Dance Kaleidoscope Brings Robert Battle’s Train to Indianapolis in Rare Contemporary Dance Event

While Indianapolis regularly welcomes Broadway tours and major musical acts, world-class contemporary dance rarely reaches local stages. In early February, Dance Kaleidoscope will change that—bringing the work of one of the most influential choreographers of our time directly to Indianapolis audiences.

Dance Kaleidoscope’s February 6–8 performances of ARRESTING MOMENTUM at the Tobias Theater at Newfields will feature Train by Robert Battle, former Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and current Resident Choreographer of Paul Taylor Dance Company. Battle’s work is most often seen on major national and international stages, making this performance a rare opportunity for Indianapolis audiences to experience his choreography live—without leaving the city.

Train is an explosive, physically demanding masterwork that has not been performed in more than a decade. Known for its relentless energy and precision, the piece has captivated audiences across the country and remains one of Battle’s most powerful creations. Performed by Dance Kaleidoscope, Train offers a striking example of contemporary dance at the highest level—an art form that seldom tours through Midwestern markets.

The program also includes Takbuhan, a world premiere by Detroit-based choreographer Christa Smutek, recipient of the Jaffee & Hall Emerging Choreographer Award. This annual award honors the visionary leadership of Cherri Jaffee, Dance Kaleidoscope Artistic Director from 1977–1991, and Ginger Hall, her Co-Artistic Director from 1985–1991, while supporting the next generation of choreographic voices.

Rounding out the program is a new work by Christel DeHaan Artistic Director Joshua Blake Carter, set to a mixed-genre soundtrack featuring Mel Tormé and Toro y Moi. The piece moves fluidly across eras and styles, transporting audiences through time and sound.

Tickets range from $15 to $58, and Dance Kaleidoscope participates in the Access Pass Program to ensure broad community access to live performance. Pre-show talks beginning at 6:30pm are included with the February performances: Friday, February 6, featuring Robert Battle, and Saturday, February 7, with Christa Smutek. Tickets are on sale now at dancekal.org. For group sales of 10 or more tickets, contact kgalloway@dancekal.org.