Spaces of Fontana is a contemporary dance company creating art rooted in hope. Founded in New York City in 2016, under the director of Evelyn Joy Hoelscher, and relaunched in Austin in 2023, we have performed across historic porches, theaters, and festivals — sharing 45 performances, 10 new works & collaborations with 37 dancers, musicians, poets, and visual artists.

Our mission is to foster a space where artists are valued as humans first & collaborators always. We prioritize experimentation, contemporary partnering & interdisciplinary creation, inviting audiences into work that reflects the beauty, struggle & resilience of everyday life.

✨ Through These Grounds
 November 8, 2025 | Flower Hill Urban Homestead, Austin TX
 A site-specific fundraiser and immersive evening of dance, music, and auction.

✨ 10 Years of Spaces
 March 27–28, 2026 | Austin TX
 A celebratory performance featuring highlights from the past decade alongside new works.

At the heart of our mission is empowering artists to discover their voices and connect on a personal level. Collaboration is our cornerstone — not only within the rehearsal process, but also through partnerships with visual artists, musicians, poets and designers.

The ripple effect is real: of the 29 dancers we’ve created with, many have gone on to choreograph their own work, join nationally touring companies and perform on Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.

When Evelyn, relaunched Spaces of Fontana in Austin, she did so as both an artist and a mother. Now, as a mom of three, she brings that perspective into every rehearsal: creating space where artists are seen as people first, with room for both their artistry and their humanity. (Miniature guest artists are often spotted in the studio too!)

But here’s the truth: behind every performance are dancers who deserve more than a modest base stipend. With your help, we can go further — raising base pay and moving closer to our goal of $20/hour + $200/show, creating a more sustainable future for artists. 

Your donation helps us:

Together, we can honor the past decade and build the next one collaboratively creating art and dance rooted in hope.
 

INSTAGRAM @spacesoffontana