The Woods Dance Project

The Woods Dance Project cultivates the artistic vision of choreographer Nichele Woods by developing bold dance works that are informed by the present moment and honor the lived experiences and identities of the performers. Through our productions and programming, we strive to positively contribute to our creative community by upholding the rigor of contemporary dance and promoting equity, career sustainability, and opportunities for local professional and aspiring contemporary dance artists.

The inaugural 2024 production of The Woods offered free classes to performers, with paid hourly rehearsals and performances. Open technique classes are ongoing for community dancers on Saturdays at Performing Dance Center. Class is intended for pre- and professional-level dancers in the area looking for regular training and community. These classes are held at a reasonable rate, with sliding-scale and work-study options available for those in financial need. Find out more about class here.

We’re starting small, but the vision is large. Interested in being a part of it? Contact us!

Reducer

In June, 2024, Director Nichele Woods premiered The Woods Dance Project’s inaugural evening production, REDUCER, presented by Repertory Dance Theatre’s Link Series. The company performed for three warm audiences, with standing ovations on opening and closing nights. These works mean so much to us and we couldn’t have been more thrilled by our community’s reception.

The evening featured two premieres: Volcano and For Scylla, brought to life by five exceptional dance artists from the Salt Lake community: Natalie Border, Jonathan Kim, Tara McArthur, Morgan Phillips, and Melissa Younker. Opening night also saw the return of Clear… as a burnt-out match in a dark room, performed by dancers from Utah Valley University’s Department of Dance.

the artists

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!

Devoted

ORNY

Joanie + Ralph Carlson

Voracious

Rich + Lee Ann Hansen

Fervent

Sue Borgeson

Cabin Boy

Ann DiFruscia

Brian Gerke

Jacob Hansen

Julie Klein

Keith + Carly

Nancy Lyons

Mo Miner

Odette

Jan + Lloyd Schneider

Passionate

Jeffrey Boyette

Kristen Daley

Jen Norris

Tyler Schnese

Avid

Bill Arthur

Lauren Curley

Sarah Griffith

Ursula Perry

Mercy Sidbury

Land Acknowledgement

The Woods Dance Project holds its classes and works upon the ancestral homeland and unceded territory of the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute Tribes. The Woods acknowledges the privilege and benefit of residing upon this land. Even as a small arts organization, the Woods is committed to continuing to learn how we can empower Native communities and people of the region through future programming. We welcome ideas and conversation. Contact us. To learn more about the people whose land on which you reside, visit native-land.ca.

Banner image of For Scylla by Becca Webb Photo.