DISSONANCE DANCE THEATRE is a Washington, DC-based contemporary dance company with ballet at its core. Now in its fifth season, Dissonance uses dance to challenge what audiences assume about the human experience, and develops progressive contemporary and classically trained artists.

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

"Top 5 Performances to Watch" by the Capital Fringe Festival in 2007

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).