Business Details
24 Years
experience
Innovative Contemporary Dance Performances in Michigan City
Kristina Isabelle Dance is a research-based contemporary dance organization dedicated to creating thought-provoking performances that merge technical precision with innovative storytelling. Founded in 2002, our work explores the intersection of movement, nature, and human emotion through diverse mediums including stilt dancing, site-specific installations, and multimedia collaborations. Our artistic approach emphasizes physical risk-taking and conceptual depth, challenging audiences to engage with dance as both an aesthetic and intellectual experience.With a focus on environmental and spiritual themes, we develop immersive performances that integrate natural landscapes, video projections, and live music. Our company has presented work nationally and internationally, maintaining a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement through educational programs and public performances. Over 15 years of operation, we have cultivated partnerships with cultural institutions, universities, and arts festivals to expand our creative impact.
Services
Contemporary Dance Performances
Stilt Dancing
Site-Specific Productions
Dance Workshops
Corporate Events
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We have 15+ years of experience creating award-winning contemporary dance works
- Our patented stilt-dancing methodology extends physical storytelling possibilities
- We specialize in site-specific performances integrating natural environments
- Our multidisciplinary approach combines dance, video, sound, and interactive technology
- Our artistic director received the Chicago DanceMakers Forum Lab Artists award
What people say
Creative, inventive, challenging
Viscerally interact
Artistic legacy
Kinetic possibilities
Engage audiences
Services
Stilt Dancing
Our signature stilt-dancing performances merge technical precision with artistic expression, creating visually striking spectacles that challenge physical limitations. This unique art form extends storytelling possibilities through heightened movement dynamics and audience interaction. Our artists have mastered various stilt heights to create both grand-scale productions and intimate performances.
Site-Specific Performances
We create immersive dance experiences tailored to specific environments, particularly natural landscapes. Our Land Mass series integrates movement, video projections, and soundscapes to forge connections between audiences and their surroundings. These performances transform spaces into active participants in the artistic narrative through carefully choreographed environmental interactions.
Multimedia Collaborations
Our productions combine dance with cutting-edge technology through video projections, interactive lighting, and original soundscapes. This multidisciplinary approach creates layered sensory experiences where movement and digital elements form cohesive artistic statements. We collaborate with media artists to develop custom visual components for each performance.
Dance Education
We offer comprehensive dance education programs for all ages, including our KIDCo youth development initiative. Our workshops focus on technical training, creative expression, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Professional development opportunities include master classes in stilt dancing and contemporary choreography techniques.
Cultural Programming
Our cultural initiatives connect communities through dance residencies, public performances, and collaborative art projects. We partner with local organizations to create accessible programming that celebrates regional heritage while introducing contemporary dance innovations. These programs emphasize inclusivity and cross-disciplinary artistic exchange.
People
Kristina Isabelle
Artistic Director
BFA from Juilliard and MFA from Ohio State University, recipient of Chicago DanceMakers Forum Lab Artists award, with 15+ years creating internationally recognized contemporary dance works.
Liz Conway
Dancer
BFA from Ohio University, former guest artist at Cleveland's Movement Project, collaborating with Chicago artists since 2010, member of Kristina Isabelle Dance since 2012.
Alyssa Gregory
Dancer
BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University, former VCU Arts Research Grant recipient, member of The Leopold Group, and Chicago-based dance educator since 2010.
Sarah Gonsiorowski
Dancer
BFA from University of Iowa, former Danceworks Performance Company member, teaching artist and ensemble member with The Seldoms since 2011.
Andy Slavin
Movement Artist
BFA from Columbia College Chicago, California Arts Scholar, presenting work at Manifest Arts Festival and Rebirth Gallery, dancing with the company since 2016.
Questions
What types of dance performances do you offer?
We specialize in contemporary dance featuring stilt work, site-specific installations, and multimedia collaborations that explore nature, spirituality, and human emotion.
Can you perform at private events?
Yes, we offer customized performances for corporate events, festivals, and private functions with our signature stilt dancing and interactive dance experiences.
Do you offer dance education programs?
We provide workshops and educational programs for all ages, including our KIDCo youth development program combining dance and circus arts.
How can I support your company?
Support through tax-deductible donations helps sustain our artistic research, community programs, and national/international touring initiatives.
Where have you performed internationally?
Our work has been presented in England, Ireland, Poland, and various US locations including New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
