Catch Three World Premieres at The Rosin Box Project’s DEBUTS

Big one for the dance calendar: The Rosin Box Project is bringing DEBUTS back to Liberty Station, and this year’s lineup is fully stacked. Three world premieres from three of the most compelling voices in contemporary ballet, all landing at The Joan across one weekend.

For anyone tracking where contemporary ballet is heading next? This is where to look. TRBP has spent years commissioning new work from artists actively shaping the field – and DEBUTS is where it all lands on stage.

Archibald, Denice, and Topazio on the Bill

Jennifer Archibald opens, marking her first-ever collaboration with TRBP. She’s one of the most sought-after choreographers working today (see: BalletX, Cincinnati Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, and Ailey II), and her work fuses contemporary ballet, hip hop, and athletic physicality into something that reads unmistakably now.

Then there’s Christian Denice, delivering the second premiere. His choreography is all cinematic atmosphere and emotional depth – the kind of work that lingers long after the curtain falls.

And rounding it out? Carly Topazio herself – TRBP’s founder and Artistic Director – with a brand-new piece. Her style balances drive and detail: modern edge, technical clarity, and choreography that meets us with direct eye contact.

The 60th, 61st, and 62nd TRBP Premieres

Here’s a fun stat: these three pieces are TRBP’s 60th, 61st, and 62nd commissioned works since 2018. Which is another way of saying: TRBP hasn’t slowed down.

DEBUTS is the centerpiece of TRBP’s 2026 season – PARALLAX: When Perspective Becomes Movement – a season built around the shifts we see when we change where we stand. And DEBUTS is where that lens turns outward, onto the artists shaping the future of the form.

“These are artists actively shaping the field right now, creating work that reflects where dance is headed rather than where it’s been,” says Carly Topazio. “What excites me most is that audiences don’t have to travel across the country to experience this level of artistry. It’s happening here, in San Diego.”

Streaming the Show From Home

Can’t make Liberty Station? Good news: DEBUTS also gets a virtual stream with a full week of replay access – catch (or re-catch) all three premieres from the couch. Streaming tickets are $25, and in-person seats at The Joan run $45 to $60.

See you there!

Round up the dance friends, grab a seat at The Joan, and catch three world premieres in one night. Contemporary ballet doesn’t get more of-the-moment than this.

📆 Fri, July 31 – Sun, August 2 | Virtual stream August 7, 7 PM, with replay through August 14
📍 2880 Roosevelt Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
🎟️ Snag your spot
ℹ️ Visit the website for details

See you there, San Diego!