Artistic Ventures in Dance (AVID) announces Season III
Artistic Ventures in Dance (AVID), a novel company exploring dance as a moving art form through works that blend classical technique with bold movement and storytelling, announces Season III. AVID will kick-off the season in New York City with two evenings of dance and dancing: sneak previews of new original works followed by costume dance parties for cast and audience members.
On June 6th, AVID will present Melody Mennite’s The Wolff, a reverse point-of-view telling of the classic Red Riding Hood tale, in which the Wolff is the protagonist and we are led to question our assumptions. Mennite is a former Principal with the Houston Ballet and has performed with AVID since its inaugural season. This performance will be followed by a speakeasy-themed post-performance party with dancing, small bites, and mingling with the artists. And since it’s New York, there will be judging—in the form of a costume contest overseen by The Wolff costume designer, FERN.
On June 20th, AVID will present Daniel Ojeda’s The Center Does Not Hold, with an original score by Kebra-Seyoun Charles, who will be playing live at the performance. The piece explores the dynamics of polarization. When two ideals pull unwaveringly in different directions, the center that once connected them cannot hold. Ojeda is a former soloist with Ballet Idaho. Charles is a graduate of The Juilliard School. This performance will be followed by an eighties-themed dance party and costume contest, judged by The Center Does Not Hold costume designer, Lauren Carmen.
“We are thrilled to preview our two newest original pieces, which showcase AVID’s blend of classical and non-conventional dance elements to tell vivid stories, to our New York audience,” said Emily Speed, AVID Artistic Director and Founder. “AVID wants our audience to be part of our community. We invite you to come into our world for an evening of dance, new creations and social interaction.”
Melody Mennite’s The Wolff will take the stage at the Agnes Varis Performing Arts Center (280 Broadway, entrance at 53A Chambers Street, New York, NY) on Saturday, June 6, from 7:30–9:00 PM. A VIP experience is available, including a pre-show talk and toast with the creative team.
On Saturday, June 20, from 8:30–10:00 PM, Daniel Ojeda’s The Center Does Not Hold will be performed at the James & Martha Duffy Performance Space (3 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY), with a VIP option that also includes a pre-show talk and toast with the artists.
Founded in 2023 by longtime Colorado Ballet dancer Emily Speed, AVID seeks to push the boundaries of ballet and contemporary dance through fresh creative expressions that spark imagination and deepen audience connection to the power of movement. The company performs regularly in both Colorado and New York City, remaining firmly grounded in its mission to inspire, engage, and collaborate. With a clear artistic vision and growing momentum, AVID is dedicated to sharing high-quality, adventurous dance as widely as possible – partnering with community academies and institutions while reaching audiences on a national stage.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to https://www.aviddance.org/
AVID Dance’s Eoin Robinson. Photo by Dan Chen.