Dance Place is proud to debut AFTER DARK, a new series of late-night gatherings that offer a relaxed and social atmosphere. Housed in more intimate settings, this series invites you to experience informal performances, music, and opportunities to connect deeper with artists and fellow community members.

Carla Creative, Inc and the Dance Place Family invites you to Eat, Dance, Remember and be Joyous. Celebrate 45 years of presenting great art, professional classes, impactful youth programs and building community. Have you ever taken class at Dance Place, seen a performance, been in a resident company, watched your child take class, been a BOD member, staff member, volunteer, energizer or intern? If so, this event is for you!

A curated performance from 6 companies and choreographers from the DC area. This event will utilize multiple art mediums to create an immersive experience for the audience.

bLUr by Kimberly Bartosik/daela is a highly physical and emotionally intense dance piece exploring the haunting impact of witnessing a loved one's overdose. Moving beyond specific narratives of the opioid crisis, the work uses visceral movement to embody the violent cravings and internal battles of substance abuse. Through repeating cycles, bLUr illuminates the urgent fight against these desires and the blurred line between craving and rescue. Experience a raw portrayal of intense longing, forceful intervention, and the struggle for survival.

Ananya Dance Theatre's ANTARANGA: Between You and Me unfolds in a world facing a deep crisis, where the ability to sense and connect with others has largely vanished. A small group of 'humsafar' (fellow travelers) retains extraordinary connecting abilities. Their perilous journeys forge crucial relationships, offering a path toward healing. ANTARANGA explores themes of intimacy, connection, trust, and community among transnational feminists navigating a world struggling to rediscover human connection.

ANTARANGA: Between You and Me is a National Performance Network (NPN) Creation & Development Fund Project co-commissioned by John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Links Hall, The Yard, Dance Place, and NPN. The Creation & Development Fund is supported by the Doris Duke Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts (a federal agency). For more information: www.npnweb.org

NOËL is a heartwarming blend of dance and music, set against the enchanting backdrop of the holiday season. It weaves a narrative that entertains while deeply resonating with themes of generosity, togetherness, and celebration. It bridges the connection between Christmas carols and solstice celebrations, embracing the hope of rebirth and brighter days ahead.

Celebrate the joy and heritage of Kwanzaa with Coyaba Dance Theater! Experience their signature live drumming and powerful dance, interwoven with stories that illuminate the Seven Principles of the Nguzo Saba: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Join us for this cherished annual tradition filled with love, excitement, and the beauty of Black culture and tradition.

KanKouran West African Dance Company celebrates 42 years of preserving and promoting West African culture. Founded in 1983, this enduring company enriches American heritage through authentic African dance and drumming, fostering intercultural understanding. Their performances, like tonight's, honor ancestors, seeking protection and guidance for a brighter future. KanKouran instills discipline, pride, and community commitment, shaping lives and contributing meaningfully to diverse pursuits. Join us for a powerful evening of tradition and artistic excellence.

Join us for a night of celebration, connection, and creativity at the Energizers Winter Sneaker Ball — an unforgettable tribute to the youth, mentors, and community that have shaped the legacy of Dance Place’s Energizers Creative Arts Programs.

What began in 1986 as Carla’s Kids, founded by visionary arts educator Carla Perlo, evolved into the Energizers in 1994. Over nearly four decades, this vibrant program has supported youth through dance and the arts — growing to include Teen Leaders, After School students, summer campers, internships, and more. From classrooms to the stage and beyond, Energizers have transformed from passionate kids into thriving adults, educators, and artists.

This red carpet affair celebrates the generations of young people who found their voice, power, and community through the arts. Expect a powerful evening of dance, storytelling, live performances, delicious food, fresh kicks, and a tribute to the legacy we continue to build together.

Come dressed to impress — in your finest semi-formal attire and your flyest sneakers — and help us honor the past, uplift the present, and energize the future.

BIGKID DANCE, directed by Mark Caserta, presents If I Die Before the Revolution, an evening-length contemporary dance theater work. This piece acts as a fantastical farewell for queer individuals facing a collapsing world. It portrays a unique queer experience through fear, love, loneliness, death, and legacies. As time runs out, the 'queer' archetype confronts invisibility while fighting for their existence. This work honors and celebrates queer life in the face of overwhelming challenges.