Alyson Dolan assumed leadership of KDH Dance Company in 2023 following the diagnosis of its founder, Kathy Dunn Hamrick, with Stage 4 cancer. When Hamrick first encountered Dolan during a visit to Austin, she felt an immediate connection. Despite Dolan not yet residing in the city, their shared background as alumni of Florida State University and their mutual mentor set the stage for a future collaboration.
The two women bonded over their passion for rhythm and movement, each bringing a unique musicality to their work. “We just clicked,” Dolan recalled, noting the respect Hamrick showed her from the outset. “I think she knew that I was in it for the long haul,” Dolan reflected, recalling Hamrick’s insight into their shared dedication to dance.
Hamrick founded her dance company in 1999, establishing it as a cornerstone of Austin’s artistic community over the next 24 years. After Hamrick’s passing in February, Dolan and her fellow dancers were left grappling with the loss. “Kathy built us not just a company, but a home where we could express ourselves fully,” Dolan shared, expressing the profound bond they had formed over the years. The thought of continuing without her was daunting.
Despite the grief enveloping the company, Hamrick’s determination shone through. “In classic Kathy fashion, she was like, ‘OK, I’m done being pissed off and grieving. Now we gotta figure out, what are we gonna do?’” Dolan recounted, recalling Hamrick’s proactive approach even in the face of her illness.
While Hamrick relished her multifaceted role within the company, she encouraged Dolan to forge her own path. However, Dolan chose to retain the KDH name, collaborating with a team to navigate the complexities of leading the company, including the creation of an original evening-length performance.
Hamrick remained involved, providing invaluable support and feedback. “Kathy would give me pages and pages of notes, affirming the things I was doing well,” Dolan said, emphasizing the importance of having someone believe in her during this transitional phase.
Now, Dolan and the KDH Dance Company are gearing up for their next original performance, “Love, Loss & Other Constellations,” scheduled for May 29-31 at East Side Performing Arts. This marks a poignant moment as they create a dance without Hamrick’s direct influence for the first time since her passing.
During a recent rehearsal, the essence of Hamrick’s creative spirit was palpable in the dancers’ movements, characterized by gestures that reflect compassion and connection. The choreography retained familiar elements from past KDHDC works, such as grand swings and tender lifts, showcasing the enduring legacy Hamrick left behind.
Though Hamrick is no longer physically present, her spirit continues to inspire the company. Dolan, drawing from her 14 seasons with KDH, infuses this new work with both joy and intention, affirming the company’s artistic identity remains strong.
Looking ahead, the company’s future appears bright. Dolan announced that funding from both the city and state has reached unprecedented levels this year, with plans for another new original production set to debut in the fall. Although Hamrick’s absence is keenly felt, her foresight ensured that KDH Dance Company would thrive, offering hope to her supporters and serving as a model for enduring artistic institutions in Austin.
