Thomas / Ortiz Dance
www.thomasortizdance.org

Melding his urban athleticism with her Latin sensuality, and their combined choreographic and musical sensibilities, Ted Thomas and Frances Ortiz founded Thomas/Ortiz Dance five years ago, introducing a fresh and emotionally engaging vision to contemporary dance. The Company of twelve dancers from culturally diverse backgrounds performs a repertoire which explores a multitude of thought-provoking and socially relevant themes.

The Company is committed to developing new audiences for dance through a wide variety of community-based outreach and educational programs and activities, including performances, master classes, lecture demonstrations, and workshops. Since 2001, Mr. Thomas and Ms. Ortiz volunteer teaching dance class to middle school students in New York at an after school program sponsored by the Children’s Aid Society. Both artistic directors have extensive professional touring experience. Ted Thomas toured with Paul Taylor for several years while Frances Ortiz toured with Dance Theater of Harlem, so the company offers the seasoned performers! An American company that can offer outreach to African-American and Hispanic communities in addition to crowd-pleasing performances.

Touring Programs
Tours with 12 dancers

Signature Repertory Program
Live music option: classical guitar
Features repertory including Mirabella, which infuses classical, Afro-American, and Latin elements, Nevaeh, about man’s desperate dream of Heaven, and In the Arms of Three, in which a woman looks back at three major relationships in her life, from the most tender and beautiful to the most detrimental.

Outreach

Artistic Directors Ted Thomas and Frances Ortiz are also co-directors of the New England Academy of Dance and have developed a diverse range of highly effective educational outreach programs and can adjust residency activities to meet the needs of communities. Outreach available to all communities including African-American and Hispanic populations. Residencies available in Spanish or English.