New Artistic Director Takes Helm of Beloved
Modern Dance Company

Photo by Florida Film Co. Photo by Brandon Parker

For the first time in its 37 years, Demetrius Klein Dance Company (DKDC) has appointed a new Artistic Director. Founder Demetrius Klein, who has been the Artistic Director since the company’s inception, has stepped back from this role and named Kristen Vencel as the company’s new Artistic Director.

Vencel began her career with Demetrius Klein over twenty years ago and has served as Rehearsal Director and then Associate Artistic Director. When asked about this new role she said, “It’s been something I’ve been preparing for over the years, but still it is bittersweet. I am thankful to be able to lead and grow into this next season as a company.”

For Klein, the change is also bittersweet but he says he knows the company is in good hands. He will still be involved and working behind the scenes and added “It was always intentional that I set the company up to be beyond me. The philosophy of the company hasn’t changed, even as we have adapted through different seasons throughout our history. This is just another season in the life of the company, and it’s one that has been in the works for years. It’s time.”

DKDC plans for a regular season of two performances in October, a concert in March, and appearances in local projects and performances throughout the Fall and into the Spring. Follow them on social media or at diydance.org to stay updated and be a part of their audience. You won’t want to miss what they have ahead.

about.

Demetrius Klein Dance Company has been a staple of the regional arts scene — and South Florida’s oldest modern dance company — since 1986. Mr. Klein is a celebrated choreographer whose awards include the Hector Ubertalli Award for Artistic Excellence, a Choreographic Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and several grants from the MacArthur Foundation.

mission\vision.

Demetrius Klein Dance Company exists to promote and foster the work of choreographer, teacher and performer Demetrius Klein.

DKDC works in three distinct areas:

Creation and Performance - DKDC presents new choreography and performance works by Demetrius Klein. These works seek to establish new artistic directions and circumstances. These works also seek to move outside the established boundaries of traditional dance performance.
Education and Outreach - DKDC works to inform the community through the use of traditional dance classes, residencies and outreach. A specific emphasis will also be placed on using movement education in nontraditional methods and venues.

Collaborative Arts Presentation - DKDC seeks to work with other artists and arts groups in the collaborative and affordable presentation of original art works.

Everyone dances, anywhere, all the time!

events.

Join us on Tuesdays for the company's open class, from 7-8pm at Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Enter through the double doors on Acacia to head upstairs.

$15 per class: cash or on our Venmo account @DKDC DIY PROJECTS.
Contact Tracy at 561.758.8726 if you have any questions.

Demetrius Klein Dance Company (DKDC) begins its performance season with new Artistic Director, Kristen Vencel, and the premiere of Tapestry. The performance will also include beloved favorites choreographed by Demetrius Klein and collaborative works by Klein and Vencel.