Baran Dance Company
Baran Dance is a professional contemporary dance company based in Charlotte, NC. Founded by Audrey Ipapo Baran in 2012, Baran Dance believes that dance should be inspiring and accessible, not just for avid dance patrons, but for anyone seeking a visually awing experience. We create dances to make you feel, think, possibly cry, and maybe even laugh. Baran Dance seamlessly blends physicality and artistry, creating work that is available and appealing for all audiences, regardless of cultural, educational, or socioeconomic background. We move to move you!
In addition to our professional company we also have an apprentice company BD2, which is comprised of dancers age 12-18 who are selected by audition. Young artists from any school or studio are invited to audition, and train September – May under the direction of Audrey Baran and Kate Micham. BD2 has the opportunity to perform in venues throughout the year, including CDF’s Charlotte Emerging Dance Dance Awards and the Baran Dance spring concert. Dancers also have the chance to take class with Baran Dance company members and may perform in additional works.
Baran Dance is proud to announce the launch of our partnership with Our.BRIDGE, a non-profit enrichment program that focuses on the education and socio-emotional development of children who are new to our country and culture. We offer weekly dance classes in modern, ballet, and jazz to a group of students in this wonderful program, and will hold an in-studio performance on May 26th. We are in need of funds to provide shoes and costumes for these deserving young dancers. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Baran Dance.
Company Dancers
Audrey Baran
- Artistic Director, Co-Artistic Director / BD2, Founder, Dancer -
Hometown: Born in Jersey, raised in Monroe, NC
Education: BA in Dance, UNC Charlotte, 2003; MFA in Dance, Hollins University, projected 2017
When I'm not dancing I like to: Practice and teach yoga, drink wine and cook, walk my dogs, and play drums.
Paige Keller
- Dancer -
Hometown: Born in New Orleans, grew up in Charlotte
Education: Degree in Finance with a Spanish minor from the University of South Carolina, and currently a student at Charlotte School of Law
When I'm not dancing I like to: Spend time with my friends and family, and enjoy a good bottle of wine!
Megan Payne
- Dancer -
Hometown: Kitts Hill, Ohio
Education: BFA in Dance from Ohio University (2009), MFA in Dance from Hollins University (2012)
When I'm not dancing I like to: Read, watch movies, spend time with friends & family, search for records to add to my vinyl collection, and go on long country drives.