ABOUT
The Frame Dance Community Ensemble is an invitation for dance-makers of all experience levels (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.
New for the 2026–2027 Season
We’ve redesigned the Ensemble program to meet dancers where they are. Whether you want to perform with us, focus on training, or build your own week from our class offerings, there is a path that fits your life.
All members of the Ensemble program — performance track or membership — have access to our full class schedule. Lydia Hance serves as choreographer for the Ensemble.
The Tracks
Frame Dance Daytime Ensemble Wednesdays, 12:00–1:15 PM Includes improvisation work and rehearsal. Performs in select Frame Dance concerts and community events throughout the season. All classes and workshops are available to you.
Frame Dance Evening Ensemble Thursdays, 5:30–8:00 PM Includes Technique with Jamie Williams (5:30–6:30) followed by rehearsal (6:30–8:00). Performs in select Frame Dance concerts and community events throughout the season. All classes and workshops are available to you.
Frame Dance Full Ensemble Both Wednesday and Thursday rehearsals. Dancers in the Full Ensemble take part in the broadest performance opportunities of the season, including a wider range of repertoire, concerts, and outreach performances.
Frame Dance Ensemble Studio Members Access to any and all classes in our weekly schedule without a full performance commitment. For dancers who want to train, deepen their practice, or stay connected to the studio without the commitment of performance. *Membership dancers who attend Phrasework may also be integrated into performances in a more limited capacity — a way to step onto the stage without committing to the full rehearsal schedule. These dancers do not attend daytime or evening rehearsals.
Interested? Please email Zoe.Vela@framedance.org for questions or to register.
TECHNIQUE CLASSES:
We offer dancers 4 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.
2026-2027 Schedule: Program begins Wednesday, September 9 (Daytime Rehearsal Group) and Thursday, September 10 (Evening Rehearsal Group).
- Monday 7:00–8:00 PM — Modern Technique with Ashley Horn
- Monday 8:00–9:00 PM — Phrasework with Lindsay Cortner
- Thursday 5:30–6:30 PM— Modern Technique with Jamie Williams
- Friday 10:00–11:30 AM — Gentle Modern Technique & Phrasework with Ashley Horn
-
Our Friday class with Ashley Horn includes a monthly memory care dance classes and visits with Care Partners, where we share movement experiences with adults living with memory loss. This work is a core part of how we understand who dance is for and its power in our life. All member of the ensemble are welcome to participate in our partnership with Care Partners.
-
IMPROVISATION:
- Last Wednesday of the month 7:15–8:30 PM — Improvisation & Movement Exploration with Paty Solarzano
REHEARSALS:
Dancers pick one or both. All performing ensemble members are required to take at least one technique class per week. Improvisation and phrase work are encouraged!
- Wednesday 12:00–1:15 PM — Improvisation and Ensemble Rehearsal with Lydia Hance
- Thursday 6:30–8:00 PM — Ensemble Rehearsal with Lydia Hance
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.
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.
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.
- 50 Looks: after Merce Cunningham; Lydia Hance restaged Merce Cunningham’s iconic solo on the ground of the MFAH Rienzi
- Hold the Door! a premiere by the Frame Dance Ensemble about transitions, metamorphosis and our threshold guardians
- 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: