The Center Will Not Hold

Saturday, April 04, 2026 @ 7:30pm

McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540

A Dorrance Dance Production 

Created by Ephrat Asherie and Michelle Dorrance

MacArthur “Genius” Fellow Michelle Dorrance, a trailblazer in tap, joins forces with Bessie Award-winning breakdancer Ephrat "Bounce" Asherie to create The Center Will Not Hold—a groundbreaking collaboration exploring rhythm, movement, and social commentary. 

Set to original music by Donovan Dorrance, with live percussion by world-class drummer John Angeles, the work features 11 extraordinary performers blending street, club, and vernacular dance forms, including house, breaking, hip-hop, tap, Chicago footwork, Detroit jit, litefeet, and Memphis jookin. 

Through rhythm, movement, and dialogue, The Center Will Not Hold is a must-see for anyone captivated by the future of modern dance. 

Co-commissioning support for The Center Will Not Hold was provided by McCarter and the Princeton University Art Museum.