5 dance performances to see in San Diego this fall

The Rosin Box Project: 'Ghost Light Masquerade' | The Soap Factory

Every year, contemporary ballet company The Rosin Box Project adds a touch more mystique to their Halloween-appropriate "Ghost Light Masquerade" performance series. Centering on the choreography of founder Carly Topazio with help from company dancer/choreographer Bethany Green, the project is inspired by the history of superstition and hauntings in the theatrical world. Theaters would often leave a single light bulb lit on the stage overnight, in the hopes that it would fend off hauntings.

The Rosin Box Project has a knack for inventive, highly narrative dance programs with gorgeous, athletic and whimsical choreography and powerful, immersive sets. For "Ghost Light," the space is designed as a "promenade" performance, which means guests can wander between distinct sets and explore each mini stage. Some seating is available if needed, and audiences are welcome to join the fun by wearing their own masquerade masks or even dancing.

Courtesy of the artist

Disco Riot: 'S P A C E Rising Showcase' | City Heights Performance Annex

This year, contemporary dance and movement company Disco Riot has expanded their S P A C E residency project to encourage emerging artists as well as promote collaboration and alliances amongst dancers and artmakers.

Artists include Karina Wilson and Patrick Li, who are in residence at Culture Shock San Diego. Their work looks at the intersection of interpersonal connection with technology. Giovanna Francisco and Briele Melahn are in residence at Malashock Dance. Their project focuses on the boundary between audience and performer. Emily Sutherland and Jenna Wu-Cardona are in residence at Ballet Center Studios, and their work uses dance film and projection to study ideas of the body and freedom.

Samantha Zauscher

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Ballet Collective San Diego

Ballet Collective San Diego: 'Resonance' | Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

Established during the pandemic, Ballet Collective San Diego is fundamentally informed by heightening the expression and experience of dancers and choreographers — which in turn does the same for the audience. In their upcoming program, "Resonance," local chamber ensemble the Hausmann Quartet will perform live, and the dances will center on what resonates with each choreographer or dancer in a performance.

Locals Tylor Bradshaw, Reka Gyulai, Holly Meacham, Whitney Edwards and Emily Miller will have new works of choreography on stage, plus work by Holly Curran from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

Doug McMinimy

Malashock Dance: 'Cultivate' | Saville Theater

In this performance, Malashock Dance will showcase work by Christopher K. Morgan, artistic director, as well as founder John Malashock and three additional commissioned choreographers.

This performance also serves as the stage debut of "You Are Here/Usted Está Aquí," which the company will launch at this year's ENVZN24 Urban Art Takeover on Sept. 14. It weaves real San Diego oral histories and personal narratives into contemporary dance.

Chelsea Penyak

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City Ballet of San Diego

City Ballet: 'Dracula'

City Ballet of San Diego choreographer Geoff Gonzalez will debut a new ballet adaptation of Bram Stoker's "Dracula," set to music by Franz Liszt and centering the Countess Dracula and the women she preys upon. I love the idea of viewing this story through the lens of a female main character — and I am also here for the intersection of horror and ballet. My pre-game advice: Brush up on Stoker's novel, or maybe watch Dario Argento's 1977 dance-themed horror film, "Suspiria."

Also on stage in this performance are two additional pieces: Iconic choreographer George Balanchine's 1967 work, "Emeralds," set to two pieces by 19th-century composer Gabriel Fauré; and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's 2019 ballet "Ecliptic," set to music by Ludovico Einaudi.

Get there 45 minutes early for a free lecture by artistic director Steven Wistrich.

San Diego's best arts and culture this fall

This fall, discover our picks for the best art and culture in San Diego, including visual art, theater, dance, music and literature — and even some picks for kids.

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