Feb 13–15, 2026 | Tickets: $75 General / $25 Students 
at Laguna Playhouse

In partnership with Laguna Playhouse

Dance Performances That Speak from the Heart. Join us for an unforgettable weekend where movement becomes a message, and every step tells a story. LOVE LETTERS includes 3 breathtaking shows, bringing together world-renowned dancers, and choreographers for a powerful and dynamic experience.

Feb 12 @ 6:00 PM: Backstage with Dayton Contemporary Dance

Feb 13 @ 7:00 PM: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

Feb 14 @ 7:00 PM: Heart 2 Heart: An Evening of Duets

Feb 15 @ 3:00 PM: Sunday Funday: The Best of So Cal Dance!

Whether you're a longtime lover of dance or new to the art form, LOVE LETTERS will move you—body and soul.

Go behind the curtain and witness the magic of dance in motion! Join the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company for an exclusive onstage rehearsal experience with the company’s artistic director and dancers.

Performing Paul Taylor’s iconic dance, Esplanade, and a work by the country’s most well-known hip hop choreographer, Rennie Harris.

ONE NIGHT ONLY! Including celebrity dancers from Miami City Ballet, World-class Ballroom dancers, The Joffrey Ballet and the best of So Cal dance. 

Including local favorites, Backhausdance, Ballet Project of Orange County and featured choreography by Azuki Umeda and Rauf Rubberlegz.

In partnership with Laguna Playhouse

Go behind the curtain and witness the magic of dance in motion! Join the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company for an exclusive onstage rehearsal experience with the company’s artistic director and dancers.

Get a rare glimpse into the creative process — from the athleticism and artistry that define DCDC’s signature style to the dynamic rehearsal atmosphere that fuels their performances.

• 3 Stunning performances
• World-class artists locally and nationally
• A different theatrical dance experience every night and like no other

What to Expect:

• A 30-minute open rehearsal on stage
• Insightful conversation with the artistic director and dancers
• A Q&A session following the rehearsal

Running time: 45 minutes

Bold. Soulful. Unforgettable.

In partnership with Laguna Playhouse

Experience the power, history, and soul of American dance with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) and step into an evening of pure power and passion with one of America’s most electrifying modern dance ensembles. DCDC makes its Laguna Dance debut with three electrifying works that celebrate the brilliance of Black choreographers and the enduring legacy of modern dance.

Celebrated for their deeply human storytelling and explosive athleticism, this is dance that moves through you — blending contemporary artistry with the company’s rich heritage of African American culture and innovation. From heart-stopping solos to sweeping ensemble works, each piece is a visceral experience that celebrates resilience, beauty, and the unbreakable spirit of community. Since 1968, DCDC has championed a movement legacy deeply rooted in the African American experience, and Laguna Dance is thrilled to be featuring the company this February.

Jacob’s Ladder, by acclaimed choreographer Rennie Harris, captures the rhythm and resilience of hip hop culture—from its humble beginnings on New York City streets to its global artistic influence today.

Also featured is the timeless masterwork Esplanade by modern dance icon Paul Taylor, bursting with youthful energy, joy, and poignancy. The evening opens with Ray Mercer’sriveting and dynamic new creation, Mental, a work of emotional intensity and exhilarating physicality.

Three powerful choreographers. One unforgettable evening of dance that celebrates movement, history, and humanity. Don’t miss this extraordinary night of movement and meaning.

Running time: 80 minutes (including one 15-minute intermission)

In partnership with Laguna Playhouse

Experience the language of love, written in dance. A one-night only event featuring romance, artistry, athleticism and celebration.

Celebrate love in all its forms—friendship, passion, and partnership—with a dazzling night of world-class dance coupled with food and wine. Heart 2 Heart features breathtaking duetsperformed by celebrity dancers on the intimate stage of the Laguna Playhouse.

Featured Artists Include:

• Miami City Ballet performing the timeless George Balanchine duet from “Diamonds” — a luminous masterpiece of classical beauty.

• Joffrey Ballet presenting “Round of Angels”, a transcendent work by legendary choreographer Gerald Arpino.

• The powerhouse Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, known for their soulful athleticism and expressive depth.

• Dazzling Ballroom artists bringing elegance, rhythm, and flair to the stage.

• Complexions Contemporary Ballet performing one of Dwight Rhoden’s fiery and sensual duets

• Jodie Gates’ poetic duet “Delicate Balance”

• Kynetiqs (LA-based) and Ballet Project OC (Orange County-based) offering original duets that blend innovation with emotion.

LIMITED VIP TICKETS - Your $250 ticket includes:

• A VIP preshow champagne reception
• Reserved VIP seating for the Heart 2 Heart performance
• Exclusive onstage party after the show—enjoy gourmet food, drinks, and meet the dancers up close, plus a special surprise!

VIP Tickets are limited—reserve now before it sells out!

Running time: 70 minutes

In partnership with Laguna Playhouse

End your Love Letters weekend with a joyful celebration of movement, creativity, and community! Sunday Funday brings together the very best of Southern California’s dance scene for one high-energy, can’t-miss performance.

✨ Featuring:

• The bold, contemporary artistry of Backhausdance

• The stunning cultural precision of the Chinese Dance Company of Southern California (CDCSC)

• The elegance and athleticism of Ballet Project OC

• The innovative, genre-bending movement of Kynetiqs

• New and captivating choreography by Azuki Umeda, Jodie Gates, and Rauf Rubberlegz

From hip hop, traditional Chinese dance, ballet and cutting-edge contemporary dance, this performance is a dazzling mix of styles, stories, and rhythms — all united by the passion and talent of Southern California’s top choreographers and dancers.