One of Dallas’ Best Dance Companies Anoints a New Director to Its Female-Led Team
And An Exciting 2022-2023 Season Ahead
BY Caitlin Clark // 07.19.22Slip Zone choreographed by Joy Bollinger | Photo: Sharen Bradford
Bruce Wood first made an impact on the North Texas dance scene in 1996, when the choreographer moved from New York to open his eponymous dance company in Fort Worth. After a brief hiatus, he returned to reinvigorate the group, which had become one of Dallas’ best dance companies at the time of his unexpected passing in 2014. Fortunately, a powerful team of women has stepped in to carry his legacy forward—including, as announced today, new associate executive director Elizabeth Van Vleck.
Van Vleck, whose CV includes tenures at prestigious institutions such as New York City Ballet, the National Dance Institute, and Dallas’ own TITAS DANCE/UNBOUND, joins Bruce Wood executive director Gayle Halperin and artistic director Joy Bollinger (recently named one of D Magazine’s “78 Women Who Make Dallas Great”). Together, the team has helped the company not only regroup and move forward after tragedy, but thrive.
In her new role, Van Vleck will oversee Bruce Wood Dance’s national touring program and strengthen the brand through national partnerships as well as initiatives closer to home—community projects include master classes, workshops, and educational engagement programs.

In addition to welcoming Van Vleck, Bruce Wood Dance has also announced the upcoming productions for their 2022-2023 season.
Homecoming, September 17, 2022
– The W. E. Scott Theatre will host the company’s welcome Fort Worth return with a performance featuring two nationally acclaimed Bruce Wood works: RED and Lovett!.
Dvořák Serenade, November 18 and 19, 2022
– Premiering at Moody Performance Hall, Dvořák Serenade is the creation of Lar Lubovitch, named one of the best choreographers in the world by The New York Times.
The Dallas Spring Arts Festival, April 8, 2023
– The free, family-friendly festival, held at Klyde Warren Park, is co-produced by Bruce Wood Dance and the Dallas Conservatory.
A Spring Concerto, April 29, 2023
– Another work featuring choreography by Lar Lubovitch will take place at Moody Performance Hall.
From June 9 to June 11, 2023, a series of three performances will include the two world premieres from award-winning artist Ben Needham-Wood and Bruce Wood Dance’s own artistic director, Joy Bollinger.