Initiator

Adam Parson reflects on a trip to Kenya where he observed women who were threatened by male family figures if they attempted to break away from the monotony of everyday life. In the piece, we see six women who are on a journey to fetch water. They diverge from this task to walk miles to reach a schoolhouse where they secretly learn to read, write and think for themselves. Through the attainment of an education, they free their minds and begin to dream of a brighter future.

Choreographer: Adam Parson
Premiere Date: 2009
Run Time: 28 minutes

Credits

Choreographer: Adam Parson

LACDC Artists:

Genevieve Carson, Devin Fulton, Jamila Glass, Melissa Schade, Drea Sobke, Tiffany Sweat

Collaborators Include:

Music: Bliss, Imogen Heap, Me’Shell Ndgeocello, Nitin Sawhney
Sound Designer: Eric Mason
Costume Designer: Bert Henert
Lighting Designer: Brian Gale
Projections by Adam Parson & Kate Hutter
Photographer: Taso Papadakis

Trailer coming soon...

several women on the ground with their hands up to block an unseen threat

several figures draped in cloth with projections on their clothing

several women on the floor looking into the distance with fear in their eyes

several women crouch on the floor covering their faces

six women with their heads raised and their arms above their heads in a meditative position

four women in passe while unfolding their arms

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)