| Aloha friends Friends, As we deepen into spring—a season symbolic of growth, renewal, and possibility—we find ourselves in a time of both promise and uncertainty. The changing political landscape continues to reshape and challenge the communities we serve through our work in the arts. These shifts can feel heavy, and at times, it may be difficult to recognize where growth is happening amid the noise of disruption. Yet, even in the midst of uncertainty, I continue to find profound hope in the resilience of our dance communities. I see it in the quiet dedication of dancers showing up to class, in the shared energy of rehearsal rooms, in the vibrancy of community performances, and in the collective breath of audiences who continue to gather, bear witness, and connect. Every step, every gesture, every gathering—no matter how small—holds power. These moments affirm that we are still here, still moving, still creating meaning. It is in these acts of persistence and presence that growth quietly takes root. The work we do is not only a response to the times we live in—it is also a vision for what is possible. Dance has always been a language of resilience, of joy, of remembrance, and of becoming. So I encourage you: stay strong. Keep moving, keep growing, and know that you are not alone. We are in this together—creating, supporting, and imagining a more connected, just, and expressive world. I hope you continue to join our dance, |
|  |  | MALASHOCKOLATE: The most delicious fundraiser of the year! MALASHOCKOLATE is an intimate evening of food, wine, chocolate and dance performances to benefit the uplifting community programs of Malashock Dance. This elegant wine tasting and gourmet sit-down dinner will be a feast for the senses and nourish your soul – all for a great cause! MALASHOCKOLATE pairs premium wines and artisanal chocolates with dances created and performed by Malashock Dance’s professional company. Chocolates will be provided by Sweet Petite Confections and exquisite wines will be provided by Martin Steinley Wine Merchant. Dinner will be created by Chateau La Jolla’s own Chef Damaso Lee. Date: May 18, 2025 Time: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Location: Chateau La Jolla 233 Prospect St. La Jolla |
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| | Malashock Dance at OhioDance Festival Congratulations to Artistic Director Christopher K. Morgan, choreographer Khamla Somphanh, and company members Nick McGhee and Micah Parra for their powerful performances and community engagement at the OhioDance Festival in April. Malashock Dance is proud to champion opportunities for San Diego artists to connect and collaborate within the national dance community. As part of our presence at the Festival, we offered two community classes that reached over 40 dancers representing schools, universities, and companies from across Ohio. The festival performance featured Christopher’s acclaimed solo Rice and Khamla Somphanh’s evocative duet Water and Sand, presented alongside works by Ohio-based dance companies and independent choreographers—including our longtime friends at Dancing Wheels in Cleveland. |
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| | The Company is heading to Washington DC! Artistic Director Christopher K. Morgan returns to Dance Place in Washington, DC—where he previously served as Executive Artistic Director—for a weeklong residency with the Malashock Core Company, May 24–31. During their time at Dance Place, the company will continue developing Morgan’s new work, The Dulling Effect, which audiences got a first glimpse of during the November Cultivate concert. While in residence, the company will engage with the local dance community through a masterclass and an informal work-in-progress showing. The Dulling Effect invites audiences to reflect on how technology, legislation, and social norms can numb our sense of connection—to ourselves and to each other. The piece also imagines what’s possible when we resist those forces: when we celebrate individuality, embrace diversity, and reclaim the right to express our authentic selves. Join us for an informal showing of The Dulling Effect on
May 30 at 6:00 PM at Dance Place, Washington, DC.
A reception will follow the performance. |
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| | | 2025 Showcase - Thrive Faculty and youth dancers are working hard on our upcoming showcase, where students THRIVE! Two performances will be held June 1 at SDSU's Don Powell Theater. Parents can find all the available information by clicking on the button below. Join us for an inspiring youth performance. Tickets on sale now! |
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| Malashock Dance Company Performs for Local Middle Schools Thanks to the generous support from the VAPA Foundation and the excellent leadership of teaching artists Alexa Fote and Wen Song, middle school students enjoyed a full day of dance in April! Students from Farb Middle School and Pacific Beach Middle School took classes and enjoyed interactive performances from Song in Motion and Malashock Dance, deepening their appreciation and exposure to the art of dance. |
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| | CLASSES THIS MONTH We recognize that people living with different conditions have unique needs. That’s why our classes follow a rotating schedule focused on five specific conditions: Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Cord Injury, and Progressive Atrophying Conditions. Each class is designed with the symptoms and experiences of these conditions in mind, offering physically adaptive dance instruction tailored to support participants’ mobility, strength, and self-expression. While classes are tailored to these conditions, they are open to all adults seeking an adaptive dance experience—whether you live with a similar condition, experience related symptoms, or simply wish to be part of a welcoming and supportive community. Cerebral Palsy: May 3, 2025 / 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. Parkinson's Disease: May 10, 2025 / 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. Progressing Atrophying Conditions (MS, ALS, MD, SMA, CMT) : May 17, 2025 / 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. Location: The Chrysalis: Monarch Center for the Arts 1805 Main Street San Diego, CA 92113 A fully wheel-chair accesible space with easy parking |
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| | | One Pie at a Time - Fringe Festival One Pie at a Time, created by local San Diego artists Tina Carreras & Erin Kracht, makes its premier at the Light Box Theater for the San Diego International Fringe Festival, May 15-25, 2025. One Pie at a Time is a collaborative and theatrical dance production centering around relevant and diverse feminized perspectives and experiences in our patriarchal society. This work specifically explores themes around the objectivity of the male gaze, body image, assumed gender roles, and the pressures of impossible beauty standards. *Some suggestive themes and dialogue are explored Dancers include Tem Albright, Tina Carreras, Madelyn Embry, Erin Kracht, Alexa Lopez Plush, Kamil Richardson, Samara Rodriguez, and Lisa Strickland @ Light Box Theater 2590 Truxtun Road, San Diego, CA Friday, May 16- 9pm Tuesday, May 20- 7:30pm Wednesday, May 21- 9pm Thursday, May 22nd- 10:30pm Sunday, May 25th- 11:30 Audience members must have both a Fringe Festival Pass and tickets to One Pie at a Time |
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| | | THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS |
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