ODC Theater: Ballet22

Founded in 2020, Ballet22 exists to push the boundaries of what is possible in ballet by focusing on producing and presenting works that break gender normative traditions, specifically by presenting men, mxn, and non-binary artists “en pointe.” The company is dedicated to commissioning works that bring LGBTQIA+ representation to the artform.

Since its founding, Ballet22 has commissioned twelve new ballets that contribute to representation in the ballet world. The company was named by Dance Magazine “25 to Watch” in 2021 and received an Isadora Dunan Dance Award Nomination for the 2021-22 season for Outstanding Achievement in Performance – Company. Under the leadership of co-founder Theresa Knudson, and co-directors Lorris Eichinger and Daniel R. Durrett, the company continues to expand its relationships with queer artists and creatives, and prioritizes commissioning both live and filmed works that bring inclusion to the LGBTQIA+ community and experience in ballet.

The 2024 Summer Season is co-directed by Lorris Eichinger, Daniel R. Durrett, and Theresa Knudson and presents works by Houston Thomas, William Forsythe, and Christian Denice, along with an excerpt from the Romantic era ballet, Giselle.