When two contrasting ideals are of unwavering distinction, there is no center to hold them together.

The Center Does Not Hold is a collaborative exploration between choreographer Daniel Ojeda and composer Kebra-Seyoun Charles, and commissioned by AVID for the summer 2026 season.

In a unique partnership and working arrangement, the music and movement are being created simultaneously, allowing one to directly influence the other, in real time.

"The Center Does Not Hold, which is paraphrased from the W.B. Yeats poem “The Second Coming”, is in reference to extreme polarization. When two contrasting ideals are of unwavering distinction, there is no center to hold them together.

When I think about dance, I think about the approach painters have to abstract expressionism, particularly Mark Rothko. With most of his work, the public considered it purely aesthetic—the relationship between colors. Rothko, said that those who viewed his work as such were “missing the entire point”. He instead said that he created work for human beings, with his pieces being doorways or portals into human emotion and experience.

Without the viewer, they are nothing but paint on canvas.

For me, dance is very much the same. Instead of attempting to marry the two polarizing ideas of dance being purely aesthetic, or purely human, I tried to create a work where the two ideas live separately—starting as one work, and as though a portal opened up along the way, abruptly becoming another. The hope being that the missing center of this work will be filled by the viewer.”

~ Daniel Ojeda, Choreographer

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Join us on June 20th for an intimate preview night event and be one the first to see The Center Does Not Hold! All tickets includes the first public preview performance of The Center Does Not Hold, a Q&A with the creative team, and snacks, drinks and after party with the cast.

VIP experience includes a pre-show talk & toast with the creative team.

Event takes place June 20, 2026. 8:30-10:00pm EST.