Did you think excellent live dance performances were out of reach? Not true! CORE Performance Company opens a series of free events all Fall, beginning with an intriguing site-specific performance at the High Museum Friday, September 26, at 7:00 and 8:00 pm.

I spoke with Sue Schroeder, Artistic Director of CORE. Sue is a mover and shaker in the dance world, in a number of areas, and CORE integrates many of them into their work. The company began 34 years ago in Houston, Texas. The Atlanta base came afterwards, in Decatur, and will be celebrating its 29th season this year. The company is second only the Atlanta Ballet in offering full-time contracts with benefits to its dancers. Ms. Schroeder emphasizes that the dancers are “dance artists, not merely performers.” She goes on to say that there is a “passion for dancemaking,” and the dancers are encouraged to become accomplished choreographers. It is exhilarating that Atlanta has a company that is carrying on this modern dance tradition, first established by the Denishawn Company in the early 20th Century.

CORE’s mission is to offer a variety of experiences to the community, including Lunchtime Studio five times each year, a partnership with the Rialto Centre for the Arts, dance as a healing art, “open stage” nights, and live performances. CORE performs only new and original works, commissioning dance that premieres by the company.