World Premiere Opens August 1 at the Lensic Performing Arts Center

SANTA FE, NM / ACCESS Newswire / June 9, 2026 / This summer, Zeitgeist Dance Theatre begins its fifth season in New Mexico with an ambitious three-week residency rooted in creation, collaboration, and artistic exchange. The residency includes more than 75 artists, culminating in An Evening of Contemporary Dance at the Lensic Performing Arts Center on August 1. Six contemporary dance works by choreographers Livona Ellis (Vancouver, BC), Francisco Gella (Santa Fe), Vladimir Conde Reche (Albuquerque/Brazil), Jessica Miller Tomlinson (Chicago), and Madison Falconer (Los Angeles/Traverse City) will be brought to life by a cast of dancers from across New Mexico and around the world.

"We are creating contemporary dance that is deeply rooted in New Mexico's cultural landscape and the Southwest while engaging in global dialogue, collaboration, and cross-pollination that broadens the ideas of both the artists and the audience. We are proving that world-class dance can be built from this region and community," said Founding Executive Director Jeffrey Hoffman.

Zeitgeist Dance Theatre (ZDT) not only positions Santa Fe as a contemporary dance hub but is invested in ongoing training and educational opportunities for New Mexico's dance artists, ensuring that their talent and perspectives are prepared for major stages. This summer, ZDT has hired three college-aged apprentices originally from Santa Fe, all of whom are former Zeitgeist Trainees.

Acclaimed choreographer Jim Vincent (Los Angeles) joins Zeitgeist Dance Theatre's summer season as Choreographic-Mentor-in-Residence. Vincent's impressive resume includes artistic director of two iconic companies; Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Nederlands Dans Theater.

"I believe that excellence in dance and human development belong together. Young dancers preparing for their future thrive when they are challenged, seen, and guided with care," said ZDT Founding Artistic Director, Francisco Gella.

On July 25, Zeitgeist Dance Theatre's five participating choreographers will engage in a panel discussion entitled: The Alchemy of Motion: A Global Convergence in the High Desert moderated by Art Bridge founder, Lili Pierrepont, at Zane Bennett Contemporary Art from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

CHOREOGRAPHERS' PANEL

What: The Alchemy of Motion: A Global Convergence in the High Desert

When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 3 pm

Where: Zane Bennett Contemporary Art | 435 S. Guadalupe Street

[Moderated by ArtStorming podcast host, Lili Pierrepont]

CONCERT DETAILS

What: An Evening of Contemporary Dance - World Premiere

When: August 1, 2026 @ 7:30pm

Where: Lensic Performing Arts Center, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Info: https://lensic.org/events/an-evening-of-contemporary-dance/

About Zeitgeist Dance Theatre:

Led by Artistic Director Francisco Gella, Zeitgeist Dance Theatre is a Santa Fe-based contemporary dance company now entering its fifth New Mexico season. ZDT brings world-class choreographers and dancers into collaboration with local artists to create ambitious new works rooted in the cultural landscape of the Southwest, while participating in a broader global artistic dialogue. With a commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and the development of both emerging and established artists, ZDT fosters belonging and expands the boundaries of contemporary dance. Please visit: zeitgeistdancetheatre.org

Media Contact:

Audrey Rubinstein
Publicist, The METTA Agency
audrey@themettaagency.com
505-490-5029

Photo caption: ZDT Performance ‘Lineage' 2025. Photo ©Audrey Derell.

SOURCE: Zeitgeist Dance Theatre