NOVUS
CONTEMPORARY
BALLET
Novus Contemporary Ballet is more than a dance company – it’s a laboratory for artistic growth, bold experimentation, and meaningful collaboration. Founded in 2017 by Meredith Cabaniss and Wilson Vu, Novus Dance Project emerged from a shared desire to reimagine the boundaries of ballet through a contemporary lens.
After a brief hiatus, Novus returned in 2025 with renewed vision, a reimagined identity, and a commitment to shaping the future of contemporary ballet on the Central Coast and beyond.
Join us for Alice!
Novus Contemporary Ballet invites audiences down the rabbit hole this spring with Alice! (in Wonderland), a bold and imaginative re-envisioning of the beloved classic. Blending classical ballet, contemporary movement, and theatrical storytelling, this original production offers a fresh, visually rich take on Lewis Carroll’s iconic world.
Directed by Artistic Director Meredith Ventura, Alice! (in Wonderland) transforms the familiar story into a surreal, dreamlike journey through shifting identities, absurd logic, and the pleasures and perils of curiosity. With a dynamic ensemble of dancers and a striking design aesthetic, the production explores Wonderland as both a fantastical escape and a reflection of the complexities of growing up. The work highlights Novus Contemporary Ballet’s signature approach: merging technical precision with contemporary edge, and classical inspiration with new narrative possibilities. The rest of the program features new works by Meredith Ventura and other Novus Contemporary Ballet dancers.
Novus Contemporary Ballet is a proud sister company of Selah Dance Collective, expanding both organizations' reach and artistic vision. The two companies will collaborate throughout the 2025–26 season, deepening their commitment to boundary-pushing, community-rooted performance.
Upcoming Performances Include:
Fall 2025 – Spring 2026: New original works presented in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and the Central Coast
Season 002
A Season of Revival, Collaboration, and Creative Ascent
In Fall 2025, Novus Contemporary Ballet returns to the stage with a season that celebrates its reemergence as a vital voice in contemporary dance. The 2025–2026 season reflects the company’s renewed commitment to artistic experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of emerging voices in dance and performance.
This season marks a new chapter in the company’s history as it joins forces with its sister company, Selah Dance Collective, to present original works that explore transformation, connection, and collective artistry. With a diverse ensemble of performers and collaborators across California and the East Coast, Novus offers a series of performances bridging genres, geographies, and generations.
