While The Tobias Theatre at Newfields continues to be the primary home of Dance Kaleidoscope, the troupe’s 55th season will begin in October with a unique production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in historic McGowan Hall in the Old Northside.
The production of Joshuya L. Peugh’s work will be performed Oct. 2-4 and 9-11.
Reimagined through contemporary dance, Washington Irving’s beloved American tale will become an immersive theatrical experience featuring cinematic storytelling, stunning production design, an original score – and a breathtaking life-sized horse puppet created by Monkey Boy Productions.
The soaring architecture and atmospheric character of McGowan Hall will become an integral part of the production, drawing audiences into the mysterious world of Sleepy Hollow in ways a traditional theater cannot. Marking a bold new direction for Dance Kaleidoscope, the production blurs the line between audience and performance and is envisioned as the beginning of a new Indianapolis fall tradition.
The landmark season – Forward – will also feature renowned choreographer Robert Battle, the return of David Hochoy’s iconoGlass, and bold new works celebrating the future of contemporary dance.
“Reaching our 55th season is an extraordinary milestone,” said Christel DeHaan Artistic Director Joshua Blake Carter. “Forward celebrates the artists and audiences who have shaped Dance Kaleidoscope for more than five decades while continuing to push the boundaries of contemporary dance through new ideas, new collaborations, and unforgettable experiences.”
The winter program, Feb. 5-7, will features a world premiere by the 26/27 Jaffee & Hall Emerging Choreographer, City on Fire by Sean Aaron Carmon, and the company premiere of Capitol Suite by Joshua Blake Carter.
Spring will bring the long-awaited return of David Hochoy’siconoGlass on April 9-11. A signature work from Dance Kaleidoscope’s longtime artistic director emeritus, the visually striking work remains one of the company’s most celebrated repertory pieces and serves as a tribute to the artistic legacy that continues to shape the organization today.
Robert Battle – former artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and current resident choreographer of Paul Taylor Dance Company, will return to Indianapolis to create a world premiere. Battle is widely recognized as one of America’s most influential contemporary choreographers. His acclaimed work, Train, astounded audiences during the 25/26 Dance Kaleidoscope season.
The season will conclude June 4-6, with a program of contemporary works featuring new choreography by Christel DeHaan Artistic Director Joshua Blake Carter and Sean Aaron Carmon, continuing Dance Kaleidoscope’s commitment to commissioning and presenting innovative new dance.
Throughout the anniversary season, audiences are invited behind the curtain through free monthly Open Rehearsals and Conversations & Cocktails, where patrons can observe the creative process and engage directly with choreographers, dancers, and artistic staff. Those take place in the company’s headquarters in Factory Arts North.
“As we celebrate 55 years, we are also looking ahead,” said Executive Director Kim Gutfreund. “Dance Kaleidoscope has continually evolved while remaining committed to artistic excellence. This season reflects that spirit—honoring our history, investing in today’s most exciting choreographers, and creating experiences that will inspire audiences for generations to come.”
Season ticket packages are on sale now and include priority seating and exclusive subscriber benefits. Individual tickets go on sale August 1, 2026. Dance Kaleidoscope participates in the Access Pass Program, expanding access to professional contemporary dance for audiences throughout Central Indiana. For tickets and more information, visit www.dancekal.org.
