Bowen-McCauley Dance Company

The Artist

For the past 21 years, Lucy Bowen McCauley, leader, choreographer and dancer at Arlington, Virginia’s Bowen-McCauley Dance Company has energized broadly diverse audiences with inventive and vibrant choreography – a fusion of contemporary and classical techniques set to a sweeping range of musical styles.

Showcasing the founding Artistic Director Lucy Bowen McCauley’s choreography, this award-winning company is renowned for its spirited dancers, use of live music, the professionalism of its dance performances and its extraordinary outreach programs for socio-economically diverse communities in the Northern Virginia and the greater DC metro area.

The Artistry

The success of Bowen-McCauley Dance Company is a reflection of Lucy Bowen McCauley herself, who danced with The Joffrey Ballet II in New York City, and her ability to create a non profit that is committed to exercising the same high standards in its business practices that is also seen on stage.

BMDC boasts an enviable 21+ year record of embodying the best of the American entrepreneurial spirit, starting, continuing, and growing a not-for-profit enterprise that has exceeded everyone’s expectations for thriving in an incredibly competitive performing arts market, and packing them in the door!

Over the last 21 years, BMDC has continued to fulfill its mission, bringing the joy of dance to people from Virginia to New York, and as far away as China, Mexico, and Germany.

Notably, BMDC has instituted rich outreach programs that have touched the lives of thousands year after year; BMDC is the only dance company in the region to provide Dance for PD, free weekly dance classes for people with Parkinson Disease and their care-takers. This program has dramatically expanded over the years now offering 7 classes each week for free in 6 locations throughout the area.

Among the awards the company has received are:

  • 2003 Arlington Commission for the Arts, Artistic Excellence
  • 2003  Interlochen Arts Academy, Alumni Path of Inspiration Award
  • 2009  Arlington Community Hero Award
  • 2010 Metro DC Dance Award, Outstanding Achievement in Dance Education
  • 2012 Leadership Arlington, Leadership Legacy AwardState of Virginia, Regional Shining Star Award
  • 2013 Center for Non Profit Advancement, outstanding Board Leadership Award
  • 2014 Commission on the Status of Women, Women of Vision Award

Excerpts from Bowen-McCauley “Rite of Spring” world premiere choreography

Sponsor Opportunities

Contact NPAFE to find out how you can be recognized locally, regionally, and even nationally for your role in making these great performing arts events possible.

  • 8th Annual MOVE ME Festival 2017 –  A FREE family-friendly celebration of the arts and culture, featuring performances and artistic activities by local arts partners, Move Me serves as a catalyst for building communities and promoting healthy lifestyles through the arts. Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd. Arlington, VA. 22204
  • May 5-6, 2017 – Underwrite a new world premiere choreographed by Lucy Bowen-McCauley to be premiered at the Lansburgh Theatre on May 5 & 6, 2017.  Press and electronic media attention, excellent audience.
  • Annual Soiree, May 6, Following closing night at Lansburgh Theatre, BMDC invites guests to celebrate with the creators and cast, savor scrumptious bites and tasty desserts, and place bids at our fabulous silent auction
  • Summer Nights @ Signature – June 22, 23, 42 Experience BMDC’s new dramatic work in an intimate setting with some favorite guest artists! Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA
  • Spring & Fall 2017 – Specific theater and site specific performance sponsorships, the latter tailored to sponsor place and time requirements
  • Continuing: Sponsors for technical and operating cost offsets; choreography; rehearsal space
  • Special: BMDC’s locally and nationally acclaimed “Dance for PD” program, free weekly dance classes for people with Parkinson Disease and their care-takers.

What Others Say

Metro DC’s Bowen-McCauley Dance Company,  internationally-acclaimed, featured at Kennedy Center, “Metro DC’s premier contemporary dance company.” (Washington Post)

…as [a] tribute to … Stravinsky’s “Le Sacre du Printemps” (“The Rite of Spring”), ­Bowen McCauley created her strongest work to date, a muscular, theatrically arresting view of an Armageddon erupting at the intersection of the Electric Circus nightclub and “Doctor Who”.  Bowen McCauley’s version of Le Sacre du Printemps, the ground-breaking ballet choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky 100 years ago, kept intact his case harrowing story of ritualistic human sacrifices. In this case it was the movement and set that received a makeover. Both got a contemporary jolt that made this staple feel newly fresh.” Sarah Kaufman, Washington Post

Lucy and I are on the same wavelength – emotionally, stylistically – there is no other way to put it.” – Alan Paul, associate director, Shakespeare Theater Company

“Bowen McCauley Dance Company reaches out to the entire community. …This company is a wonderful Arlington asset!” – Senator Barbara Favola, 31st Senate District

The Kennedy Center concerts were a success on all fronts. The Company performed for two enthusiastic audiences – both nights were sold-out. The quality of the dancers has never been higher and Lucy provided them with beautiful and athletic choreography that was challenging for them physically and artistically. You could tell they enjoyed the work and the challenge. Ricki Marion, MBD Executive Director