Into the Fray | Taso Papadakis

Into the Fray

A collaborative evening length work created by Kate Hutter, Genevieve Carson, Erik Speth and Kevin Williamson. The 65-minute work is accompanied by live music under the direction of resident composer Eric Mason.

Together they pool their unique movement styles and artistic voices to create a rich, multifaceted work of contemporary dance theatre that speaks to moments of impact between bodies, language, instincts and ideas in the world. Through a series of calculated and chance meetings, the cast of 20 navigate these pivotal moments to experience how we can set our course, forge new paths, and dramatically shift the directions of our lives. "Into The Fray" is an ode to the courage we all possess to step out the door and leave ourselves vulnerable to the numerous unknown outcomes of each day.

Choreographers: Kate Hutter, Genevieve Carson, Erik Speth and Kevin Williamson
Premiere Date: 2014
Run Time: 65 minutes

Credits

Choreographers:

Genevieve Carson, Kate Hutter, Erik Speth, Kevin Williamson
with contributions by the dancers

LACDC Artists:

Kate Andrews, Christian Beasley, Hyosun Choi, Jamila Glass, Nicholas Heitzeberg, Tess Hewlett, Marisa Jimenez, Marcello de sa Martins, Gakenia Muigai, Melissa Schade, Drea Sobke, Tiffany Sweat, Kim Thompson, and Angel Tyson with Guest Artists Raymond Ejiofor, Maor Levy, and Ryan Ruiz

Collaborators include:

Original Score: Eric Mason
Musicians: Eric Mason and Garrett McLean
Projection: Erik Speth
Lighting Designer: Tony Shayne
Assistant Lighting Designer: William Sammons

Trailer coming soon...

Into the Fray | Taso Papadakis

Into the Fray | Taso Papadakis

Into the Fray | Taso Papadakis

Into the Fray | Taso Papadakis

Into the Fray | Taso Papadakis

Into the Fray | Taso Papadakis

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)