An ensemble of Dance Key West company dancers come together to perform stories written by incarcerated women in this innovative dance project. Telling My Story gives voice to these women, offering an outlet for creative expression, human connection and physical activity. Dancers recreate the stories on stage, dancing to spoken word, alongside original music compositions.

Original music by Keith Burnstein

Telling My Story is inspired by, and in collaboration with, Dr. Susan Dewey, professor of Criminology & Criminal Justice at The University of Alabama, and Julie Tennant-Caine, regional director at the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Premiere: February 23, 2024 at The Studios of Key West

After These Messages is a dance narrative about remaining true to oneself in a world that’s constantly changing. Inspired by Emerson’s Essay “Self-Reliance,” ten dancers take the audience on a whirlwind journey as they deal with the pressures of conformity, pop culture and media, while on their search for a sense of connection in this age of technology. Premiere: November 7-8, 2019 at Dixon Place, NYC as part of Fast Forward

(photo by Eric Bandiero)

After These Messages is a dance narrative about remaining true to oneself in a world that’s constantly changing. Inspired by Emerson’s Essay “Self-Reliance,” two female dancers take the audience on a whirlwind journey as they deal with the pressures of conformity, pop culture and media, while on their search for a sense of connection in this age of technology. Premiere: May 13 & 14, 2016 at The Studios of Key West *Made possible by the Anne McKee Grant fund

(photo by Blueye Images)

OUT explores the process of coming out and living openly. We follow two dancers on their journey as they face themselves, accept their true identity and discover their pride. OUT celebrates the struggles and triumphs of summoning courage, removing masks, and being true to oneself. Premiere: July 12, 2016 at Dixon Place, NYC as part of Fast Forward & The 25th Annual Hot! Festival

(photo by Peter Yesley)

Two eclectic duos come together to create one heck of a quartet. New Orleans super-duo Cole ‘n’ Keef are crafting the new American songbook, one jam at a time. Paired with the evocative moves of dancers Kyla Piscopink and Jordan Fife Hunt, this is soulful, dynamic storytelling at its best. Premiere: February 19-20, 2016 at The Studios of Key West

(photo by Steve Dimse)

After These Messages is a dance narrative about remaining true to oneself in a world that’s constantly changing. Inspired by Emerson’s Essay “Self-Reliance,” two dancers take the audience on a whirlwind journey as they deal with the pressures of conformity, pop culture and media, while on their search for a sense of connection in this age of technology. Premiere: November 7-8, 2014 at The Waterfront Playhouse, Key West

(photo by Steve Dimse)

Inspired by the music of Simon and Garfunkel, this dance show celebrates the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit. With a cast of eight dancers, Train In The Distance is Dance Key West’s largest production yet. Premiere: December 7, 2013 at The Tennessee Williams Theatre, Key West

(photo by Steve Dimse)

A dynamic evening of dance that utilizes the music of the year 1969 to reflect the seismic changes that were taking place in this country and around the world. The war in Vietnam, protests, the political divide, love-ins, peace, drugs, flower power, civil rights – all were part of the powerful forces of change that were taking place. 1969 was created in honor of Kyla Piscopink’s father who served as a medic in the Vietnam War.

Premiere: April 12-14, 2012 at The Waterfront Playhouse, Key West | Other Performances: NYC10 at Dixon Place, NYC August 22, 2012 (photo by Steve Dimse)

A new contemporary ballet based on Joni Mitchell’s timeless album “Blue”. With a cast of seven dancers, Kyla Piscopink explores the depths of Joni’s powerful songwriting and brings her stories to life on the stage. Premiere: February 23, 2011 at The Tennessee Williams Theatre, Key West

(photo by Steve Dimse)

The story of Napoleon and Josephine. This evening length work was Kyla Piscopink’s first shot at creating narrative through dance. With a cast of five dancers, Love Letters uses the music of Scott Joplin to take the audience on a journey back in time, exploring the epic love story of Napoleon & Josephine. Premiere: March 11-13, 2010 at The San Carlos Institute, Key West

(photo by Steve Dimse)

​Commissioned by The Keys Chorale, In Three Movements was a collaborative sensory experience, blending the auditory with the visual in a live offering of music and dance.

Premiere: March 6-7, 2009 at The Tennessee Williams Theatre

(photo by Cricket Desmarais)