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Reeling

Reeling is set in a bar, where people fish for partners and heads swim from drinking. The piece examines the connections people try to make with others and the blurred lines between being in and out of control during this process. How do we reach for someone? How do we reel them in? How do we ask, “Don’t you want me, baby?” This is not a direct narrative, but splintered views and different perspectives of an evening in a dive bar and a fish bowl. - Laura Karlin

Choreographer: Laura Karlin
Premiere Date: 2006
Run Time: 33 minutes

Credits

Choreographer: Laura Karlin with contributions from the dancers

LACDC Artists:

Shari Brookler, Devin Fulton, Jamila Glass, Jacinto Delgado Guizar, Natalie Hurter, Marisa Jimenez, Rogelio Lopez and Carlos Rodriguez
Aquatic performances by Diva and Back-up Fish

Collaborators Include:

Composer: Toby Karlin
Lighting Designer: T. Stirlin Burke
Assistant Lighting Designer: Philip Kong
Costume Designer: Laura Karlin
Set Designer: Arad Vejdani

INFO

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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)