Saint Louis Dance Theatre Continues to “Move and Shake!”

by Joan Berkman

Saint Louis Dance Theatre now in its 16th season – continues to produce countless world-class contemporary dance performances for our region. Its mission is dedicated to invigorating life through dance, whether it’s by sharing high caliber artist experiences with the St. Louis region, engaging with emerging and world-renowned choreographers or training future performers.

And it delivers!

Board chair Shereen Fischer, who is co-chairing their annual gala the “Movers & Shakers” Ball October 23, said: “Saint Louis Dance Theatre brings the community access to world class choreographers and some of the most exciting dancers. It has elevated the St. Louis region nationally as well as internationally. It brings so much joy and inspiration to our audiences. There are many reasons for its ongoing success, thanks to the leadership of Executive Director Erin Prange and the exceptional staff.”

Both Fischer (and Prange) concur that the lion’s share of their success has been the result of Artistic Director, Kirven Douthit-Boyd, innovative and creative vision. “Kirven’s illustrious dance career includes being part of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for 11 years, performing at the White House and choreographing works for Dallas Black Dance Theater, Ailey II and more. His reputation and dedication to contemporary dance have attracted both choreographers and dancers to the St. Louis region. “Last season, we had two positions available, and 382 young dancers from across the country applied,” Fischer said. “Because of Kirven, choreographers are offering Saint Louis Dance Theatre the opportunity to perform their most famous works as well as world premieres."

Dance Saint Louis Theatre Artistic Director Kirven Douthit-Boyd

Saint Louis Dance Theatre unveiled its 2026-2027 “Elements of Harmony” season earlier this spring with a landmark lineup of five world premieres commissioned by some of contemporary dance’s most compelling voices. Choreographers Rena Butler, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Houston Thomas, and Dexandro Montalvo have joined Artistic Director Kirven Douthit-Boyd to create an entire season of new work for the region’s premier professional contemporary dance company. Three of the four guest choreographers as well as one of Saint Louis Dance Theatre's dancers Demetrius Lee are Princess Grace Award recipients – among the most competitive honors in American Dance. Saint Louis Dance Theatre believes in collaboration and partners with a number of other cultural organizations including performing at Powell Hall with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra and the annual Gaslight Dreams production in partnership with Jazz St. Louis. “Saint Louis Dance Theatre is an integral piece of our city’s vibrant arts ecosystem,” she notes. “These collaborations and partnerships reinforce our commitment to accessibility, artistic excellence, personal connection, outreach to the community and global representation,” Fischer said.

“It is imperative that we take care of the people that provide us with beauty and inspiration through their craft,” Fischer explains. “As a small organization that is making world-class art, Saint Louis Dance Theatre needs support from our community to help mark St. Louis on the map for contemporary dance. We celebrate that instead of having to travel all over the world to see high caliber dance, St. Louisans can experience important works right here at home now and in the future.”

ABOUT SAINT LOUIS DANCE THEATRE

Saint Louis Dance Theatre is a premier professional dance company, blazing new trails by interweaving the Gateway City’s storied legacy into boundary-pushing contemporary performances. Combining world-class artistry with a bold vision, Saint Louis Dance Theatre champions inclusivity, collaboration, and artistic excellence. This fusion of purpose and passion positions Dance Theatre as a beacon for the spirit of St. Louis in every performance. With a grand vision of elevating St. Louis as a nationally recognized arts destination, Saint Louis Dance Theatre aims to deepen connections locally while showcasing the region’s pioneering creative force on a national scale. For more information, visit www.saintlouisdancetheatre.org

Dance Theatre’s Performers Leap and Exhilarate

Cloud 9 by Norbert de la Cruz III / photo by Pratt + Kreidich

The Company Winter Series 2026 Walking Mad by Johan Inger/ photo by Pratt + Kreidich

ABOUT THE MOVERS & SHAKERs BALL 2026

This year's gala celebrates the gravitational pull of Saint Louis Dance Theatre, the art, the people, and the force that keeps it all in motion. Everything in motion. Everything connected.

Mark your calendar and reserve your table for a premier night of drinks, dining, and dance - all of the highest caliber. Join the Movers and Shakers of the arts circle for a night to remember beginning at 5:30 p.m., Friday, October 23 at The Touhill Performing Arts Center (at UMSL)!

All tickets include a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, main stage dance performance, silent auction gallery, seated dinner, and DJ dance party. For tickets/sponsorships: Movers and Shakers Ball — Saint Louis Dance Theatre