Entry Points

RESILIENCE Dance Company presents Entry Points - a diverse repertory performance featuring four works spanning contemporary and modern dance. Both evenings will feature the same bill, including two world premieres by Jorrell Lawyer-Jefferson and Hélène Simoneau .

In addition, Entry Points will feature the return of CANNIBAL by Mike Esperanza from Entry Points 2023 and an exciting expansion of Just by Annie Rigney from Entry Points 2024.

Learn more about the choreographers below;

(Copperas Cove, TX) - Jorrell Lawyer-Jefferson is a choreographer and interdisciplinary artist whose background in music and performance informs his dynamic work at the intersection of contemporary dance, opera, and theater. He holds an MFA in Dance with an emphasis in Choreography from Sam Houston State University and has worked with artists like Jessica Lang, Tommie-Waheed Evans, and Kirven Douthit-Boyd among many others. Jorrell’s choreography weaves together partnering, improvisation, and rich visual design to create emotionally charged, immersive experiences. Recent projects include Primero Sueño at the Met Cloisters and Rinaldo in Detroit.

( Luceville, Québec, Canada) - Hélène Simoneau is an acclaimed international choreographer, Guggenheim Fellow, and a New York City Center Choreography Fellow. Most recently, she was awarded a Pillow Lab residency at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, MA and a residency at Banff Centre in Alberta, Canada. Her choreography has been commissioned by companies and institutions such as Oregon Ballet Theatre, The Juilliard School, Charlotte Ballet, and BalletX. Her works explore themes of intimacy, agency, identity, sexuality, and power through dance.

(New York City, NY) - Annie Rigney is a New York–based choreographer, dancer, movement teacher, and Ilan Lev Method Therapist. Her visceral, expressive work has been commissioned by the Martha Graham Dance Company, NYU Tisch, the Ailey School, and presented at 92NY.

(New York City, NY) - Mike Esperanza is a New York–based choreographer with an international footprint, known for his bold, cinematic style and commissions from leading companies like LACDC, Whim W’Him, and Dark Circles Contemporary Dance; his work has been presented at venues including the Kennedy Center, Alvin Ailey Theater, and abroad in Spain and Australia.

More Info:Entry Points will take place in the beautiful Catherine B. Berges Theatre at COCA. This performance is suitable for all ages, but recommended for ages 10+. Run time is approximately 95min including a 20min intermission. Parking is available in COCA's garage and on surrounding side streets. The performance space is fully accessible - please reach out to [email protected] with any accessibility needs or concerns.

Train with the artists shaping RDC’s season in our Fall Choreographer Masterclass Series—an inside look at the creative journey from studio to stage.

Join RESILIENCE this fall for our Choreographer Masterclass Series, featuring three acclaimed guest choreographers: Jorrell Lawyer-Jefferson, Annie Rigney, and Hélène Simoneau. As each artist sets new work on the company, they will also lead exclusive masterclasses open to the public.

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These classes are designed for dancers ages 16 and up at the intermediate, advanced, and professional levels. It’s a unique chance to explore diverse choreographic styles, strengthen your technique, and deepen your artistic voice.

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The drop-in rate for each class is $15, and dancers who attend at least two masterclasses will receive 50% off a ticket to Entry Points—our fall performance showcasing these new works.

Space is limited, and registration is required via our .

Discover more about each choreographer and their upcoming masterclasses by visiting our .

August 23rd | 3:30-5:00 | Contemporary Phrasework with Jorrell Lawyer-Jefferson

September 13th | 3:30-5:00 | Gaga Technique with Annie Rigney

September 27th | 3:30-5:00 | Masterclass with Hélène Simoneau

Info: Join us in Centene Commons prior to the performance. Theater doors will open between 7pm and 7:15pm for audience seating.

Info: See four distinct repertory pieces, including two world premieres. Run time is approximately 95min including a 20min intermission.

Info: Join RDC after the show for an informal reception in Centene Commons at COCA. Enjoy complimentary snacks, a cash bar, and a chance to meet the dancers and learn more about the creative process behind the show!

Host or Publisher RESILIENCE Dance Company