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.
