ABOUT

Dissonance Dance Theatre is a Washington, DC-based professional dance company founded in 2007 by Shawn Short. With ballet at the core of nearly every work, the company blends “classic” modern styles such as Horton, Graham, Limon with nuances of contemporary ballet, jazz and hip-hop. Dissonance consists of 8 members and 4 apprentices. Known for theatrical presence and exceptional artistry, Dissonance evokes emotional experiences in the audiences we touch. Our cutting-edge repertoire features works that are socially and visually appealing to audiences while remaining true to our mission; challenging audience’s assumptions about the human experience through dance.

Achievements & Awards

Now in its fifth year of operation, Dissonance Dance Theatre has achieved many milestones, some of which are highlighted below:

Debut in New York City at the Brooklyn Arts Exchange in 2009
Recognition as one of "Top 5 Performances to Watch" by the Capital Fringe Festival in 2007
Fiscal sponsorship from the New York Foundation for the Arts beginning in 2009
Nomination for four 2009 Dance Metro DC Dance Awards
Presenter at jury paneled showcases throughout the DC area

Dissonance is committed to achieving our goals of providing quality dance entertainment built on the classics of ballet, jazz, and modern, and to creating a new dance language that reflects concert dance in the 21st Century. As a result of our diverse repertoire, Dissonance is able to tackle most choreographic challenges and looks forward to new and exciting collaborations regionally, nationally and internationally.

Dissonance is now a part of the National Associations of Campus Activites (NACA).

Reviews & Testimonies

“Washington DC is a vibrant city full of wonderful art, provided you know where to look for it. One place you should be looking is at Dissonance Dance Theatre under the direction of Shawn Short. Shawn is a very innovative choreographer, and he holds a wealth of knowledge about the performing arts. I had the honor of working for him as a dancer in his company and am so thankful for the experience. I learned so much from Shawn and had a wonderful time working with Dissonance Dance Theatre.”

— Shanon '08 Company Member

"Thanks to the Summer Contemporary Ballet Program my daughter Diamond auditioned and was accepted into the Dance Theatre of Harlem Residency at the Kennedy Center"

— Sandy Erbon

"It's one thing to be able to explain something but it takes a good instructor to make their students see...that's what Shawn does."

— Sedrick Moody Trainee

"I really enjoyed you teaching my daughter. The way that you stayed on her while she is in class is good because she respects you and I also respect your outlook on her dancing."

— Ms. Hubbard Sunday Class Participant Parent Fall 2009

"Thank you so much for allowing my daughter to be part of your workshop. Dedication, Discipline and Determination is key for our youth. Please continue to keep us in mind for future workshops."

— LaShawn Lewis Sunday Class Participant Parent Fall 2009