two fair skinned women almost embrace

Leaving with Hope

New work by Myles Lavallee featuring original music by Slade McTaggart | World Premiere October 2024

A poignant journey of self-discovery and empathy, this work delves into the intricate dynamics of human connection, isolation, and the power of choice. In witnessing the underlying thread of shared experiences binding these Artists together, there is a desire to reach the audience with a profound sense of optimism…offering a gentle reminder that even in the midst of adversity, there is always the possibility for connection, understanding, and ultimately, hope.

Choreographer: Myles Lavallee
Premiere Date: 2024
Run Time: 29 minutes

Available for touring

Credits

Choreography by Myles Lavallee in collaboration with the performers

LACDC Artists:

Colleen Loverde, Lily Massie, Kelle Meschede, Jonacy, Montero, Melody Morrow, Dawson Walker
Special thanks to the contributions of Iyana Monet and Edgar Aguirre

Collaborators Include:

Original Music by Slade Mctaggart
Rehearsal Director: Ayesha Orange
Lighting Designer: Ric Zimmerman
Co-Lighting Designer: Reena Ye
Costume Designer: Ashley Kayombo
Wardrobe Supervisor/Run Crew: Freddie Patrick
Producer & Stage Manager: Quinn O'Connor
Production Manager: Erica Ammerman
Performance Photos: Taso Papadakis

WATCH MYLES' INTERVIEW

BTS: Myles Lavallee x L.A. Contemporary Dance | Work-In-Progress

BTS Footage features LACDC Artists: Edgar Aguirre, Colleen Loverde, Lily Massie, Kelle Meschede, Iyana Monet, Melody Morrow, Dawson Walker. Filmed by Anna Tse & Edited by Danielle King

5 people pose making a variety of extreme facial expressions

2 women almost embrace

3 bodies with arms in a running stance look out into the distance

4 dancers link arms in a dark environment with headlamps on

2 women counterbalance while holding each other's arm and standing on one leg

a man hovers over another man on the ground

a man holds a woman as she lays back and stretches out her arms

5 people pose making a variety of extreme facial expressions

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)