Demigods

Inspired by the purity, vitality and mystery of children, and the theory that an infant knows all the secrets of the universe when born, but cannot communicate it to the world. Nina’s vision for the work also includes internally lit costuming that strobes, twinkles and glows dependent on the characters mood and interaction with others.

Choreographer: Nina McNeely
Premiere Date: 2014
Run Time: 17 minutes

Credits

Choreographer:

Nina McNeely

LACDC Artists:

Genevieve Carson, Raymond Ejiofor, Jamila Glass, Tess Hewlett, Andrew Pearson, JM. Rodriguez, Melissa Schade & Tiffany Sweat

Collaborators include:

Music/Composer: Robbie Williamson and Anna Sitko
Lighting Designer (LED Design): Derek Michael
Costume Designer: Sarah Sachs
LED Designer: Derek Michael (featuring wireless lighting technology)

Trailer coming soon...

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)