January 2026 - Let Us Entertain You: BreakingEven Dance Company: Rewriting the Narrative, One Story at a Time

The dancers of BreakingEven Dance Company and their upcoming production, "Such Unknown Horrors."

In a dance world often dominated by strict technique, narrow aesthetics, and an almost obsessive focus on perfection, BreakingEven Dance Company is forging a different path—one rooted in humanity, inclusivity, and the power of storytelling. Founded in 2020 by artistic director Annmarie Garcia Sheahan, the Albuquerque-based, all-female, mixed-level troupe is quickly becoming known for its emotionally charged performances and its commitment to expanding who gets to be seen and celebrated onstage.

“BreakingEven was created to push back against narrow frameworks of what dancers should look like and who they should be,” Sheahan explains. “We strive to deemphasize the overt focus on perfection and precision traditionally found in professional dance companies. Dance should be accessible and inspiring to anyone who wants to pursue the art form.” That philosophy guides everything the company does, from its casting to its choreographic process to the emotional core of each production. Creativity, artistry, and connection aren’t just values—they’re the foundation.

Their latest original production, Such Unknown Horrors, is a striking example of that mission in action. A feminist retelling of Dracula, the show reframes the classic vampire narrative through a deeply female-centered lens. Rather than focusing on the vampire as a villain or enforcing the male-driven, heteronormative themes found in many adaptations, Sheahan crafts an entirely new emotional landscape—one rooted in agency, community, and the complexities of women’s relationships.

“BreakingEven’s mission is grounded in our belief that dance is storytelling,” Sheahan says. “Such Unknown Horrors—with its emphasis on the female perspective and its full narrative arc—gives every single performer the opportunity to tell their character’s story in heartbreaking but powerful ways.” For Sheahan, the production doesn’t just tell a story; it captures the essence of what BreakingEven embodies: “all aspects of female connection, friendship, and love.”

The creation of this work was a deliberate, layered process that pulled inspiration from both classic and overlooked corners of vampire lore. Sheahan looked to queer and feminist interpretations of the genre, citing Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla and Kat Dunn’s Hungerstone as literary touchstones. “My work also pays homage to elements of Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” she adds, “while fundamentally interrogating many aspects of it—particularly its emphasis on the male gaze and its hyper focus on heteronormative relationships.”

The result is not an adaptation but a transformation. Through original narration and rich, multi-genre choreography, Sheahan reimagines Dracula’s world through an entirely female framework. “Unlike other adaptations that focus on the vampire as villain and possessor, Such Unknown Horrors centers female agency for ALL characters while stressing emotional connection and love of many kinds,” she says. That emotional depth—paired with the company’s signature emphasis on accessibility and authenticity—promises to give audiences a version of Dracula they’ve never seen before.

BreakingEven’s commitment to innovative storytelling doesn’t end there. The company’s upcoming 2026 season continues its creative momentum with two highly anticipated productions. In May, they’ll launch Pride season early with The Fame Monster: A Tribute to Lady Gaga, a variety show celebrating the pop icon’s impact on music, performance, and queer culture. Later, in November, BreakingEven will return to narrative work with The Serpent Underneath, a New Mexico–centered feminist retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, featuring original narration and choreography by Sheahan. Both projects promise the same emotional resonance and artistic boldness that have come to define the troupe.

For audiences eager to experience this transformative approach to dance, Such Unknown Horrors will be performed at the North Fourth Arts Center (4904 4th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107) on:

• Friday, January 23rd | 7–9 PM

• Saturday, January 24th | 7–9 PM

• Sunday, January 25th | 2–4 PM

Tickets and more information can be found at breakingevenabq.com.

With its fearless storytelling, inclusive casting, and commitment to honoring the emotional richness of women’s lives, BreakingEven is redefining what dance can be—one powerful narrative at a time.