Parsons Dance is a New York City based contemporary American dance company, internationally renowned for its energised, athletic ensemble work. Founded in 1985 by Artistic Director David Parsons and Tony Award-winning lighting designer Howell Binkley, the company has toured to more than 447 cities, 30 countries, and 5 continents and has appeared at such notable venues as The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Sydney Opera House, Maison de la Danse, Teatro La Fenice, and Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro. 

The mission of Parsons Dance is to deliver life-affirming, inspiring performances to audiences worldwide and, through education and outreach programs, to sustain an appreciation for the art form. Parsons Dance is committed to providing enriching experiences beyond its performances as it seeks to engage audiences of all ages through education and outreach programs; through post-show discussions, open rehearsals, studio showcases, video workshops, open company classes, summer workshops for pre-professional dancers; and in-school workshops for public school students. The company is especially proud of its Autism-Friendly Programs initiative, launched in 2016, that features sensory-friendly workshops and relaxed performances for audiences of all abilities. 

All these activities are driven by the vision of Artistic Director David Parsons, who, for 35 years, has combined his choreographic gifts and talent for training highly skilled dancers with a real passion for the art form.

“The arts are a powerful tool for self-expression and communication. My goal is to provide opportunities for more people to experience the wonders of dance.” (David Parsons) 

Heralded by The New York Times as “one of the great movers of modern dance,” David Parsons has received many accolades throughout his career, including three Choreography Fellowship Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts; the American Choreography Award; the Dance Magazine Award; a Howard Gilman Fellowship; the Dance Masters of America Annual Award, and the Capezio ACE Award. He has collaborated with iconic artists across all disciplines, including Billy Taylor, John Mackey, Kenji Bunch, Stephen Schwartz, Milton Nascimento, Allen Toussaint, William Ivey Long, Donna Karan, Annie Leibovitz, Ellsworth Kelly, and Alex Katz. 

Parsons Dance performs works selected form the vast and varied repertory of more than 75 works created by David Parsons. The company commissions new dances from established choreographers like Trey McIntyre and Monica Bill Barnes and restages works from the American canon, including works by Robert Battle and Paul Taylor. And, through its Generation Now Fellowship, the company offers commissions to young American choreographers whom Parsons mentors through the creative process.