May 9
2026 ICONS Choreographers’ Collective
ICONS Choreographers’ Collective, taking place at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, is a prestigious dance-presenting platform, showcasing unique and original dance works by Washington, D.C.-based and DMV-area distinguished choreographers, selected by a panel of leading dance professionals.
Ages: 13+
Run Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes, plus a 15-minute intermission
Content Warnings: mild usage of flashing or strobing lights
PROGRAM
May 9, 2026
2 PM Matinee Performance:
We Are Not a Number, by Alvaro Palau, danced by Moveius Contemporary Ballet, music by Ran Bagno
“In this reconstruction of Love Language, Alvaro Palau brings to light an often overlooked fact: dancers are people too. ‘We Are Not a Number’ encapsulates the array of emotions felt throughout a dancer’s career. Whether they’re thrown into a last minute performance, struggling in a nerve-wracking audition, or dealing with life’s quietest moments, ‘We Are Not a Number’ envelops all of this and says, “We see you–on stage, and off.”’
Sankalpa, by Sylvana Christopher, danced by SylviDances, music by Oliver Davis.
“Inspired by river stones shifting in a creek bed, dancers embody resilient pebbles exploring erosion, gradual change, and the subtle power of collective, fluid motion.”
Big Trouble, by Angela Smith, music by Earle Hagen and Angela Smith
“Big Trouble is a drama-soaked murder mystery dance party where bodies drop, spies seduce, and paranoia spirals into absurdly queer, humorously tragic, and deliciously unhinged chaos.”
>intermission<
Opening Statement, by Aren Cedric & Elizabeth Chaillé, danced by ACE Contemporary Dance, music by Anthony Pena.
“Opening Statement is an introduction to the beginning of ACE contemporary dance. A work representing a coming togetherness in a new, reflective contemporary dance piece igniting the newly founded company.”
Won’t be Erased, by Erica Rae Smith, danced by Raediant Movement, audio from Jill Smith, Nina Simone and music by Marco Rinaldo, Kevin Sport
“Won’t Be Erased is a dance work rooted in urgency and resilience, confronting cultural erasure while honoring memory, identity, and the enduring strength of community.”
hindi pa tapos (i am not done yet), choreographed and danced by danah bella, music by Stephen Vitiello
“hindi pa tapos (I’m not done yet) confronts responsibility, legacy, and the quiet power of elderhood, balancing past burdens with urgent insistence on what still must be shared.”
Cascade, by Adam Chaves, danced by Moveius Contemporary Ballet, music by Philip Glass
“Cascade is a powerful new contemporary ballet exploring the natural and emotional forces that ripple through our world. Inspired by phenomena like wildfires and the viral spread of ideas, Cascade traces how fear and misinformation can spark suddenly, but also empathy, resilience, and hope.”
7 PM evening performance:
Yogini: Women of Power, by Anila Kumari, danced by Sutradhar Dance Company, music produced by Asparagus Media, composed by Nilimma Devi, Anila Kumari, Rashmi Bhavani, Samia Ahmad, Ayaba Bey
“This piece explores the internal and external battles women undergo in their search for freedom through the metaphors of Indian dance and martial arts.”
The Call/ Rightfully So, by Megan Atkinson and Ericka Kelly, danced by The Collectif Project, music by Robert Glasper and Tobe Nwigwe
“This piece explores awakening as dancers move from invitation to embodiment, navigating uncertainty toward alignment, ultimately stepping into purpose and claiming what has always been theirs.”
The Line, by Royce Zackery, danced by Moveius Contemporary Ballet
“Royce Zackery’s newest work-in-progress for Moveius Contemporary Ballet, The Line explores the moment when boundaries stop protecting us and begin to confine us. Lines shape how we move, what we believe is possible, and where we think we belong — in the body, in space, in society. But every line eventually presents a choice. Some lines are meant to guide us. Others are meant to be crossed.”
>intermission<
Stranger Coming Home, by Haley Combs, danced by Hope for Sloth Dance Collective, music by Yatao & Malte Marten
“Stranger Coming Home asks how you can reconcile the ugly and conflicting parts of your self. After losing touch with your identity, how do you heal and come home to who you are?”
Come Sunday (excerpt), by Ellicia Clayton, danced by Ellie X Dance Works Ensemble, music by: The United States Air Force Singing Sergeants, James Baldwin, and Duke Ellington feat. Mahalia Jackson
“Come Sunday (excerpt) is a contemporary modern ballet, with a narrative centered around a prophet, his flock, and a sinner whose soul needs to be saved before their ascension.”
Forever is a Feeling, by Diana Movius, danced by, Moveius Contemporary Ballet, music by Max Richter
“Inspired by “The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today”, Forever is a Feeling delves into the emotional and human undercurrents of the exhibit—amplifying the stories of those often unseen in mainstream culture.”