text projected onto a wall while a man stands on one leg with his arms raised

Poignant Phrases

“Poignant Phrase (from the Test Kitchen)” is a men's trio set on the backdrop of projected text describing the dancer's personal relationship to choreographer, Kate Hutter - where they met, who they were to her, something interesting or quirky about them, etc. Kate would then leave her post behind the overhead projector to go dance with them to fill in what words could not describe about them.

Choreographer: Kate Hutter
Premiere Date: 2007
Run Time: 13 minutes

Credits

Choreographer: Kate Hutter

LACDC Artists:

Lou Becker, Carlos Rodriguez, Michael Crotty, Kate Hutter

Collaborators Include:

Music: Regina Spektor, Dntel, Ege Bamyasi
Costume Designer: Kate Hutter
Costume Construction: Amy Bobeda & Alexis de Forest in collaboration with the choreographers
Lighting Designer: Mason Barker
Photographer: Taso Papadakis

Trailer coming soon...

a fair skinned man jumping while a fair skinned woman watches

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)