Dayton Contemporary Dance Company unveils Season 58 under new artistic leadership

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company announced its 58th season, “Continuum… Legacy in Motion,” with five programs running from September through May. The season marks Qarrianne Blayr’s first as Artistic Directress and Debbie Blunden-Diggs’ first as president and CEO, with performances at the Victoria Theatre and in community venues across Dayton.

Why it matters: - Dayton Contemporary Dance Company is using Season 58 to pair continuity with a leadership reset. - The season also reinforces the company’s focus on African American tradition, community connection and repertory breadth. - Ticketing opens before the first performance, giving audiences several ways to lock in the full five-program season.

What happened: - Dayton Contemporary Dance Company announced its 58th season, “Continuum… Legacy in Motion,” on July 21, 2026. - The five-program season is the inaugural season for Artistic Directress Qarrianne Blayr. - The season is also Debbie Blunden-Diggs’ first as President and CEO. - Season 58 opens September 25 and 26 with “When the Spirit Moves…” at St Margaret’s Episcopal Church. - Three productions will play on the mainstage at the Victoria Theatre. - Two performances will take place in the community.

The details: - “When the Spirit Moves…” features gospel music and liturgical dance and celebrates African American spirituality, community and connection to the divine. - The opening program includes Deborah Blunden-Diggs’ most beloved styles of dance. - “Spectra” runs October 31 and November 1 at the Victoria Theatre and serves as the mainstage opener and Blayr’s Victoria Theatre debut. - “The Littlest Angel” runs December 18 and 19 at the University of Dayton Kennedy Union Boll Theatre. - “The Littlest Angel” is choreographed by Crystal Michelle and is inspired by Charles Tazewell’s story. - “(Re)Singing from the Underspace” runs February 20 and 21 at the Victoria Theatre. - Choreographer Charles O. Anderson returns with an evening-length work rooted in African American tradition. - “(Re)Singing from the Underspace” grows out of Anderson’s “A 3/5 Proclamation: 8.5.23.” - “Ever Forward” closes the season May 1 and 2 at the Victoria Theatre. - The finale is positioned as a look ahead and the close of Blayr’s first full season. - Season subscription packages include all five programs. - Early bird subscription pricing saves 25% through September 15. - Regular subscription pricing is 15% off through October 30. - Individual tickets go on sale August 1. - Subscriptions are available at DAYTONLIVE.ORG/DCDC, by phone at (937) 228-3630, or in person at the Dayton Live Box Offices.

Between the lines: - The season title signals a deliberate bridge between DCDC’s history and its next phase. - The mix of gospel, holiday tradition, new work and repertory suggests the company is balancing audience favorites with new artistic direction. - The opening and closing remarks from Blayr and Blunden-Diggs frame the season as both mission-driven and community-facing.

What's next: - Individual tickets will be available beginning August 1. - Early bird subscription pricing ends September 15. - The first performance, “When the Spirit Moves…,” opens September 25. - “Spectra” will mark Blayr’s Victoria Theatre debut in late October. - The season will conclude with “Ever Forward” in May 2027.

The bottom line: - Dayton Contemporary Dance Company is launching a five-part season that honors its legacy while introducing new leadership and a forward-looking artistic chapter.