About Dissonance Dance Theatre

OUR STORY

DDT is the Resident Ballet of Ngoma Center for Dance. Named “One of the 11 small-but-mighty dance companies outside of LA and NYC” by Dance Spirit Magazine, Dissonance Dance Theatre is a Washington, DC-based professional dance company founded in 2007 by Shawn Short. Since its inception, Dissonance Dance Theatre has performed for local and national audiences on the east coast and in the mid-west states.

Starting as a project of dear friends, Dissonance has grown to house artists from across the US and beyond. A contemporary ballet that blends “classic” modern styles such as Horton, Graham, Limon with nuances of classical ballet, Dissonance is becoming known for its theatrical presence and exceptional artistry.

Evoking emotional experiences in the audiences we touch, Dissonance’s cutting-edge repertoire features works that are socially and visually appealing to audiences while remaining true to its mission; challenging audience’s assumptions about the human experience through dance.

Achievements & Awards

Dissonance Dance Theatre has achieved many milestones, some of which are highlighted below:

Nominations for two 2013 Dance Metro DC Dance Awards
Debut in New York City at the Brooklyn Arts Exchange in 2009
Recognition as one of “Top 5 Performances to Watch” by the Capital Fringe Festival in 2007
Fiscal sponsorship from the New York Foundation for the Arts beginning in 2009
Nomination for four 2009 Dance Metro DC Dance Awards
Presenter at jury paneled showcases throughout the DC area

Dissonance is committed to achieving our goals of providing quality dance entertainment built on the classics of ballet, jazz, and modern, and to creating a new dance language that reflects concert dance in the 21st Century. As a result of our diverse repertoire, Dissonance is able to tackle most choreographic challenges and looks forward to new and exciting collaborations regionally, nationally and internationally.

Dissonance is now a part of the National Associations of Campus Activities (NACA).

Reviews & Testimonials

“Short exhibited quite a range, as did his dancers. From intimate and intricate duets to hard-hitting group sections, Habibi stayed varied and entertaining.”
– Carmel Morgan, CriticalDance (Dec 10, 2017)

This is the 3rd show that I’ve attended with Dissonance Dance Theatre and every time I leave being more amazed than the last at the diversity, talent, and creativity of the performers and choreography. This dance company is without a doubt a hidden gem in DC. I would encourage all who are interested in ballet to go to an upcoming show and support their work.
– Eric Pope, Patron (Oct 17, 2016)

You name it, his dancers did it: Ballet! Hip-hop! Traditional African! Melodramatic modern solos! There was no telling what was coming onstage each time the lights came up, but by golly, the dancers Short has working for him are good. — Rebecca Ritzel, Washington Post, March 2013

Maggi’s composition “The Ballet Master’s Dream” danced by Nicolette Jenkins and Dedrick Makle and for Simpson’s “The Luny Musician” danced by Tisa D. Herbert and Prentice Whitlow. The Dresser felt the choreographer had a charming sense of the absurd and made good use of the limited time to show the prowess of his dancers. — Karren LaLonde Alenier, Terry Riley, Blogger – Scene4 Magazine, March 31, 2009

Incredibly connected emotional/physical choreography with stunning and engaging performers — Colin Hovde, Theater Director, Artists’ Bloc., 2008

The Washington Post describes Dissonance Dance Theatre as “ambitious and evoking” (2007).