Experience the cutting edge of contemporary dance at BLOOM: a choreographic showcase where Anchorage's most innovative dance artists premiere bold new works at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. This artist-in-residence program, produced by Pulse Dance Company, represents 15 years of leadership in Alaska's performing arts scene and serves as the company's spectacular season finale celebration.

BLOOM showcases four visionary choreographers-in-residence who have spent months developing original 6-10 minute works with studio support, mentorship, and professional development through Studio Pulse Center for Dance. The 2026 featured artists—Kelsey Anderson, Emma Lochner, August Macknicki, and Maxwell Renner—represent the next generation of contemporary dance makers pushing artistic boundaries in Alaska's unique cultural landscape.

Audiences can expect an evening of groundbreaking choreography that reflects both universal human experiences and distinctly Alaskan perspectives. Each piece explores different movement vocabularies, from lyrical contemporary to experimental abstract work, performed by carefully selected dancers who auditioned through open community calls. The program also features a dynamic guest performance by the newly reinstated University of Alaska Anchorage Dance Ensemble, adding academic artistry to the professional presentations.

The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts provides the perfect setting for this intimate yet powerful showcase. The venue's state-of-the-art lighting and sound capabilities enhance each choreographer's artistic vision, while the comfortable seating ensures every audience member experiences the nuanced storytelling that contemporary dance offers. Unlike larger touring productions, BLOOM offers the rare opportunity to witness the creative process firsthand—these are world premiere works created specifically for Anchorage audiences.

Pulse Dance Company, founded in 2010 under Executive Director Stephanie Wonchala's leadership, has established BLOOM as a vital platform for nurturing local dance talent while elevating Anchorage's reputation as a serious contemporary arts destination. The program's selective application process and multi-month residency structure ensure only the most committed artists participate, resulting in polished, professional presentations that rival those found in major metropolitan dance scenes.