Acclaimed local dance group Smuin Contemporary Ballet celebrates the new dance season with Dance Series 1 in the Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center For Arts & Culture. Soaring works and new commissions open Smuin Ballet’s 2024/2025 season. Dance Series 1 is a mixed repertoire program that pushes the envelope on contemporary ballet with an eclectic lineup of daring choreography and dance techniques.

Dance Series 1 introduces two choreographers to Smuin audiences, Jennifer Archibald and Matthew Neenan. Archibald, globally in demand, creates “ByCHANCE,” a world premiere in her first project with Smuin.

Neenan, declared “one of the most appealing and singular choreographic voices in ballet today” by The New York Times, also makes his Smuin debut. His character-driven “The Last Glass,” set to music by the indie-rock band Beirut, is the perfect showcase for the individuality of Smuin’s Artists.

Rounding out the program is Smuin Artistic Director Amy Seiwert’s “Renaissance,” set to music by Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble. “Renaissance” returns to the San Francisco Bay Area following its New York premiere.