As we prepare to celebrate our tenth anniversary in a BIG way, we could use a little help and would love to thank you for your support with a LIMITED EDITION Baran Dance tank top. Perfect for summer, this super soft tank in vintage black shows off your shoulders and support for Charlotte’s busiest DIY dance company. But ACT FAST! These puppies are only available until May 15th.
I just uploaded “Respira | Screendance” to #Vimeo: https://t.co/5mS59N8kbe
Welcome to
Baran Dance
Baran Dance is a professional contemporary dance company based in Charlotte, NC. We create dances that make you feel, think, possibly cry, and maybe even laugh. Founded and directed by Audrey Ipapo Baran since 2012, we are known for collaborating with local musicians and artists through multimedia movement experiences. Baran Dance seamlessly blends bold physicality with thoughtful artistry and performs on stages, in galleries, at bars, and on sidewalks, creating work that is accessible and exciting for wide audiences.
We move to move you!
In addition to our professional dance company we also boast an understudy company, BDU, and apprentice company, BD2.
Join us for company class Sunday afternoons at Open Door Studios.
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Tiny-Dances-TRL-Form.png)
Tiny Dances: TRL | Song Requests
August 2
Baran Dance wants to collaborate with YOU on our next show! We are taking song requests from the Charlotte community for Tiny Dances: TRL and will select up to 10 songs to which company choreographers will create new works, premiering at Petra’s on December 7th + 8th. If your song is selected, you will receive acknowledgement on social media, credit in the program, and one complimentary ticket to the performance!
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BD-2425-season-5.15.png)
2024/2025 Season
October 30
Mark your calendars for our 2024/2025 season: Crowdsourced! We want to collaborate with YOU and will be asking for suggestions, ideas, and maybe some participation! Save the dates and stay tuned for how you can be a part of BD’s next season…
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Summer Skewl
August 4 @ 1:00 pm | $100
Open Door Studios
3706 Central Ave.Charlotte, NC 28205 United States
Join us for a Summer UNIntensive! Summer Skewl spans three Sundays and includes six classes in contemporary, jazz, ballet, and contact improvisation with Baran Dance company members Audrey Baran, Carolina Quirós Otárola, and Ali Roth. Passes are available for the full workshop, one day, or single classes. Age 18+ or by permission.
Sundays 8/4 + 8/11 + 8/18
1:00 – 4:00pm
Open Door Studios
August 4th
1pm-2:30 Contemporary
2:30-4pm Jazz
August 11th
1pm-2:30 Contemporary
2:30-4pm Contemporary Ballet
August 18th
1pm-2:30 Contemporary
2:30-4pm Contact Improvisation
Single Class $20
Day Pass $35
Full Workshop $100
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BD2U-auditions-2024.png)
BD2 + BDU Auditions
August 25 @ 1:00 pm | Free
Open Door Studios
3706 Central Ave.Charlotte, NC 28205 United States
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/EC4A0721-Edit-640x640.jpeg)
Audrey Baran
★ BDC | director ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/EC4A2848-640x640.jpeg)
Kate Micham
★ BDC ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/EC4A2535-Edit-640x640.jpeg)
Lauren Bickerstaff
★ BDC ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/DSC_4506_bw-640x640.jpg)
Melissa Jesse
★ BDC ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/EC4A2657-640x640.jpeg)
Faith Carder
★ BDC ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/EC4A0855-640x640.jpeg)
Lydia Heidt
★ BDC ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/EC4A2329-Edit-640x640.jpeg)
Akilah Edwards
★ BDC ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_1918-640x640.jpg)
Mikaela Laxton
★ BDC ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/EC4A1957-640x640.jpeg)
Sharon Dunson
★ BDC ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BaranDance_sm_24003_9539_aHart-640x640.jpeg)
Ali Roth
★ BDC ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EC4A1700-Edit-640x640.jpeg)
Rahquelah Conyers
★ BDC ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EC4A2271-Edit-640x640.jpeg)
Carolina Quiros
★ BDC ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EC4A2132-Edit-640x640.jpeg)
Mackenzie England
★ BDC ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EC4A1817-Edit-640x640.jpeg)
Danielle Roman
★ BDC ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/DREAPHOTOARTISTRY-8114-copy-640x640.jpg)
Carly Thompson
★ BDC ★
![](https://baran.dance/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DREAPHOTOARTISTRY-8199-640x640.jpeg)
Julia Peterson
★ BDC ★
Contact
OCO Class Changes
March 31st, 2022
Attention dancers! We are making some shifts to open company class which will increase accessibility for Charlotte’s dance community and allow us more rehearsal time as we prepare for TEN. Effective April 3rd, OCO class will be offered Sundays from 1:00-2:00pm and return to $10 / class. Fear not, this power hour will still be full of floor work, big traveling sequences, and opportunities for challenge. Reserve your spot and join us — take 5 classes get one FREE!
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BIG Season Announcements!
October 2nd, 2021
We kicked off this season in a BIG way by welcoming 18 new amazing artists to the BD family (more introductions coming soon)! Let’s just keep the party going by performing in one of our favorite venues and then celebrating a (what?) DECADE of Baran Dance. Save the dates and join the fun!
TWO x FIVE: We are thrilled to perform at our favorite neighborhood bar in one of our most […]
Welcome + Farewell!
March 7th, 2021
We are thrilled to welcome Meagan De La Paz to Baran Dance! You saw her amazing choreography in Covers — now you can catch her in action in our upcoming spring concert Big Moves 2021! Help us welcome this powerhouse to the BD family and mark your calendars NOW.
In the same breath, we are sad to say goodbye to Mikaela Laxton, who is temporarily moving to sunny Orlando, FL. She […]
The Return of Open Company Class
November 5th, 2020
We could not BE more excited for the return of Baran Dance open company class this Sunday! Taught by artistic director Audrey Baran at the temporary location of Open Door Studios, each class includes contemporary technique, phrase work, and improvisation. Spots are LIMITED, pre-registration and payment are REQUIRED, and masks are a MUST. We are super stoked to safely move and groove with you. SIGN UP HERE!
Sundays November 8 (sold out!), 15 […]
Thank you Arts and Science Council!
January 18th, 2019
We are proud to announce that Baran Dance has received a Regional Artist Project Grant from the Arts and Science Council! These funds will directly support our upcoming production, Covers, in collaboration with local and national dance artists. We are honored to receive is competitive award and are super stoked to bring you one killer show in Spring 2019!
This project was made possible through the support of the […]
BD2: CHOREOLAB
November 28th, 2018
Sunday, December 16th @ 2:00pm
Open Door Studios | FREE!
Join Baran Dance for this special choreographic showing by our apprentice company, BD2! Our young artists are not only talented dancers but emerging dance makers. They have crafted their own short works, utilizing compositional skills, literary inspiration, and personal voice. Admission is free — support our apprentices with your presence!
Baran Dance Auditions
August 14th, 2018
Move with US! Baran Dance is holding auditions for both our apprentice and professional companies for the 2018-2019 season. We seek dancers well versed in contemporary / modern / jazz dance as well as improvisation and collaboration. Read on for details and contact audrey@barandance.com with questions. See you on the dance floor!
BD2 APPRENTICE AUDITIONS
Sunday, September 9th | 1:00-2:30pm | Open Door Studios Dancers 12-18 years old from any Charlotte-area […]
Baran Dance awarded “Best Dance Troupe” by Charlotte Magazine
April 27th, 2018
We are thrilled to be the Charlotte magazine BOB Award Winner for Best Dance Troupe! According to Charlotte Magazine:
Audrey Baran’s troupe has represented contemporary dance at events at Goodyear Arts and the annual BOOM Festival in Plaza Midwood. Behind the scenes, its community projects and classes at Open Door Studios give aspiring dancers a path outside of the traditional.
Thank you for recognizing exciting and accessible dance in the […]
Meet the New BD2!
October 17th, 2017
We could not be more thrilled about the this year’s apprentice company, BD2! These talented young artists will perform throughout the year, including our May 2018 concert, REMIXES. They’ll be breaking ground in an innovative performance in conjunction with Community School of Davidson and pianist David Brooks. Details are coming soon, but first, we are proud to present the 2017-2018 BD2 company! From left to right: Sarah Coates, Milana Acolino, […]