staff and collaborators. That period of uncertainty was difficult, but it also became an opportunity. It pushed us to work in new ways, restructure and solidify our organization’s purpose, embrace new and familiar ways of working like filmed dance projects more fully, and find innovative approaches to creation and connection. We adapted to communicating across the country (and even the world) and connected with new collaborators and partners to expand our community. That adaptability has remained a strength as we continue expanding our artistic reach.
On the triumph side, I’m incredibly proud of the breadth and depth of work we’ve developed over the years. Our collaborations with innovative choreographers who continue to make an impact in the industry stand out in my mind. Our pursuits in developing and producing new works have pushed boundaries with costume, set, projection/video and sound design. As well as with composition and emerging technologies. Taking risks with formats like evening length, immersive and film work have allowed us to explore new ways of engaging audiences and bringing contemporary dance into unexpected spaces.
Beyond performance, our investment in training programs has been equally meaningful—through intensives, workshops, in-school residencies, and class series, we’ve nurtured hundreds of professional artists, many of whom have gone on to shape the field in remarkable ways. Most recently, the launch of new programs designed specifically to support choreographers has been another major milestone, reinforcing our commitment to fostering creative voices at every stage.
Through every challenge and every success, the heart of LACDC has remained the same—our dedication to bold, innovative artistry and to cultivating a thriving, inclusive dance community.
Media Credits
Founding Company Members after LACDC's first ever performance run in 2005. Pictured from left to right: Allison Jones, Jamila Glass, Katie Russell, Devin Fulton Gomez, Lauren Dragicevich, Kevin Williamson and Kristin Dusold. Seated: Co-founder and former Artistic Director Kate Hutter Mason and Christopher Hazelton. Not pictured Jean Michelle Sayeg.
TERRA choreographed by Drea Sobke and former Artistic Director Genevieve Carson, Costume Design by Kelsey Vidic, Set Design by Carlo Maghirang, Video and Projection Design by Hsuan-Kuang Hsieh, Lighting Design by Katelan Braymer, Photo by Gema Galiana. Pictured: Tiffany Sweat.
of touch, of time choreographed by Spenser Theberge in collaboration with the performers, Costume Design by Ashley Kayombo, Tailoring by Robert Huerta, Costume Design Consulting by Kelsey Vidic, Lighting Design by Ric Zimmerman, Photo by Taso Papadakis. Pictured: Lily Massie and Jonacy Montero.
It's Not You, It's Me choreographed by Artistic Director Jamila Glass, Costume Design by Ashley Kayombo, Tailoring by Robert Huerta, Costume Design Consulting by Kelsey Vidic, Lighting Design by Ric Zimmerman, Photo by Taso Papadakis. Pictured: Colleen Loverde, Lily Massie, Kelle Meschede, Jonacy Montero, Melody Morrow, Dawson Walker
Blinding Lights - Vitamin String Quartet x L.A. Contemporary Dance Company Perform The Weeknd danced and choreographed by Christian Beasley, Hyosun Choi, Jamila Glass, Nicole Hagen, Tess Hewlett, Malachi Middleton, Angel Tyson, JM. Rodriguez, Ryan Ruiz, Directed by former Artistic Director Genevieve Carson and Nathan Kim, Creative Director: Tom Bird, Director of Photography: Nathan Kim, Movement Director: Genevieve Carson, Editor: Nathan Kim, Lighting Designer: David Patrick, Lighting Consultant: Ric Zimmerman, Stylist: Kelsey Vidic, Assistant Stylist: Daniel Miramontes, Production / Playback: Aron Silverstein, Production: Marlene Nichols, Production: Nicco Marcantonio, Music Production: Pablo Hopenhayn, Executive Producers: James Curtiss + Leo Flynn, Filmed at Stomping Ground with special thanks to Kate Hutter Mason