Relative Motion, the 2026 Spring Dance Concert, showcases new works student choreographers. The Department of Theatre and Dance presents the concert starting on May 14 and running for two weekends in the Main Theatre, Wright Hall. 

Curated by Visiting Professor Doria E. Charlson, the concert will be grounded in explorations of “relative motion.” In simple terms, the concept of relative motion underlies how our movement is defined in relation to points of reference and the positionality of another object. In the US today, political and socio-economic positions are becoming more fixed and less flexible. At the same time, our collective points of reference – shared values, the role of evidence, the rule of law – are being eroded and obscured. 

Relative Motion seeks to explore how we continue to move when our frame of reference has shifted. What new intersections, vectors, perceptions, and relationships might be formed when we adjust our frames? How can we explore the dissonance of moving in opposing directions? What role might dance play in revisiting relationship, proximity, and how we can move forward together?

The concert features new works by Russell Abria, Claire Brown, Tracy Cen, Daniela Durkin, Mikayla Freeman, Diyansha Magesh and Naomi Nolasco. 

The concert will include a guest dance company each week. Week one May 14-16 MK Modern will perform and May 21-23, Davis Ballet Company will appear.

Adult tickets are $15, faculty/staff tickets are $12, and student/senior tickets are $7. Tickets may be purchased at the UC Davis Ticket Office, located on the north side of Aggie Stadium, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, by phone 530-752-2471 during the same hours.

The Department of Theatre and Dance is part of the UC Davis College of Letters and Science. For information about other department productions, visit theatredance.ucdavis.edu.