ExxonMobil Discovery Series: Exploration of Sensation

Introducing 5th Graders to the World of the Performing Arts

Arts Partner: Houston Contemporary Dance Company

Houston Contemporary Dance Company presents Exploration of Sensation, a contemporary dance concert focusing on how we perceive and relate to our surrounding world. The program will include Viola by Thai American choreographer Keerati Jinakunwiphat. Viola examines the effects weather, shifts in the duration of daylight, and seasonal changes can have on our mental and emotional states. This work was developed with HCDC’s behavioral consultant and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Rachel Tova Winer. Dr. Winer will discuss the role mental health played in the creation of the work during the Exploration of Sensation program.

The program will also include Sincerely Yours, a piece about our emotional reaction to our relationships with others by Norbert De La Cruz III, and Sensorium, a new work about the five senses by Houston Ballet demi soloist and choreographer, Jack Wolff.

In the 2024-2025 school year, the Hobby Center is excited to present a diverse range of free educational field trips to Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall with the goal of serving 5th grade students in Houston. Through this TEKS-aligned series, 5th grade students are introduced to dance, music and/or theater in ways that are engaging, fun and further their learning and belonging.

Learn More about the Hobby Center’s educational programming and future opportunities for all Houston school districts.

This project is supported in part by an award from the Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Mid-America Arts Alliance.

About Houston Contemporary Dance Company

Houston Contemporary Dance aims to lead and innovate performing arts in Houston by drawing upon the director’s long tradition of inclusiveness and diversity within all facets of the organization. HCDC sets itself apart by employing high caliber performing and choreographic artists from across the country.  In setting high technical and artistic standards, HCDC is currently the only contemporary repertory company to provide Houston audiences with opportunities to view works created by some of America’s most exciting dancemakers that speak to and are representative of the full spectrum of Houston’s diverse populace, while supporting talented Texas based artists as well. 

Houston Contemporary Dance Company is funded in part by the Houston Arts Alliance through the City of Houston, Texas Commission on the Arts, Mid America Arts Alliance and Dance Source Houston.