ABOUT
The Frame Dance Community Ensemble is an invitation for dance-makers of ALL abilities (ages 12-99) to show up authentically, grow as a dance artists, collaborate in the creative process, and share their unique stories, challenges, triumphs, and deep wisdom through the art of movement.
Led by artistic director, Lydia Hance, we focus on creating site-specific work grounded in modern dance technique that challenges perceptions and expectations about who dance is for and where it takes place.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Our vision is to explore the potential for artistic expression by people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities through the art form of modern dance. Our focus is on developing each dancer holistically, in a safe, encouraging, inclusive environment. The year-long Frame Dance Ensemble program includes technique classes, dancer wellness workshops, and performance.
New for the 2025–2026 Season: Two Ensemble Tracks
This year, we’re excited to offer two Ensemble groups—both grounded in creativity, community, and connection, but with slightly different levels of commitment and performance opportunities. Dancers are welcome to participate in either or both ensembles, as the schedules do not conflict.
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Ensemble 1
Rehearses weekly and performs in select Frame Dance concerts and community events. This group functions much like past seasons—offering a welcoming space to grow artistically and collaborate with others in a supportive, intergenerational environment. -
Ensemble 2
Includes all of the above, with an additional focus on frequent community engagement. Members will participate in a regular partnership with CarePartners (offering performances and movement experiences on Friday mornings) and may be invited to take part in additional outreach performances during the season.
TECHNIQUE CLASSES:
We offer dancers 3 weekly technique classes to choose from. The requirement for performance is 1 weekly class in addition to our weekly Ensemble class, the encouragement is to participate in all.
2025-2026 Schedule: Program begins September 8, 2025.
- Modern Technique: Mondays, 7-8pm
- Modern Phrase Work: Mondays, 8-8:45pm
- Modern Technique: Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm
REHEARSALS:
Ensemble 1: Thursdays 6:30-8pm
Ensemble 2: Fridays 10-11:30am, the first two reherasals of the month are in collaboration with Care Partners.
PERFORMANCE:
The Frame Dance Ensemble creates about two performances each year. Each work is new, evolving from the unique group. The Frame Dance Ensemble premiers these works in public spaces, theaters, and dance films for the screen. We are commissioned by other organizations for additional collaborations.
Upcoming performances for the 2024–2025 season include:
- Mind the Gap, Aug 5
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A performance of 50 Looks by legendary choreographer Merce Cunningham
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A screendance premiere choreographed and directed by Lydia Hance
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Participation in Mise en Scène
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Additional outreach and site-specific performances through our CarePartners collaboration and community partnerships
Whether performing in traditional venues or unexpected spaces, Ensemble members are part of a creative force that brings dance to people where they are—sparking joy, connection, and reflection through every performance.
DANCER WELLNESS:
In addition to our technique classes, we host a variety of quarterly workshops to support dancer physical, mental, and spiritual health.
SPRING 2025
FALL 2025
- TBD- Stay tuned!
WHO, WHEN, WHERE
The Frame Dance Ensemble is open to dancers ages 12-99 of all experience levels interested in moving, collaborating, and creating for at least one year. Classes, rehearsals, and community events take place at Frame Dance Studio (between West U and River Oaks.)
Have questions? Ready to join? Fill out the form below or email us at lydia.hance@framedance.org. We can’t wait to chat with you!
INVESTMENT
PAST PERFORMANCES
Although not a professional dance company, FDE aspires to work to professional standards and the group experience ranges from professionals, former dancers, and novices, working together to create innovative, thought-provoking work that inspires and elevates Houston’s vibrant arts community. Over the last 10 years, the Community Ensemble has performed in a variety of iconic and unique venues throughout Houston.
- At Play, a collaboration with Kinetic Ensemble, May 2024, MATCH
- Bach on the Lot, a collaboration with cellist Patrick Moore, January 2024, First Presbyterian Church Parking Lot
- Speak Softly Like Flowers, an expansive outdoor site performance at the McGovern Centennial Gardens
- I have to wash my hair, MATCH, January 2020
- My Beloved, a immersive dance theater work set in a Prom scene from the 19080s
Learn from our ensemble members and one of its most celebrated works, Family Mantra, in the video below: