"Dutton’s choreographic voice is as strong as their storytelling, and the way they blend movement and narrative is distinct and honestly profound." -Rush Johnston, the Dance Enthusiast Audience Review
Middle Child Dance Theatre is a project-based dance theatre collective that centers around negotiation, sensitivity, and finding something to laugh about. It is a home base for the kids in us who never quite knew which lane we fell into. At the heart of our work as an ensemble is a sense of play and partnership, making it possible for us to build worlds that can simultaneously hold deep vulnerability and profound silliness. Through intentional engagement with a multitude of creative lenses, we aim to create spaces that feel candid and accessible for a wide range of audiences. We prioritize collaboration with womxn and queer artists, and create work that cultivates a sense of community. We care deeply about giggling, talking about our feelings, and making fools of ourselves and each other. We're so glad you're here!
Since the official launch of the company in spring of 2025, we have been in residence with the American Dance Festival and Mare Nostrum Elements. Our work has been featured in the CollectiveGenius Festival, the Made by Women Dance Festival, the Pioneers Go East Crossroads Series, the FACT SF Summer Dance Festival, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival and the International Human Rights Arts Festival.
​While Artistic Director Heather Dutton has been formally educated in Dance & Women's and Gender Studies, she would argue that her choreographic voice is defined by her other lived experiences. These experiences include (but are not limited to) her college musical improv comedy team, years of tap lessons, being homeschooled, her obsession with the way her grandfather told stories, deeply intimate friendships and playing far too many games in one sitting. Under her leadership, Middle Child projects are founded on a collaborative spirit that invites all the artists in the room to be weird, to be honest, and to try things that scare them.