Ad Deum Dance Company in Houston, Texas, is a modern/contemporary dance company whose mission is to create and perform with excellence vital works of dance that serve to wash over the heart and soul of humanity with relevant meaning and redemptive hope. Randall Flinn is their Founder and Director, Shizu Yasuda is their Artistic Director; Shannon Benton is a Company Dancer and their Social Media Associate.
According to Shannon, many characteristics set Ad Deum apart from other professional dance companies. One of the biggest things that makes their organization different is its sense of community. All members of both the Main company and Ad Deum 2 meet together each morning as a family for technique class and what they fondly refer to as “circle time.” They are not only a company for the sake of performing professionally, but they are also a community that supports, encourages, challenges, and loves one another. It truly is more of a family atmosphere, rather than the competitive environment often associated with the professional dance world. They all understand that their family has been held together by the grace of God and not by any one person in the community.
Another characteristic is the company’s heart for outreach opportunities. Ad Deum participates in various outreach events several times throughout the year for fundraisers as well as for non-profit organizations in the Houston area. One of their annual events (and favorite performances of the season!) is dancing at MD Anderson Cancer Research Hospital at Christmastime.
In their 16th season as a full-time company, Ad Deum have many memories of God’s faithfulness over the years and stories of how their performances have touched lives in a significant way. In addition to God’s grace over the company and its mission, a large part of that success is due to the company’s repertoire of meaningful dances that require a level of vulnerability from the dancers that audience members can see and feel. Through his coaching, Director Randall Flinn facilitates an environment where exploration of character and a deeper understanding of the significance of each movement and the work as a whole can occur.
Ad Deum Dance Company loves having guests and visitors and making new friends! They are comprised of people from all over the United States and around the world. Some of their international guests are able to stay for longer periods of time, while others stay for only a few days or weeks.
They would love for you to stay in touch!
If you would like more information about Ad Deum Dance Company, book them for a performance or arrange an audition, visit their website at addeumdance.com, email them at addeumdance@gmail.com or call them at (713) 626-5050. Additionally, you can join their newsletter on their website. You can also “Like” them on Facebook, follow them on Instagram and their blog and view them on YouTube.
Anyone who has danced with Ad Deum is invited to comment on our blog.
