2025.2026 SEASON
Love languages
Presented by Paul and Kathleen Matecki
Dancers: Demetrius Lee, Dave McCall, and Keenan Fletcher | Artwork: Fallen Fruit, The Way Out West
When we consider the rhythm of life, as it relates to world-class dance, love languages serve as multi-faceted connectors of artistry and spirit. Love languages inspire and speak profound truths:
human connection has the unique ability to transcend words
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FALL SERIES
At COCA’s Catherine B. Berges Theatre
November 14-16, 2025 -
WINTER SERIES
At COCA’s Catherine B. Berges Theatre
February 27-March 1, 2026 -
SPRING SERIES
At COCA’s Catherine B. Berges Theatre
May 29-31, 2026 -
GASLIGHT DREAMS
Set to the music of the Nutcracker Suite by Ellington & Strayhorn with Jazz St. Louis at Skip Viragh Center for the Arts
December 19-20, 2025 -
Stravinsky and Debussy: MUSIC IN MOTION
With the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at Powell Hall
January 10-11, 2026 -
TOUR DE DANCE
With the Grand Center Arts District
March 26, 2026
2025.2026 SEASON Subscriptions are on sale now
Dancer: Jada Vaughan
FALL SERIES
NOV 14-16
At the Catherine B. Berges Theatre, COCA
Our season opens with a new work by Belgian-Colombian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, internationally acclaimed for her diverse artistry encompassing dance, theater, opera, and film. With more than 100 works created for 81 dance companies worldwide, Lopez Ochoa brings her distinct artistic voice to Saint Louis Dance Theatre. Described as “truly a masterful choreographer with an edge for what dance can and should be,” her extensive catalogue makes her one of the most versatile creatives of our times.
FEATURING:
World Premiere by Kirven Douthit-Boyd
Additional work from our repertoire
Dancers: Jada Vaughan and Demetrius Lee | Artwork: Michael Hoffman and Cracking Art Group
MOVERS & SHAKERS BALL
NOV 15
At the Catherine B. Berges Theatre, COCA
The Movers & Shakers Ball celebration is part of our Fall Series. Tickets and tables available summer 2025.
FEATURING:
World Premiere by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
set to music by French trumpet player Erik Truffaz
Additional work from our repertoire
Dancers: Dave McCall, Keenan Fletcher, and Nyna Moore
GASLIGHT DREAMS
SET TO THE MUSIC OF THE NUTCRACKER SUITE BY ELLINGTON & STRAYHORN
DEC 19-20
At the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts
MADE POSSIBLE BY THE
W H I T A K E R F O U N D A T I O N
Back by popular demand, our St. Louis holiday tradition is set against the backdrop of the historic Gaslight Square entertainment district. The vibrant production is infused with jazz rhythms, transforming Tchaikovsky’s classic into a nightclub fantasy. Celebrating Billy Strayhorn’s genius, contemporary dance merges with live jazz to create a love story distinctively St. Louis. This production with Jazz St. Louis is choreographed by Kirven Douthit-Boyd, conducted by Victor Goines, and features a stunning set in collaboration with The Muny’s T3 Program and Peter & Margery Spack.
* All performances include a Soirée for Premier subscribers.
Dancer: Sergio Camacho | Artwork Featured: Fallen Fruit, The Way Out West
STRAVINSKY & DEBUSSY: Music in Motion
JAN 10-11
At Powell Hall
Saint Louis Dance Theatre partners once again with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, marking their second innovative collaboration. Artistic Director Kirven Douthit-Boyd breathes new life into Stravinsky’s vibrant Pulcinella Suite through original choreography. Presented in the beautifully renovated Powell Hall, recently enhanced through a $140 million revitalization, this dynamic performance showcases how movement and orchestral music can playfully and powerfully converse.
Dancer: Demetrius Lee | Artwork Featured: Frances Goodman,The Sigh
WINTER SERIES
FEB 27-Mar 1
At the Catherine B. Berges Theatre, COCA
Johan Inger’s award-winning Walking Mad compellingly addresses how we navigate barriers—both physical and emotional. With dancers interacting dramatically with a transforming wall set piece, the choreography set to Ravel’s Boléro vividly explores how boundaries shape and reshape human relationships. Complemented by a world premiere from Kirven Douthit-Boyd, this performance explores the environments we occupy and how they mold our interactions.
FEATURING:
Company Premiere of Walking Mad by Johan Inger
Additional work from our repertoire
Dancer: Megan Rancour and Spencer Everett | Artwork Featured: Fallen Fruit, The Way Out West
TOUR DE DANCE
MAR 26
Grand Center Arts District
Experience dance as a living conversation in this intimate evening that brings together artists and audiences in a shared celebration of movement. Our progressive dining and dance showcase guides you through curated vignettes from our Love Languages season, each paired with cocktails and culinary creations that enhance the social experience. This unique format transforms traditional performance boundaries, creating meaningful connections between performers, patrons and St. Louis’ vibrant arts community.
Dancer: AJ Joehl | Artwork Featured: Van Hoang, After Angela
SPRING SERIES
MAY 29-31
At the Catherine B. Berges Theatre, COCA
Our Love Languages season culminates with a profound examination of human connection. The weekend features the company premiere of Stephanie Martinez’s kiss.—described by the choreographer as “my love letter” to the fundamental human needs “to be seen, to be heard, and to be honored.” This mesmerizing work emerged during the pandemic when connection was most precious, using movement as a language to express vulnerability and intimacy. Paired with repertory favorites, the spring concert culminates the season’s exploration of love and language, celebrating movement’s capacity to express our human connection.
FEATURING:
Company Premiere of kiss. by Stephanie Martinez
Additional work from our repertoire
Dancer: Dave McCall
Photography by Pratt + Kreidich in partnership with the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis.
This innovative art destination and boutique hotel serves as the backdrop for our season imagery and offers special benefits to subscribers as our Love Languages season hospitality partner.