Art is always speaking about issues because it's about humanity and empathy and visions.

Session SummaryDance holds our everyday stories and wildest questions—and when curated intentionally, an entire city moves differently. Barbara Müller-Wittmann shares how her 2017 "risky experiment" grew into LA's largest independent contemporary dance festival: 17 choreographers, 6 companies, 6 weeks of boundary-pushing work across two stages.

A Few Key Takeaways* Barbara's curation process: staying connected with artists, blending returning favorites with fresh voices for cohesive evenings.​ * Stories driving selections, from family puppets to social justice via Dancing Through Prison Walls—art as humanity, empathy, visions.​ * New expansions: dance films from Dare to Dance in Public, workshops, interactive experiences to feel dance "in all its forms."​ * Qualities that make her say yes: work that touches, surprises, melts the heart—beyond technical skill.​ * Simple artist visibility tips: email curators, invite to rehearsals, share short videos—she watches every one.​ * Audience magic: loyal subscribers who attend everything, declaring "I didn't know dance could be this in LA."

Featured Links and Credits* Dance at The Odyssey 2026

Other Episodes of InterestSession #202: 10 Constant Things in Dance, Life and BusinessSession #184: Letters to DanceSession #106: Lessons from The Last OneConnect with AnnettInstagram: @annettboneShare what speaks to you about this episode.

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