"Tainted" by Roderick George | Photo by Robbie Sweeny

Tainted

“Tainted” by Roderick George is based on the idea of immigration and one’s identity in a new blank space. The piece looks at the transformation within oneself and how it affects others. The work is a hybrid of ballet and contemporary dance that is influenced by today’s cultural and social dances.⁣⁣

Choreographer: Roderick George
Premiere Date: 2020
Run Time: 9 minutes
Number of dancers: 7

Credits

Choreographer:

Roderick George

LACDC Artists:

Soloist: Jamila Glass
Supporting Ensemble: Christian Beasley, Kate Coleman, Nicole Hagen, Ryan Ruiz, Drea Sobke, Tiffany Sweat

Collaborators include:

Music: Byrell the Great
Lighting Designer: Ric Zimmerman
Costume Designer: Kelsey Vidic
Set Designer: Genevieve Carson

Trailer | Tainted | L.A. Contemporary Dance x Roderick George

Additional Info

Trailer Filmed by Nathan Kim and Edited by Jamila Glass

"Tainted compelled critical thought and feeling without having to force the content or make the subject easy to digest. It is work like this, with such strength and clarity that remind us how dance and performance are remarkably capable of generating change and provoking thought." -- Corrina Roche, LA Dance Chronicle

"[Jamila] Glass who was sitting on top of a bridge created by the dancers stood and slowly walked toward the audience, her gaze striking, self-assured, and unapologetic. This dancer had the capability of making even the simplest of movements such as walking towards the audience, a gripping experience for the viewer." -- Corrina Roche, LA Dance Chronicle

"Tainted" by Roderick George | Photo by Robbie Sweeny

"Tainted" by Roderick George | Photo by Robbie Sweeny

"Tainted" by Roderick George | Photo by Robbie Sweeny

"Tainted" by Roderick George | Photo by Robbie Sweeny

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)