Empara: Experiential Contemporary Dance and Interdisciplinary Choreography

Empara is a Los Angeles-based movement and choreography company dedicated to the exploration of experiential and nontraditional contemporary dance. Founded and directed by choreographer Megan Paradowski, Empara crafts visceral performances that blend high-risk movement with raw physicality and precise technique. The company’s work often extends beyond traditional stage environments, embracing site-specific and immersive formats that invite audiences into transformative spaces. By integrating pedestrian gestures with theatrical elements, Empara breaks the boundaries between various artistic mediums, frequently collaborating on interdisciplinary projects and films. Megan Paradowski, a BFA graduate from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, has led the company to showcase works across the United States, Europe, and Mexico. Notable performance venues include The Aster, Soho House, and the Museum of Neon Art, as well as international spaces like Hosek Contemporary in Berlin. Empara focuses on the collision of movement and personal experience, creating a dialogue that is both intellectually stimulating and physically demanding. The company’s creative output has been recognized by publications such as the Los Angeles Times and Autre Magazine, reflecting its impact on the contemporary dance scene. Empara continues to innovate within the performing arts by fostering collaborations with filmmakers and visual artists, ensuring that each production offers a unique, multidimensional experience. Through its commitment to risk-driven choreography and experimental storytelling, Empara remains at the forefront of contemporary movement art, redefining how audiences perceive and engage with dance in the modern era.