Pure Existence, Community Contributor

Founded in 2012 by Artistic Director, Jodie Randolph, Pure Existence is a professional contemporary dance company based in Ann Arbor, MI. We are a repertory-based company that values improvisation and movement exploration.Comprised of six highly-trained, paid professional dancers, the company presents one experimental and one repertory concert locally each year in addition to serving as guest performers across the country. Aside from presenting compelling dance productions, PE also offers seminars, workshops, master classes, intensives, residencies, open rehearsals, pre/post performance discussions and a growing list of community outreach programs.

With a background in jazz dance, Randolph began her training in modern and contemporary forms as an undergraduate student. Her innovative style blends these principles which has evolved into a unique movement vocabulary that Pure Existence is known for. PE consistently creates inspiring and diverse works grounded in authenticity, athleticism, and technical virtue, offering audiences a unforgettable experience. Our dancers have extensive training in ballet, traditional modern, jazz, and contemporary forms as well as a variety of somatic practices. This range enables our choreographers to deliver athletic, high energy works as well as subtle and sophisticated compositions. PE strives to engage both an experienced audience as well as novice dance enthusiasts. As one of Michigan's leading contemporary dance companies, PE is committed to providing an authentic experience both in the studio and on the stage.

By bringing dance to Ann Arbor and the greater Metro-Detroit area through performance and education, Pure Existence has repeatedly found unique ways to increase accessibility to the art of dance and employ dance artists. As part of our mission, PE is committed to providing opportunities for trained dance artists through paid positions as well as performance and training opportunities for both the experienced and novice dance artist. Additionally, PE aims to help the community connect with each other through dance by providing a range of workshops and performances. Pure Existence proudly supports and mentors X2, a pre-professional youth dance company comprised of talented artists in the Southeast Michigan area.

Pure Existence employs two Artistic Directors and contracts five professional dancers with paid season positions. PE is assisted and operated by a volunteer Board of Directors and a growing Advisory Board. PE is a nonprofit 501c3 organization.