Buffalo Contemporary Dance came into existence in May, 1998. Co-directors Amy Taravella and Leslie Wexler share a life-long devotion to dance and a profound belief in its important place in our society. Their goal is to provide the community with the highest quality artistic experiences through both seeing and participating in dance.

Buffalo is home to many talented dancers who study at its two SUNY colleges and numerous other dance schools. The directors wanted to create an outlet for local dancers and choreographers through further training and performance opportunities. Taravella and Wexler also know that one of the best ways to learn about the history and philosophy of an art form is through participation. For this reason, BCD is dedicated to bringing to our area teachers, dancers and choreographers of the finest national and international reputations to work with professional dancers and students. Past guest artists have included: Carla Maxwell (artistic director, Jose Limon Dance Company); Bradon McDonald (Jose Limon, Mark Morris Dance Companies); Julia Sasso (Dancemakers of Toronto); and Trish Armstrong (Danny Grossman Dance Company).

In September, 2004, Buffalo Contemporary Dance presented an evening of works by the American choreographer Anna Sokolow who passed away in 2000 and who is one of the most important contributors to 20th Century dance. The event was a collaborative effort between BCD and the Anna Sokolow Archive Company directed by Lorry May.

Buffalo Contemporary Dance has performed to excellent reviews at numerous venues including The Church, the Flickinger Performing Arts Center, the Elan Awards in NYC honoring the Broadway and film choreographer Rob Marshall, through Young Audiences of W.N.Y., at St. Bonaventure University, at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, and with the Amherst Saxophone Quartet.

Since 2007, Buffalo Contemporary Dance has been in residence at the Alt Theatre created and directed by Amy and Lou Taravella. The Alt is located at 255 Great Arrow Avenue, 3rd floor, Buffalo, 14207. In addition to dance, it is a venue for theater, music, poetry, media, film and cabaret. For more information go to: www.alttheatre.com.