Without Borders

Celebrating the Dance Legacy of José Limón

With Special Guest Stars
Award Winning Choreographer Colin Connor, artistic director of the American legacy Limón Dance Company, (2016-2020) and acclaimed Colombian dancer, Daniel Fetecua-Soto, soloist, Limón Dance Company, (2006-2016)

 

October 15-18, 2026

Promenade Hall, Overture Center for the Arts

Kanopy’s Without Borders Celebrating the Dance Legacy of José Limón, honors Mexican born José Limón (Limón) who electrified the world as one of the 2Oth century’s most influential dance makers. In this, our 50th season, Kanopy is proud to recognize Limón, a stellar talent in the constellation of powerful immigrant voices that have shaped our cultural landscape.
 
As a choreographer, Limón created a legacy of expressive modern dance, and he believed we should “revere and conserve, but not embalm, the treasure of the past.” In that spirit, guest artist Colin Connor, who describes his work as, “rooted in the mystery of how we live in our physical beings”, presents his choreography, “Flying in the Face of Time”, inspired by the rhythms and shifting atmospheres of Beethoven’s turbulent masterpiece “Grosse Fugue”. Seven mesmerizing dancers rhythmically dive into the depth of the unknown exploring their moments in time.
 

And guest artist Daniel Fetecua-Soto (Fetecua-Soto) creatively reconstructs Limón’s epic “Suite from A Choreographic Offering.” Set to J.S. Bach’s intricate composition, it is a luminous tribute to Limón’s mentor, Doris Humphrey, intertwining motifs from her transformative choreography in a baroque symphony of solos, duets, quartets and ensemble pieces.

Fetecua-Soto recalls how a dancer described the humanistic vision expressed in Limón’s work: “I don’t remember all the steps, but I remember how it feels.” Fetecua-Soto also performs his original solo “Fansié Sinak Chipwany” (“We Are Still Here”), informed by Limón, and sensitively rooted in Colombia’s indigenous Muisca culture.

It’s all Limón and a Performance that will Capture the Imagination
 
Reception at Promenade Terrace to meet the artists following the Friday night performance
Run time 100 minutes
All ages

 

 

Tickets (reserved seating):

Adult: $58.73
Ages 18 & Under and Students: $32.22
Groups of 4 or More: $52.70
Prices include all Overture Center fees and sales tax.

 

Master Class in Limón Technique with Daniel Fetecua-Soto and Colin Connor

October 13 & 14, 2026, 5-6pm, at the Kanopy Center for Modern & Contemporary Dance
Intermediate/Advanced dancers ages 11-adult

 

Meet the Guest Artists

Faculty
Daniel Fetecua Soto
Faculty
Colin Connor

About José Limón & the Limón Dance Company

José Limón was one of the most prominent American choreographers in modern dance. His powerful choreography often focused on human drama, incorporating themes from literature, history or religion. Throughout his career, Limón worked to change the image of the male in dance and bring it to a new stature and recognition. Born in 1908 in Culiacan, Mexico, Limón moved to the United States with his family when he was seven years old. He became interested in dance at the age of twenty, after moving to New York City to study painting. He began his studies with pioneer modern dancers Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman and was soon invited to join their company. In 1946 he founded his own company. Limón is best known for his masterpiece, The Moor’s Pavane, based on Shakespeare’s “Othello.” He choreographed over seventy-four other works, including The Traitor, The Exiles, There is a Time, Chaconne, Emperor Jones, Carlota, Dances for Isadora, and The Unsung. José Limón died on December 2, 1972. Today, the José Limón Dance Foundation continues his work through two entities: the Limón Dance Company, an international touring repertory company, and the Limón Institute, an educational and archival resource organization. 

Founded in 1946 by José Limón and Doris Humphrey, the Limón Dance Company has been at the vanguard of American Modern dance since its inception and is considered one of the world’s greatest dance companies. Choreographer and dancer José Limón is credited with creating one of the world’s most important and enduring dance legacies— an art form responsible for the creation, growth and support of modern dance in this country. Acclaimed for its dramatic expression, technical mastery and expansive, yet nuanced movement, the Limón Dance Company illustrates the timelessness of José Limón’s work and vision. The Company’s repertory, which includes classic works in addition to new commissions from contemporary choreographers, possesses an unparalleled breadth and creates unique experiences for audiences around the world. 

Sponsors

 

Underwritten by Tien & Jim Hess, Tom Neujahr & Julie Underwood, James Durham, Quarra Stone, Dane Arts (with additional funds from Diane Ballweg and the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation), The Evjue Foundation, Madison Arts Commission (with additional funds from the Wisconsin Arts Board), & Other Generous Support.