While We Were Us: OUTRUN the BEAR
THE COMPANY
COMPANY
ARTISTS
The Company at Open Space is a collective of nationally acclaimed artists known for bold physicality, emotional sensitivity, and fearless curiosity. Through dynamic partnering and an intimate creative container, audiences are close enough to witness dancers making visceral, instinct-driven choices in the moment. In the charged beauty and chaos of performance, they remind us what it means to feel deeply and to be fully alive.
fragments// Noelle Kayser
photo: Anthony Hou
Who Lights the Sun?// Keelan Whitmore
photo: Anthony Hou
Structurally Sound// Franco Nieto
photo: Anthony Hou
CHOREO-GRAPHERS
Lauren Edson// Artistic Director, LEDboise/ Sister Company/ BOI
Noelle Kayser// Founding Resident Choreopher/ CHI
Elijah Labay// NYC
Franco Nieto// Artistic Director, Open Space/ PDX
OUTRUN the BEAR// LA
Keelan Whitmore// Rehearsal Director, BalletX/ PHIL
Ching Ching Wong// 2026/27 Resident Choreographer/INTL
Squeezing Honey from a Stone: Elijah Labay
SEASON
The Company at Open Space’s 26/27 Season features bold premieres, intimate new works, and our beloved holiday spectacular, NOT-Cracker. The season brings together new creations by 26/27 Resident Choreographer Ching Ching Wong, Founding Resident Choreographer Noelle Kayser, guest collaborators, and Artistic Director Franco Nieto.
OPEN SPACE TOO
Open Space Too is a two-year pre-professional program for dancers 18 and older ready to train, perform, and create at the highest level. With 30+ hours of weekly classes, performance opportunities, and mentorship from acclaimed artists, trainees refine their craft, expand their artistry, and prepare for professional careers in dance.
