Eisemann Center Presents: 2025-2026 Season

Priyadarsini Govind is one of the foremost Bharatanatyam dancers among the current generation. A dancer known for her adherence to tradition, Priyadarsini manages to seamlessly blend new choreography with the traditional, thereby gently redefining the boundaries of Bharatanatyam repertoire.

Yavanikā - the screen of illusion - is an exploration of the relationship of the Self with its source. Conceived as a full-length dance production in the Bharatanatyam idiom, Yavanikā takes us on the elusive journey of self towards the Supreme. Featuring pan-Indian poetry, in multiple languages including Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Tamil, the production echoes the voices of seers and poets from the 14th through 21st centuries. 

Each of the seven compositions in the production has its own soundscape and movement vocabulary, lending them their own unique flavor and atmosphere. 

Presented in collaboration with the Indian Cultural Heritage Foundation

The Art of VIII School of Dance proudly presents Rebirth of the Phoenix: ASCENSION, an extraordinary showcase celebrating the courage and transformation of adult dancers as they step boldly onto the stage. This annual event shines a spotlight on brave individuals who have embraced the challenge of dance later in life, defying expectations and pushing beyond their comfort zones. Watch in awe as these inspiring performers, perhaps your neighbors, colleagues, or friends, unveil their hidden talents and share their journey of personal growth and artistic discovery.

This year’s theme, ASCENSION, creates a sacred space where the Art of VIII community and audience members witness something truly extraordinary: authentic transformation made visible. Those who watch will experience the rare gift of seeing real people shed their everyday masks, embracing vulnerability and power simultaneously. In a world where genuine expression is increasingly rare, our performance offers the audience a mirror to their own untapped potential, a reminder that transformation is possible for everyone. What they’ve been missing is the profound inspiration that comes from seeing others brave enough to share their journey, creating a ripple effect of courage that extends far beyond the stage.

Complementing our courageous adult students, the showcase features electrifying guest performances by the 6’oclock Dance Theater, Evolution Tango, and more. “Rebirth of the Phoenix: ASCENSION” promises an unforgettable fusion of raw passion, newfound confidence, and professional artistry. Join us for this moving celebration of the human spirit, where everyday adults become extraordinary performers, proving that it’s never too late to spread your wings and dance.

For more information, visit: https://www.artofviii.com/events/rebirth-of-the-phoenix-ascension/

Eisemann Center Presents: 2025-2026 Season

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande invite you to celebrate the holiday season with Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico! Named for the beloved Andalusian Christmas Carol, this vibrant show weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a magical story of the season!
Through the joyous rhythms of “Bells Upon Bells” and the colorful spectacle of Mexican dance, we capture the heartwarming reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey! You’ll experience the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas!

Eisemann Center Presents: 2025-2026 Season

DRUM TAO was stablished in 1993 with the dream of creating a world-class production centered around “Wadaiko” (Japanese Drums), a instrument which has a very rare and unique variety of sound expressions. They set their base at Oita, Japan and started creating their own music, stage set-ups, and costumes to produce their one-of-a-kind entertainment. Many talented artists and staff gathered to join this creation from all over the world.

More than 9 million spectators have been reached worldwide. DRUM TAO’s stage is created through phenomenal performances and expressions consisting of incomparable “Wadaiko-drums” and the beautiful melody of Japanese flutes and harps. It is the “Japanese Entertainment” for a new generation that completely surpasses expectations.

Eisemann Center Presents: 2025-2026 Season

With their fierce footwork and feminine style the Syncopated Ladies have accumulated over 200 million views online carving their own place in the industry and history. They have been celebrated by the icon Beyoncé, who not only made the Ladies’ mega-viral Formation music video the homepage of her website, but invited them to perform at the launch of her Ivy Park clothing line in London. Also receiving praise from Janet Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg on The View and many other celebrities and international news outlets, the Ladies have brought modern tap dancing to audiences worldwide. Founded in 2003 by Chloé at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Syncopated Ladies were most recently featured in the hit Apple TV+ film Spirited and on hit television shows such as Bel-Air, So You Think You Can Dance, Good Morning America, Ellen, and The Talk. Currently on a national tour with sold out performances, Syncopated Ladies Live is the first tap dance show of its kind in a generation.

Eisemann Center Presents: 2025-2026 Season

Created by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble

Humans 2.0 expands upon the earlier, original production of Humans. As a reflection of our times, Humans 2.0 becomes more intimate, internal and searching. It argues that we must evolve towards heightened connection, care and sensitivity. Next level humanity, next level acrobatics. Beyond Humans 2.0, Circa significantly broadens the digital interaction it offers to presenter partners, ranging from live stream interactive projects, to digital theater presentations and creative engagement opportunities for audiences. 

“Humans 2.0 is a seriously sensational spectacle: as aesthetic as it is athletic, as comedic as it is grave, and all in all, a visceral delight.” – The Conversation

A symphony of acrobatics, sound and light, this is next level circus by Circa.

Ten bodies appear in a flash of light. They move in harmony for a fleeting moment and then descend into a sinuous trance. Towers grow and decay, bodies leap and are caught, as physical limits are pushed to their extreme. Can we ever find a perfect balance or is adapting to constant change the only way forward?

This next chapter of Circa’s internationally acclaimed Humans is a tightly woven choreography of bodies, pulsing with music by composer Ori Lichtik and revealed in Paul Jackson’s dramatic lighting. Created by circus visionary Yaron Lifschitz, Humans 2.0 is intimate, primal and deeply engaged with the challenge of being human.

Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. 

Humans 2.0 is commissioned by The Mondavi Center, UC Davis