by taso papadakis

and then life was beautiful

This work follows a chosen family as they build an alternate reality, remembering what was and celebrating what is to be…

Director: Jamila Glass
Premiere Date: 2022
Run Time: 41 minutes

Available for touring

Credits

Director/Supervising Choreographer: LACDC Artistic Director Jamila Glass

Associate Choreographer: JM. Rodriguez
With choreography contributions from the company

LACDC Artists:

Hyosun Choi, Nicole Hagen, Colleen Hendricks, and JM. Rodriguez with Guest Artists Derrick Paris, Sandy Strangis, and Hunter Wayne.

Collaborators Include:

Original Music: Eric Mason
Lighting Designer: Claire Chrzan
Additional Music: Michael Wall
Art Director & Costume Designer: Rick Gradone
Assistant Choreographer: Kate Coleman

WATCH THE REHEARSAL TRAILER

Trailer | and then life was beautiful | L.A. Contemporary Dance x Jamila Glass

Additional Info

SPECIAL THANKS to the artists who have been a part of the development of this work from 2020-2022: Christian Beasley, Genevieve Carson, Hyosun Choi, Kate Coleman, Jamila Glass, Nicole Hagen, Colleen Hendricks, Tess Hewlett, Derrick Paris, JM. Rodriguez, Ryan Ruiz, Sandy Strangis, Angel Tyson, and Hunter Wayne

Trailers Filmed by Anna Tse and Edited by Danielle King

Watch the dance film companion piece: and then life was beautiful

"...a very strong work that definitely must be seen multiple times to take in everything that is transpiring..." --Jeff Slayton, L.A. Dance Chronicle

"...felt like a journey through time, eras and generations." --Jeff Slayton, L.A. Dance Chronicle

"'It was very cathartic to allow [and then life was beautiful] to unfold out of me, and it allowed me to create from a very honest place, rather than being concerned about what people might want to see,' [Jamila Glass] says.” -- Steven Vargas, L.A. Times

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After 20 years of artistic creation and community engagement, L.A. Contemporary Dance concludes its journey as an organization as of January 9, 2026.

Founded to showcase dance in Los Angeles, LACDC evolved into a home for collective artistry where performances were crafted by choreographers and dancers alongside playwrights, composers, designers, filmmakers, photographers, stage managers, technicians — an incredible team whose imaginative work gave shape and emotional depth to our repertory. These collaborations brought contemporary dance to life in ways that were bold, explorative, expressive, and accessible.

Through live events, digital experiences, and educational programming, LACDC cultivated environments rooted in curiosity, belonging, and learning without judgment. The organization consistently asked how contemporary dance might better reflect and serve the community around it, valuing discovery over mastery and process alongside performance.

This vision was made possible thanks to the creativity and leadership of our Artistic Directors, Executive Directors, Managing Directors, and Company Staff:

Artistic Leadership

Kate Hutter Mason — Artistic Director & Co-founder (2005–2015)
Genevieve Carson — Artistic Director (2016–2020)
Jamila Glass — Artistic Director (2021–2025)

Executive & Managing Leadership

Michelle Jolly — Executive Director & Co-founder (2005–2009)
Lauren Dragicevich — Managing Director (2009–2013)
Eva Angeloff — Managing Director (2013–2018)
Napoleon Gladney — Executive Director (2019–2025)

We are profoundly grateful to all who have left their fingerprints on the organization. This work would not have been possible without the support of our board members, donors, producers, presenters, community partners, volunteers, students, audiences, friends, and family — all who believed in this work. You made it possible.

While LACDC as an organization is closing, the values we cultivated continue forward through the relationships formed here and in all of you.

To anyone considering starting a company or pursuing a dream project — do it. Start now. Don’t wait for the opportunity; be the opportunity. We need your voice and creative work more than ever.

Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey.

L.A. Contemporary Dance
(2005–2025)