Rara Avis 

Nationally acclaimed ISHIDA Dance Company is back.

Pulitzer prize-winning dance critic Sarah L Kaufman described Ishida’s work as “deeply poignant” and “remarkable”.

“The dancers weaved pure magic in the air, and you could almost hear jaws dropping as they moved…,” wrote Brett Cullum, Broadway World.

Rara avis, which means “rare bird” in Latin, is a highly physical, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant program with critically acclaimed dancers and choreography.

The world premiere of Rara avis by ISHIDA follows a singer who struggles with imposter syndrome as she returns to stage after taking a hiatus.

The program includes Mutual Comfort by world renowned Romanian choreographer Edward Clug and a world premiere by award-winning Finnish choreographer Kristian Lever. The evening promises to be a unique opportunity to see some of the best and most interesting choreography from Europe and the U.S.  

About ISHIDA Dance Company

ISHIDA Dance presents original ISHIDA poetic narratives as well as works by exciting new and internationally established choreographers working with some of the most sought-after dancers (English National Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Ballet BC, Ballet Vlaanderen, Nederlands Dans Theater, Peeping Tom, GöteborgsOperans Danskompani, Ballett Basel) from Texas and around the world. Choreographers present engaging works that have never been performed for Texas audiences and in many cases are world premieres. These unique works invite empathy and introspection thereby leading to greater kindness towards oneself and the community. 

The company’s performances have solidified ISHIDA as one of the most exciting performing arts companies in Houston and Austin; there is nothing like ISHIDA anywhere in the United States, artistically or programmatically. 

About Brett Ishida – Artistic Director

Artistic Director Brett Ishida is Japanese American and grew up on a citrus farm in California’s Central Valley. Her love for dance inspired her to move away from home at age fifteen when she received a full scholarship to Kirov Academy and later to School of American Ballet in NYC. She danced with Boston Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre, where she first choreographed, and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens performing works by celebrated choreographers Nacho Duato, William Forsythe, Jirí Kylián, and Ohad Naharin, among others. She later graduated from UCLA earning a BA in Literature with emphasis in Poetry. She felt by combining these two worlds from her past, she could become a new voice in contemporary dance and started her own company, ISHIDA, captivating audiences in Houston and Austin. 

From the onset, ISHIDA’s work has been critically acclaimed: Broadway World described her work as “stunning and compelling…an incredible boon to the Houston art scene.” Dance Magazine named ISHIDA in the venerated ‘25 to Watch’ and ISHIDA’s work was presented at the 10,000 Dreams festival at The Kennedy Center in June 2024 featuring works by top Asian Choreographers around the world. Ballet Herald reviewed ISHIDA’s work as “the most memorable and effective piece in this program.” 

ISHIDA's commission for Houston Ballet was regarded as “unforgettable" by Adrienne Jones from Paper City. Reviewer Fredrick Goodall described ISHIDA’s work as “a masterclass in storytelling through movement.” At ISHIDA's last world premiere "inside my walls", Broadway World stated: "(Her work) is grotesque, gorgeous, and genius, all at once."

For ticketing questions contact: csenders@ishidadance.org

Venue: Asia Society Texas Center

1370 Southmore Blvd

Houston, TX 77004