Everything Happens Here

Everything Happens Here | Documentary

A 20-minute documentary by Andrew Southam following LACDC's 2022 creative process behind an original work commissioned by the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain.

Most people will only ever see a dancer’s public performance, and the creative process of the choreographer remains invisible. But this short, intimate film places us in the rehearsal studio as eight dancers and Iker work though an emotional, exhausting time, moving quickly from first introductions to a profound and moving work about love, grief and renewal. What begins as a film about that process ultimately becomes a celebration of community and company, and as Iker says in the film, the way we can transform the very space we’re in together in the act of collaboration.

Director: Andrew Southam
Premiere Date: 2023
Run Time: 20 minutes

Credits

Choreography: Iker Karrera
Original Music: Alex Aller
Flamenco Singer: Juan Debel

Dancers: Edgar Aguirre, Hyosun Choi, Kate Coleman, Nicole Hagen, Colleen Hendricks, JM. Rodriguez, Ryan Ruiz, Hunter Wayne

Director: Andrew Southam
Cinematographer + Color Grading: John W. Rutland
Assistant Choreographer: Carla Diego
Editor: Caren McCaleb
Sound: Evan DeVitto, Sam Aston
Post Sound Mix: Evan DeVitto at Sugar Cube
Wardrobe Stylists: Iker Karrera & Jamila Glass
Titles: Cheryl Collins, David Chapman
Filmed at Stomping Ground L.A.
Executive Director: Napoleon Gladney
Artistic Director: Jamila Glass

Everything_Happens_Here_Trailer

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)