By Heidi Duckler, Executive Director & Raymond Ejiofor, Artistic Director
As we approached Heidi Duckler Dance’s 40th anniversary, we began reflecting on the journey that has brought us here—the unconventional places we’ve danced, the communities we’ve connected with, and the inspiring stories we’ve told. We wanted a theme that encapsulated not only our history but also our ethos: movement, transformation, and the interplay of disciplines, people, and ideas. After much discussion, we landed on Entrechat: 40 Years Off the Stage.
Graphic design by handbuilt studio
For those unfamiliar, entrechat is a ballet term meaning “to interweave.” It describes a movement where a dancer beats their legs together midair before landing—a feat that requires precision, agility, and strength. It’s a perfect metaphor for our work at HDD. For four decades, we’ve woven dance into the fabric of cities, transforming unconventional spaces in Los Angeles, Portland, and globally into stages and embracing the dynamic interplay between dancers, architecture, and audience.
This theme also speaks to the idea of connection—how we interlace past and present, movement and stillness, tradition and innovation. Throughout our 40-year journey, HDD has been defined by collaboration: between artists and environments, between different artistic mediums, and most importantly, between people. The heart of our work lies in creating experiences that bring individuals together, challenging them to see and feel the world in new and exciting ways!
Entrechat: 40 Years Off the Stage is more than a celebration; it’s a statement of who we are and where we’re going. We’ve built a legacy outside of the theaters and in parks, rooftops, city streets, and public spaces—environments that have allowed us to engage diverse audiences and inspire communities through movement. As we look ahead, we remain committed to pushing boundaries, fostering dialogue, and ensuring that dance remains a vital, accessible, and transformative art form.
We invite you to join us on October 4, 2025, at The California Club to celebrate this milestone with us. Let’s honor the past, embrace the present, and leap boldly into the future—just as an entrechat does, always in motion, always reaching for new heights.
Tickets and tables are now available for purchase. Click here to secure your spot.
Invite design by handbuilt studio
