Juneteenth Performance 11 am-12 pm
For the first time ever in Clifton Forge, Cora Dance will be performing as a part of Juneteenth celebrations in the community. Join Ammara Shafqat and guest dancer, Tzahmyra, for a duet to be performed in Washington Park between 11 am-12 pm! See you there for this special celebration!
Tribute to Jada Callender - Join us for a tribute performance at 4:30 pm.
In 2021, Jada Callender became a dedicated collaborator of Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance, beginning a four-year relationship marked by her beautiful documentation of the company’s work. Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance is an acclaimed professional dance company based in New York City since 1998. In 2020, Founding Artistic Director and Choreographer Shannon Hummel relocated to her home state of Virginia, and the company established dual residency in New York City and the Alleghany Highlands.
Upon hearing about the company’s work, Jada reached out unprompted to ask if she could attend rehearsals and photograph the dancers. A longtime admirer of dance photography, she was eager to capture the company’s artists in motion. Her first images were of Grove, SH/CD’s premiere performance in the region, held at the Historic Masonic Theatre. The photographs radiated an understated yet powerful emotionality, capturing the internal human truths expressed in the simple, authentic moments the company is known for.
While many photographers have captured the grace and virtuosity of Cora’s dancers, few managed to reflect the soul and sensibility of the company as Jada did. A lasting collaboration and deep friendship quickly formed between Jada, Shannon, and the entire Cora company. Over the next four seasons, Jada became an invested and supportive presence at every company performance and many rehearsals.
In 2022, Cora established a free and pay-what-you-can dance school for local youth in the Alleghany Highlands: Cora Dance Alleghany. Jada quickly became a welcome and recognizable presence, capturing young artists in community events, rehearsals, and performances. As with the professional company, her lens revealed the spirit and soul of each dancer, highlighting fleeting moments of beauty and connection—moments that are the true heart of dancing together. Her photography not only documented the organization's educational work but illuminated the deep rewards of community, expression, and shared movement across generations.
In the Fall of 2024, Jada approached Shannon and company member Keon Washington about using some of her images of him in an upcoming series she was planning to create. The show would focus on Black men in various states of tenderness, strength, and vulnerability. The week of her passing, Jada installed one of these photographs—an image of Keon performing in Shannon’s work Because—in a group show at Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center. On Monday, she texted Shannon: “I think you’ll like the title!” Shannon stopped by the show and, as she was leaving the next day to perform with Keon in New York City, purchased the piece, titled Just Because. She took a photo of it to share with Keon upon arrival, the first in what was surely to be a beautiful new collection of Jada's work.
That weekend, moments before stepping onstage together, Keon and Shannon learned of Jada’s passing. The cover of the playbill each audience member held featured one of Jada’s images. In an instant, the performance became a makeshift tribute to her artistry—and a homage to the kind of connection that only art, collaboration, and the courageous act of sharing yourself with others can create.
The photographs displayed are just a few of the treasured images Jada took during her all-too-short but deeply impactful collaboration with Cora Dance. The artists of Cora Dance thank AHACC for the opportunity to share her work and to honor the talent, spirit, soul, and friendship of Jada Callender. We are forever grateful to have shared these beautiful years with her.
We love and miss you, Jada.
- Shannon Hummel and the artists of Cora Dance
Join Cora Dance artists for an unforgettable summer dance camp experience where movement, storytelling, and creativity come together! Designed for rising 7th–10th graders of all abilities, this immersive program invites participants to explore dance as a powerful tool for expression, connection, and performance. Whether you're a seasoned dancer, a theater or music enthusiast, an athlete, or simply curious about movement and creativity, this camp is for you!
What to Expect:
- Fun & Engaging Movement: Explore contemporary dance, improvisation, and movement games that build confidence, coordination, and creativity.
- Dancemaking & Personal Storytelling: Learn how to translate personal experiences into dynamic choreography. Work with Cora Dance artists to craft original pieces inspired by your own stories and ideas.
- Games & Creative Collaboration: Participate in team-based activities that spark imagination, build trust, and encourage bold artistic choices.
- Writing & Reflection: Engage in short creative writing exercises that support dancemaking, helping you develop a deeper connection to your movement and storytelling.
- Performance Opportunities: Showcase your original work in a culminating performance that highlights the collaborative and individual artistry of each participant.
This is a supportive, welcoming environment where every mover is celebrated. No prior dance experience is needed—just bring your energy, ideas, and an open mind!
Come move, create, and perform with us this summer!
Whether you want to relive or re-do your high school days, RED HOOK COMMUNITY PROM is the place to make it happen. With all the kitsch and glitz of high school (in an ACTUAL school gym), RED HOOK COMMUNITY PROM will rock you like it’s 1999… and for a great cause! 100% of proceeds support Cora Dance’s Tuition and Ticket Assistance Program, ensuring no one is ever turned away from classes, programs or performances based on ability to pay. Over 70% of Cora’s 300+ students attend class for free or reduced tuition.
Tickets are $125 or PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN and can be purchased at the door or online HERE. Tables are available to purchase for $1,500 (email prom@coradance.org if interested). Proceeds support Cora Dance’s Tuition and Ticket Assistance Program. To be a Community Ticket Sponsor, to Sponsor a Community Table, or volunteer at Prom, email prom@coradance.org.
Join Cora artists Shannon Hummel and Ammara Shafqat at Richmond Movement Center’s GRAND OPENING PARTY on FRIDAY, JUNE 6! The center is looking to create a central hub to house artists and movers of all kinds! Cora artists will be sharing a Fellowship Dance, To Friends, for all to enjoy!
WHEN: Friday, June 6, 2025, from 5:00-8:30 pm
WHERE: 14 EAST BROAD ST.
RICHMOND, VA 23219
DETAILS:
5:00-7:00 pm: DJ + Open House
7:15-8:30 pm: PERFORMANCES
On Tuesday, May 20, CDA hopes to raise $5,000 to keep our dance programs FREE and pay-what-you-can through the Give Local Alleghany Highlands Giving Day!
Every individual donation, no matter the amount, puts us in the running for additional cash prizes! Save the date for May 20!
CDA’s POWER HOUR is from 10–11am, meaning that if we receive the most donations in that time slot, we will win an additional $1,500! ALL donations put us in the running for the $3,500 grand prize if we can fundraise the most out of all medium-sized nonprofits! Thank you for your continued support and we hope you are able to join us on this day of giving!
Join CDA for a FREE performance at 3 PM by Associate Director, Ammara Shafqat, at Alleghany Cruisers’ 3rd Annual Cruise In! We will be tabling all day and will have info about Cora programs for next year! Come say hi and stop by the Cora table between 1-5 pm. We can’t wait to see you!
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS!
CYC/Cora Youth Company Programs provide Cora’s most dedicated and talented hip hop and modern students in grades 4–12 an opportunity to study dance more seriously by learning and performing a wide range of works by professional choreographers. Chosen by invitation and open auditions, CYC - Hip Hop is directed by Cora Dance Artistic Associate, Keon Washington, and CYC - Modern is directed by Cora Dance Associate Director, Nikki Assanti. Join CYC/Cora Youth Companies as they present the year’s culminating performances including the Brooklyn cohort of The Crossroads Project’s final performance and works by Assanti, Washington, and guest artists!
Friday, April 25 at 7pm
Saturday, April 26 at 2pm and 7pm (Milestone Ceremony and reception will follow the 7pm performance.)
Tickets are $20 or PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN and are available HERE or by calling our office at 718-858-2520 during our office hours.
Cluck is a poignant and striking solo exploring the power of denial. At its heart, the piece is a tenderly absurd love duet between the soloist and a highly improbable partner—a raw chicken. Through this unconventional pairing, Cluck delves into themes of longing, delusion, and the human capacity to cling to hope, no matter how improbable. Romantic, unsettling, and unexpectedly moving, Cluck balances elegance and discomfort, capturing the audience in its raw emotional core. A short yet impactful piece, Cluck is both graceful and grotesque, inviting viewers to reflect on the unexpected beauty within the absurd.
Sarah McCullough in the 2025 revival of Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance’s 2015 work Cluck. Photos by Nick Lents.
Shannon Hummel is honored to revive her unique solo work, Cluck, with Minneapolis dance artist Sarah McCullough in 2025 as part of the CANDYBOX Dance Festival at The Southern Theatre in Minneapolis, MN. Cluck was originally performed by Nadia Tykulsker at the BAM/Brooklyn Academy of Music's Fisher Theater in NYC in 2015. Cynthia Thompson later commissioned Cluck, presenting it widely for 6 years. McCullough now graciously makes this bird fly into its second decade of performance. Performances, master classes, and full CANDYBOX schedule can be found by clicking here. Specific details on Cluck events below:
Master Class with Shannon Hummel, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 4-5:15 pm. $10 for single class, $25 for 5 class pack (entire week of classes with a variety of artists).
Tickets for Tuesday Happy Hour Artist - Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance with Sarah McCullough, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 5:30 PM (Chicago - Central). $12 for single showing, or $25 for entire week of HH performances.
Young dancers participating in Cora Dance Alleghany’s weekly youth classes share their growth and artistry in a culminating performance at the Historic Masonic Theatre, featuring CDA students, CDA Cora Youth Company, and students from Cora’s new year-round dance program at Boys Home of Virginia under the direction of CDA faculty Associate Director Ammara Shafqat and Artistic Director, Shannon Hummel. Bring the entire family and all your friends to this inspiring PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN evening of amazing dance!
Tickets are $20 or PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN and are now available online at historicmasonictheatre.com or at the door on the day of the show. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Open Class Performance Week features work by Cora faculty as the inspiring young dancers ages 5–18 from Cora’s PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN classes share their progress in a culminating performance for friends, family, and the entire community! FREE!
Join Cora Dance Alleghany at the Alleghany Highlands Community Services' 2nd Annual Developmental Services Awareness event for a FREE dance workshop for all ages and abilities from 1-2 pm on Saturday, March 29! Founding Artistic Director, Shannon Hummel, and CDA youth dancers will lead an "Add Water, Make Dance" workshop on the Amphitheatre stage. We cannot wait to see you there!
Crossroads Performances: Due to weather conditions, the culminating showings of the 2025 Crossroads Project on Thursday, February 13 at Appomattox Regional Governor’s School have been canceled.
@ Pittman Studio* on the campus of the Appomattox Regional Governor's School, Petersburg, VA.
The Crossroads Project unites rural, suburban, and urban communities through dance, writing, and performance to explore identity, foster collaboration, and break down stereotypes. Young dance artists from Appomattox Regional Governor’s School (Petersburg/Richmond, VA); Cora Dance Alleghany (Alleghany County, VA); Cora Dance Brooklyn (Red Hook, Brooklyn, NYC); and Vernon Johns Middle School have been working with Cora Dance educators and local facilitators to develop material inspired by their experiences of home and meet for the first time in February on the ARGS campus to create and present shared performances that reflect their unique journeys and perspectives.
Due to weather conditions, the culminating showings of the 2025 Crossroads Project on Thursday, February 13 at Appomattox Regional Governor’s School have been canceled.
For more detailed information on Crossroads Project initiatives, click here.
Open Class Showings are a welcoming, informal opportunity for the families and friends of Cora Dance Alleghany students enrolled in PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN classes to witness their young dancer’s progress! FREE!
Open Class Showings are a welcoming, informal opportunity for the families and friends of Cora Dance Brooklyn students enrolled in PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN classes to witness their young dancer’s progress! FREE!
Shannon Hummel and Junie Marsh work in residence at Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology (ARGS) and local public middle schools as part of developing The Crossroads Project, a year-long virtual and in-person exchange program between youth dancers in Alleghany County, VA; Petersburg, VA; and Brooklyn, NYC examining the experience of home in their bodies, communities, and shared country. Cora Artistic Director Shannon Hummel and Faculty Member Junie Marsh work with middle and high school dancers throughout the week, to facilitate the creation of original writing, performance, and choreography, guiding youth participants to create original work expressing their perspective on home.
Stone Soup is a metaphor for the power and positivity created by the community coming together to share what they have and create something wonderful together. In Cora Dance’s new intimate office space, this annual performance favorite of works-in-progress by our students, faculty, and professional company will expand into a three-day series of short “sneak peeks”, mini-shows and workshops throughout the weekend including performances by Cora Youth Company - Modern participants in The Crossroads Project.
$20 OR PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN AT THE DOOR. For guaranteed entry, you can purchase a Priority Weekend Pass at the door or by clicking HERE. PLEASE NOTE THAT PRIORITY WEEKEND PASS HOLDERS MUST ARRIVE 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF EACH EVENT FOR GUARANTEED ENTRY.
STONE SOUP FESTIVAL EVENT SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, DEC 13: 6-8pm Open rehearsal (for CYC families only.)
SATURDAY, DEC 14: 2pm Showcase #1 - Performances with Cora Youth Companies Hip Hop and Modern.
SATURDAY, DEC 14: 5:30 - 7:30pm Workshop #1 - Methods of Making* w/ Nikki Assanti / Nikki + the Noise. *PARTICIPANTS MUST RSVP TO INFO@CORADANCE.ORG BY FRIDAY, DEC 13! Participants will perform in the following showcase at 8:30pm.
SATURDAY, DEC 14: 8:30 - 10pm Showcase #2 - Performances w/ Methods of Making participants, Eleanor Crawford, Chris Hammett, Shyda Hoque, and Keon Washington.
SUNDAY, DEC 15: 11am-12pm Workshop #2 -Easy Like Sunday Morning Meditation w/ Shannon Hummel.
SUNDAY, DEC 15: 2-3:15pm Workshop #3 - Storytelling Griot w/ Nahisha McCoy.
SUNDAY, DEC 15: 5:30pm Showcase #3 - Nikki Assanti / Nikki + the Noise and Shannon Hummel / Cora Dance.
Holiday community celebrations begin in Clifton Forge with an official lighting of the Town Christmas Tree. Enjoy festive dance performances by Cora Dance Alleghany’s youth company dancers and other local studios, then sing along with the Immanuel Baptist Church choir before lighting the town tree. For more information, click here.
Discover the enchantment of an Appalachian mountain town’s take on a European advent market at Clifton Forge School of the Arts’ Kriskindlmarkt. The heart of Kriskindlmarkt is nestled in “The Mill,” a beautifully repurposed 100+ year-old lumber mill behind the main CFSOTA building, where you’ll find a Silent Auction, artisan vendors, and live performances throughout the weekend. Cora Dance Alleghany is proud to take part in this joyfully beautiful event with CDA professional dancers performing among the vendors. For more information, click here.
Admission: $5 for adults; FREE for kids. Proceeds support arts education programming at CFSOTA. Detailed schedule of Cora Dance performances TBA.
Cora Dance’s professionally led dance education programs return! PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN classes ensure everyone can access programs and performances no matter their financial circumstances.
Cora Dance Alleghany classes in Creative Movement, Modern Dance, and Repertory for ages 5 and up take place at the Historic Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge, VA and other locations throughout the Alleghany Highlands region. For times and information on class registration, look for info on our CDA education page, or contact CDA at CDA_info@coradance.org or call 540-862-5655 X306.
Cora Dance’s professionally led dance education programs return! PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN classes ensure everyone can access programs and performances no matter their financial circumstances.
Cora Dance Brooklyn classes in Creative Movement, Hip Hop, Modern Dance, and Repertory for ages 5 and up take place at PS15/Patrick F. Daly School, Cora Dance Brooklyn at 177 Dwight Street, and other Red Hook, Brooklyn locations. For times and information on class registration, look for info on our CDB education page, or contact CDB at info@coradance.org or call 718-858-2520.
The Historic Masonic Theatre hosts the 3rd Annual Alleghany Highlands StoryFest, an enchanting weekend of storytelling performances, classes, and workshops in the heart of Clifton Forge, Virginia bringing together celebrated storytellers and regional tellers. Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance will present informal excerpts of Hummel’s critically acclaimed duet, down here, at 6:30pm as a pre-show performance to a night of storytelling.
Shannon Hummel’s 2015 work, called “a rare gem” by The New York Times, down here is a dance of fierce attachments existing because of, despite, and within the compromises we make to survive remaining together. down here makes visible, with the help of hundreds of tiny silver dolls, the little scars we leave on one another in our pursuit of control. Originally performed in 2015 by Calia Marshall and Katie Dean at New York City's Brooklyn Academy of Music, portions of this work will be performed by Cora Dance company members Ross Honaker and Ammara Shafqat with reflections on the process by choreographer Shannon Hummel.
The Historic Masonic Theatre hosts the 3rd Annual Alleghany Highlands StoryFest, an enchanting weekend of storytelling performances, classes, and workshops in the heart of Clifton Forge, Virginia bringing together celebrated storytellers and regional tellers. Shannon Hummel will speak on her work as a movement storyteller, sharing reflections on her life and career dedicated to silently telling stories with a substantial emotional impact.
For tickets and information, click here.
Cora Dance Alleghany kicks off its fall fundraising drive with a special event at Jack Mason’s Tavern! Jack’s Hometown Mondays are a chance for the Tavern to support local nonprofits and when you dine at Jack Mason’s Tavern on Monday, October 21, Jack’s will donate 10% of food sales to support Cora’s FREE and PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN programs! Stop by the Taproom throughout the evening for a raffle (there is a certificate for a free stay at the Omni Homestead), special performances, and of course, a chance to donate! For information, click here or contact Cora at CDA_info@coradance.org or 540-862-5655 X306. Donations are accepted and 10% of Food Sales support Cora.
Cora Dance’s professionally led dance education programs return! PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN classes ensure everyone can access programs and performances no matter their financial circumstances.
Cora Dance Alleghany classes in Creative Movement, Modern Dance, and Repertory for ages 5-18 take place at the Historic Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge, VA, and other locations throughout the Alleghany Highlands region. For times and information on class registration, contact CDA at CDA_info@coradance.org or call 540-862-5655 X306.
Photo of CDB students by Steve Pisano.
Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance professional dancers, Ross Honaker and Carli Mareneck, will perform a new duet in development by Cora Dance Artistic Director and Choreographer Shannon Hummel, entitled Day at Clifton Forge’s Fridays in the Forge (FIF), an outdoor celebration of music, games, dancing, fun, vendors, and more in Downtown Clifton Forge, VA. Longtime Lewisburg, WV dance artists, Ross and Carli have danced together for decades and will take the stage at FIF in this new duet celebrating lasting connections, journeys together, and opportunities for tenderness and beauty found along the way. Fridays in the Forge starts at 6 pm, with Cora performing at approximately 7pm. For more information, please contact the Clifton Forge Manager’s office at (540) 863-2500 or click here. FREE!
Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance professional dancers, Ross Honaker and Carli Mareneck, will perform a new duet in development by Cora Dance Artistic Director and Choreographer Shannon Hummel, entitled Day at Clifton Forge’s Arts Community Celebration (ACC). In its fifth year, ACC showcases local arts and artists, and offers two days of artist demonstrations, arts activities & classes, gallery exhibits, live performances, the Art Market, local restaurant specials, food trucks, and more! Longtime Lewisburg, WV dance artists, Ross and Carli have danced together for decades and will take the stage at ACC in this new duet celebrating lasting connections, journeys together, and opportunities for tenderness and beauty found along the way. Clifton Forge’s Arts Community Celebration takes place Friday, September 20, 3–9pm and Saturday, September 21, 10am–5pm, with Cora performing on Saturday at 12pm and 1pm. For more information, click here. FREE!
Keon Washington and Shannon Hummel work in residence at Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology (ARGS) and local public middle schools as part of The Crossroads Project, a year-long virtual and in-person exchange program between youth dancers in Alleghany County, VA; Petersburg, VA; and Brooklyn, NYC examining the experience of home in their bodies, communities, and shared country. Cora Artistic Director Shannon Hummel and Artistic Associate Keon Washington work with middle and high school dancers throughout the week, to facilitate the creation of original writing, performance, and choreography, guiding youth participants to create original work expressing their perspective on home. Learn more about Crossroads by clicking here.
Cora Dance Brooklyn will be taking the summer to relocate from our former studio at 358 Van Brunt St in Red Hook, Brooklyn to a new office at 177 Dwight St, Suite 2R in Red Hook!
CDB will be closed through July 22 and taking office hours by appointment only July 23-September 9. Regular office hours, classes, events, and performances will begin after September 9 so stay tuned and enjoy your summer!
