The Center at West Park Presents
dances we dance:
harmonic dissonance
Presented as part of the CWP Evolution Festival
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 @ 7:00 PM
The Sanctuary at St. Paul & St. Andrew
263 W. 86th Street, New York, NY 10024
Harmonic Dissonance is an evening of live music and contemporary dance in which Isadora Duncan’s revolutionary spirit meets the emotional power of Alexander Scriabin through new works exploring grief, resilience, unity, and conflict.
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Dances We Dance Performing Ensemble presents Harmonic Dissonance, an evening of live music and dance inspired by the revolutionary spirit of modern dance pioneer Isadora Duncan and the emotional depth of composer Alexander Scriabin. Joined by pianist Nathaniel LaNasa, guest artists Rae Ballard and Clarence Brooks, and the Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble, the program reimagines Duncan’s Scriabin Études through newly created solos, duets, and ensemble works choreographed by Artistic Director Francesca Todesco and company member Rosy Gentle.
Blending contemporary choreography with live piano performance, Harmonic Dissonance explores themes of grief, resilience, unity, and conflict, reflecting both the expressive intensity of Scriabin’s music and Duncan’s visionary movement language. Rooted in emotional honesty and physical freedom, the evening brings together artists from different generations and traditions in a shared exploration of human connection, transformation, and the enduring power of dance and music.
Cast & Creative Team
Artistic Director/Choreographer: Francesca Todesco
Choreographer/Company Member: Rosy Gentle
Company Members: Kathleen Caragine, Colleen Edwards
Guest Company: Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble
Guest Artist: Rae Ballard
Guest Artist: Clarence Brooks
Pianist: Nathaniel LaNasa
About the Ensemble
Dances We Dance is a New York–based contemporary dance company founded in 2020 by Artistic Director Francesca Todesco. Rooted in the legacies of Isadora Duncan, Doris Humphrey, and Anna Sokolow, the company bridges historical modern dance with contemporary creation through performance, education, and international collaboration. Dances We Dance presents original works alongside reconstructions and reinterpretations of early modern dance repertory, fostering dialogue between generations of artists. The company has performed in New York, London, Paris, Greece, including appearances at the Battery Dance Festival, and is dedicated to expressive, human-centered movement grounded in artistic freedom and emotional truth.