My 5 Favorite Dance Companies

As someone deeply passionate about dance, I find myself constantly inspired by the artistry and innovation of professional dance companies around the world. Five companies stand out as my personal favorites: Sydney Dance Company, Akram Khan Dance Company, Abraham in Motion (A.I.M.), Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), and LINES Ballet. Each of these companies embodies unique qualities that speak to the diversity and boundless creativity of the dance world. Let me share why these five companies hold a special place in my heart.

Top: Abraham In Motion ‘Pavement’, Bottom left: Sydney Dance Company‘Impermanence', Bottom Right: Nederland Dance Theatre - Crystal Pite’s ‘The Statement’

Sydney Dance Company

Sydney Dance Company, based in Australia, is known for its dynamic and versatile repertoire. Under the artistic direction of Rafael Bonachela, the company blends contemporary dance with bold theatricality, pushing the boundaries of movement and emotion.

What sets Sydney Dance Company apart is their seamless integration of music, design, and choreography. Pieces like ab [intra] are breathtaking examples of how movement can translate raw human emotion into a visceral experience for audiences. The company’s dancers are astonishingly versatile, able to switch between explosive athleticism and tender vulnerability within seconds.

Another standout feature is their commitment to community engagement and dance education. Sydney Dance Company runs workshops and open classes that make their art accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. This openness reflects their belief that dance is for everyone—a philosophy I deeply resonate with.

Akram Khan Dance Company

Akram Khan Dance Company is a brilliant fusion of cultures, storytelling, and physicality. Khan, a British-Bangladeshi choreographer, has created a distinct vocabulary that blends classical Indian Kathak dance with contemporary techniques. His works are not just performances but narratives that delve into history, identity, and the human condition.

What draws me most to Akram Khan’s work is his ability to tell profound stories through movement. Pieces like Deshand Until the Lions take audiences on emotional journeys, weaving ancient myths with modern-day struggles. Khan's choreography is intricate and layered, demanding both technical brilliance and deep emotional commitment from his dancers.

His reimagining of Giselle is another standout work, transforming the classic ballet into a poignant modern tale of class and displacement. Additionally, Sacred Monsters, his duet with Sylvie Guillem, explores vulnerability and the artist’s journey. Both works have taught me the power of blending tradition with contemporary themes, an approach I encourage my students to explore.

Abraham in Motion (A.I.M.)

Kyle Abraham’s company, A.I.M., is a celebration of identity, culture, and innovation. As a Black choreographer, Abraham brings his lived experiences into his work, creating pieces that resonate on both personal and societal levels. His choreography is deeply rooted in contemporary dance, with influences from hip-hop, jazz, and classical traditions.

What I admire most about A.I.M. is the raw honesty in their performances. Abraham’s works often explore themes of race, social justice, and human connection. Pieces like Pavement and Requiem: Fire in the Air of the Earth are powerful examples of how dance can reflect the complexities of our world.

The dancers in A.I.M. are incredible storytellers, using their bodies to convey emotions that words often cannot. Their ability to oscillate between vulnerability and strength is captivating, making every performance a deeply human experience.

Left: Akram Khan, Right: LINES Ballet - ‘Deep River’

Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT)

Nederlands Dans Theater is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential contemporary dance companies in the world. Known for its groundbreaking choreography and technical excellence, NDT has consistently pushed the boundaries of what dance can be.

What inspires me most about NDT is their commitment to artistic exploration and risk-taking. Under the visionary leadership of choreographers such as Jiří Kylián, Crystal Pite, and Paul Lightfoot, NDT has created works that challenge conventional notions of movement, space, and narrative. Pieces like The Statement and Bella Figura are prime examples of how the company blends complex themes with striking visual design, resulting in performances that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally powerful.

NDT’s dancers are known for their incredible versatility and precision, embodying a level of artistry that sets the standard for contemporary dance. Their work reminds me to push my students beyond technical perfection, encouraging them to explore their creative boundaries and take artistic risks.

Why These Companies Matter

Emmanuel Williams, Business Director of SDC

Each of these five companies represents a different facet of what makes dance such a powerful art form. From the narrative-driven works of Akram Khan to the  boundary-pushing innovation of Nederlands Dans Theater, these companies inspire me to think differently about what dance can be.

They also remind me of the importance of diversity in the arts. Whether it’s through the cultural fusion of Akram Khan, the social commentary of A.I.M., or the multidisciplinary collaborations of LINES Ballet, these companies demonstrate that dance is a universal language capable of addressing the most profound aspects of the human experience.

Personal Impact

Emmanuel in Contact Binaries by Robert Rubama in LUNA 2024 Season Performance

As someone immersed in the dance world, these companies challenge me to grow both as an artist and an audience member. Their work  inspires me to push beyond my comfort zone, experiment with new ideas, and embrace the unknown. They remind me that dance is not just about technique or performance but about connection, storytelling, and transformation.

In my own work with LUNA and Susquehanna Dance Center, I strive to bring some of these qualities to our dancers and audiences. Whether it’s encouraging bold creativity, fostering inclusivity, or emphasizing the importance of storytelling, these companies serve as a constant source of inspiration.

Conclusion

Sydney Dance Company, Akram Khan Dance Company, Abraham in Motion, Nederlands Dans Theater, and LINES Ballet are more than just dance companies—they are trailblazers, storytellers, and visionaries. They remind us that dance is a reflection of life itself, capable of capturing both its beauty and its complexity.

Their work inspires me to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in the transformative power of dance. For that, I am deeply grateful.