Inspiring, Educational, Uplifting, and
Engaging modern dance performances
for audiences of all ages!
To book Carla & Company call 202-269-1600.
"Inspiring and entertaining for audiences of all ages"
--The Village Voice
"Empowering adults and children to spend quality time together"
-- The Washington Times
To download high resolution photos click here.
About the Company
Led by Carla Perlo, Dance Place's Founding Director, Carla & Company is known for its high-energy performances and dedication to bringing the arts to people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
Carla & Company provides inspiring, educational, and engaging modern dance performances for all ages. The choreography focuses on humanitarian themes such as hope, interdependence, trust, cooperation, cultural heritage, world citizenship, commitment, vision, self development, and many others. With a unique interactive approach to presentation, the company engages and entertains by involving audiences in the performance.
In school performances, the company invites audiences to participate in conversation, rhythm and movement exercises, and question/answer sessions. Audience members are encouraged to explore their own creative ideas, trust their responses, and understand how the choreography expresses the theme of the dance.
Carla & Company performs monthly throughout the school year as part of Dance Place's Inreach Program and has been featured at the Kennedy Center Millenium Stage, the Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors Festival, the Reston Community Center, and in schools, churches, and community centers.
Company Programs
Inreach Performance at Dance Place Welcome to our theater! Students experience all the energy and elements of a live dance performance including theater lighting and costumes. The performance includes audience participation and a question and answer session.
45 mins - 1 hour.
Outreach performance at your school Your students and faculty will be amazed as Carla & Company transforms your gym or cafeteria into a theater space. Students enjoy a high energy performance which includes audience participation and a question and answer session.
45 mins - 1 hour.
10-week residency at your school 20 students will meet with one of our professional company members once a week for 10 weeks to learn dance technique as well as a repertory piece from Carla & Company! This 10-week residency culminates into an interactive performance with the adult company in front of the entire school! Your students will learn what it is like to rehearse and work towards a goal, follow directions, focus and work together as a group. The students will also work closely with Carla & Company as they work as a team to present this one hour modern dance interactive performance!
Education Through Movement Program for K-3 grade students This program uses dance movement as a vehicle for strengthening math, language and reading skills for your K-3 grade students. By using colorful fabrics, sticks, jump ropes and empty bottles, one of our company members will work with the students on laterality, prepositions, descriptions, and directions while learning dance moves and physical fitness through fun and energetic movement games!
Behind the Scenes A behind the scenes look at a professional dance rehearsal from 12 to 1pm on Wednesdays, followed by a half-hour of movement for the students and a question and answer session. Students may arrive early and eat lunch in our lobby from 11:30 until 12pm.
Create Your Own Performance Tell us what you would like to see! Possibilities include on-site workshops and classes, performances, discussions, and curriculum enrichment programs through the arts. Opportunities are available for students to learn the repertory and perform with the company. The company will work with you to create the best possible dance experience for your students.
Educational Benefits:
Develops an appreciation of the arts through live performance and personal interaction with the artists.
Explores the creative process through imagination games and movement exercises.
Fosters a sense of self-worth, respect, and personal responsibility through problem solving exercises.
Teaches cooperation and communication skills through interaction with teachers, other students, and artists.
What Critics and Educators Have Said About Carla & Company:
"Inspiring and entertaining for audiences of all ages"
--The Village Voice
"Empowering adults and children to spend quality time together"
-- The Washington Times
"Your program offered a creatively stimulating experience"
-- Myra Coffield, Gallaudet University
"Planting the seeds for future audiences and professionalism in one afternoon"
-- Lettie Battle, The National Learning Center
Top photo by Stan Barouh