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.

Welcome to Demetrius Klein Dance Company’s MARCH MATCHNESS!!!

We are excited to announce that a generous supporter of DKDC has offered to match your donation up to $2500 through

the end of March!!

There are several ways to donate.

Go to diydance.org and click on the Donate Now button
Zelle us at 561-758-8726, DKDC/DIY Projects, c/o Tracy Simkowitz
Mail a check to:

Demetrius Klein Dance Company, ℅ Tracy Simkowitz

2581 Garden Drive N, Unit 102

Lake Worth, FL 33461

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE OF MESSIAH AND ANOTHER FAVORITE

The Demetrius Klein Dance Company will perform

THE INFINITE AND THE EVERLASTING: Two Sacred Dances by Demetrius Klein on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center.

As well as presenting excerpts from audience favorite, Messiah, the Company will also perform Prayer Cycle, which was originally choreographed and presented by Mr. Klein in 2002. “Prayer Cycle is one of those pieces that the dancers love to perform,” said Kristen Vencel, DKDC Artistic Director. “There are so many beautifully powerful moments in both the music and dance that make this a very special and memorable experience for both the dancers inside the piece and audiences watching as well.”

Recently retired Founding Artistic Director, Demetrius Klein, spoke about both pieces. “This is the 38th year that Messiah is being presented. I think of it as an ongoing journey, with several generations of dancers bringing their own unique interpretations to the movements. And Prayer Cycle is a work with a rich history, so we are really looking forward to performing it again. It truly is a favorite.”

Demetrius Klein Dance Company (501c3) is the oldest modern dance company in Palm Beach County and reaches out to the community by presenting dance in many venues and spaces, encouraging everyone to participate in the experience of dance.

For more information, please call 561-758-8726

For tickets to the May 4th show, please call the Kravis Center Box Office at

561-832-7469.