Saint Louis Dance Theatre’s (STLDT) 2025-2026 Love Languages season, presented by Paul and Kathleen Matecki, features groundbreaking world premieres, cherished masterworks, and meaningful collaborations that celebrate movement as a universal language of human connection.
The upcoming season showcases an exceptional roster of internationally acclaimed choreographers whose work defines contemporary dance’s global landscape. Belgian-Colombian innovator Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, whose choreography has been performed by the Joffrey Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, and companies across five continents, creates her first world premiere work for STLDT. Swedish master Johan Inger, recipient of the prestigious Benois de la Danse award, brings his celebrated Walking Mad to the company. Stephanie Martinez contributes Kiss, her moving exploration of human connection, alongside additional world premieres by STLDT Artistic Director Kirven Douthit-Boyd.
At the heart of the season are three seasonal series—Fall, Winter, and Spring—each offering multiple performances over a weekend with programming that showcases these unique choreographic voices and dancers. The series productions are complemented by collaborations with Jazz St. Louis and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, as well as the immersive Tour de Dance experience in Grand Center Arts District.
“Dance is the physical manifestation of emotions — the key attribute of refined storytelling,” said Douthit-Boyd, former principal with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. “Through our Love Languages season, we explore how movement transcends words to express our deepest connections. From the revolutionary choreography of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa to Johan Inger’s boundary-breaking Walking Mad, each performance invites audiences to experience how world-class dance articulates our shared humanity.”
The season opens November 14-16, 2025, with the Love Languages Fall Series featuring world premieres by Lopez Ochoa and Douthit-Boyd, followed by the return of Gaslight Dreams: set to the music of The Nutcracker Suite by Ellington & Strayhorn (December 19-20), a STLDT and Jazz St. Louis holiday tradition.
January brings Stravinsky and Debussy: Music in Motion (January 10-11, 2026), marking STLDT’s second collaboration with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, featuring world premiere choreography by Douthit-Boyd set to Stravinsky’s vibrant Pulcinella Suite at the newly renovated Powell Hall.
The Love Languages Winter Series (February 27-March 1, 2026) showcases the company premiere of Johan Inger’s award-winning Walking Mad, while the intimate Tour De Dance returns March 26, transforming iconic St. Louis spaces into immersive performance venues through progressive dining and dance experiences.
The season concludes May 29-31 with the Love Languages Spring Series featuring the company premiere of Stephanie Martinez’s Kiss, described as “a love letter” to fundamental human connection.
STLDT’s artistic vision extends beyond the stage through an innovative partnership with 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis, where the season’s striking photography was captured among the hotel’s contemporary art collection, creating a visual dialogue between movement and contemporary art.
“Our Love Languages season doesn’t just celebrate artistic excellence—it strengthens the bonds between STLDT and the wide range of communities we serve,” said Erin Warner Prange, Executive Director. “We continue to build on our successful community initiatives, including the Youth Access Program providing tickets to St. Louis youth, Senior Embrace performances at retirement communities and senior centers throughout the region, and ensuring accessibility through our Community Night “pay what you can” performances. Together with our Kids Circle program for children ages 5-10, these initiatives reflect our belief that world-class dance should be accessible to everyone in our community.”
Subscription packages for the 2025-2026 season start at $95 and include subscriber benefits with season partner 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis.
For complete season information and to purchase subscriptions, visit stldancetheatre.org/lovelanguages.
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