Caroline Calouche & Co.

03/30/2024

Thank you to all these phenomenal women, shaping local history as we celebrate at the International Circus and Dance Celebration! Your talent, dedication, and creativity inspire us all.

Maila Helela
Katie Rothweiler aka Satya
Athena He-Demontaron
Shefalee Patel
Reba Bowens
Kaila Rhyne

International Circus & Dance Celebration

Saturday, April 27
2pm - 6pm
Performances, Food, Workshops and More!

https://www.cltcirquedancecenter.org/icdc

03/20/2024

Trisha Brown's iconic 'Man Walking Down the Side of a Building' performed by Elizabeth Streb. These are two women choreographers who Caroline admires greatly for their creativity and tenacity.

Thank you for your contributions to dance!

Trisha Brown Dance Company and Streb

In this video, Elizabeth Streb describes what it felt like to walk down the facade of the Museum for her performance of Trisha Brown's "Man Walking Down the ...

03/07/2024

Angel Barrel with Oaklore Distilling in Charlotte

Oaklore Distilling is donating a small batch bourbon to help us raise money to support pay for professional artists, financial aid for students and accessibility for neurodivergent and physically disabled community.

$79.95 per bottle
Only 125 bottles!

fill out this form to claim your bottle: https://forms.gle/yFymrvsRcPjKWPX36

Pick up between March 15 - 29 at Oaklore Distilling.
The team at Oaklore really knows what they are doing and have their distilling down to a science.

They are near our studio on Monroe Road with a great tasting room and outdoor space.

Rouge artists Rachael, Kim and Caroline along with Caroline’s husband, Len, had a challenging yet fun time tasting bourbon to select the barrel for you to enjoy.
We selected a bourbon that was slightly sweet and buttery with a little spice that reminded us of Mexican hot chocolate.

We enjoyed it straight up and on the rocks.

02/26/2024

Too many Thank Yous to count!

Raleigh, your energy, enthusiasm, and support for our last shows were absolutely incredible! 🌟✨ As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Rouge, we are filled with gratitude for each and every one of you who joined us on this magical journey.

A special thank you goes out to our amazing performers whose professionalism and extraordinary talent made this run of Rouge truly unforgettable!

Thank you to our crew for making all the behind the scenes magic possible!

As we close this chapter, we look forward to the next with excitement and anticipation. We hope to see you all again next year for even more unforgettable moments together! 🎉🌟

02/19/2024

💖 Thank You, Charlotte!
Charlotte, you were absolutely amazing this weekend!

We are filled with gratitude for your enthusiastic applause, contagious laughter, and thunderous cheers that filled the air. Your energy and support made our performances truly unforgettable!

💕 From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being such a fantastic audience. Your love and appreciation mean the world to us! We can't wait to see you again soon for more incredible moments together.

Raleigh you are next!
February 24: Raleigh | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

See the link in the bio for tickets!
Show photo credit:

02/15/2024

One of our favorite parts of the show is coming out to meet the audience afterwards. Here's what our audiences are saying about Rouge:

👏 "Absolutely beautiful."

🌹 "We enjoyed all of it and didn't want it to end."

💃 "My cheeks hurt from smiling."

🎶 "The strength was incredible."

Come see the show for yourself! We look forward to seeing you after!

February 16 - 17: Charlotte | Booth Playhouse
February 24: Raleigh | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

See the link in the bio for tickets!

Show photo credit:

02/14/2024

In the Rouge finale we're coming together to ensure that we bid farewell to all of you properly, in a way that's filled with love, gratitude, and unforgettable moments.

Make sure you get your tickets before they are GONE!
February 16 - 17: Charlotte | Booth Playhouse
February 24: Raleigh | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

See the link in the bio for tickets!

02/13/2024

Asheville and Greensboro, you were absolutely incredible audiences, and we couldn't be more grateful for your love, support, and awe-inspiring energy all weekend long! From the moment the curtains opened to the final bow, we felt your enthusiasm and appreciation, and it fueled our performances in ways words can't describe. Until we meet again, Asheville and Greensboro, know that your love and support mean the world to us!

There are still tickets available for our upcoming shows!
February 16 - 17: Charlotte | Booth Playhouse
February 24: Raleigh | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

See the link in the bio for tickets!

Show photo credit:

02/12/2024

Prepare to be amazed by an unforgettable performance unlike any other! 🌟 Our aerial trio act, performed on a one-of-a-kind invented apparatus, is a breathtaking display of skill, grace, and innovation.

Come see this group live:
February 16 - 17: Charlotte | Booth Playhouse
February 24: Raleigh | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

See the link in the bio for tickets!

02/10/2024

Thank you to for speeding heading a unique grant called the UnFundable project that hopefully jump starts more trust based philanthropy in Charlotte and across the globe.

Congrats to us for being the recipient!! We are so thankful and honored.

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Congratulations to for being the recipient of our 2024 UnFundable Project Grant!🎉

The $10,000 award, allocated last night in conjunction with our 10th-anniversary celebration, used the philosophy of to identify a project in the Mecklenburg County area that might be deemed “unfundable" by traditional funding sources.

Forty-four applications were submitted and 10 finalists were reviewed by a panel of local leaders. Thank you again to Manny Rodrigues, Donald Jonas, LeDayne McLeese Polaski, Nicole Storey and Martha Link Yesowitch for your partnership!

We're thrilled to support local creatives by helping replace their damaged sprung floor with this grant!

Thank you to everyone who came out last night to support this project and help us celebrate 10 years of social impact in Charlotte! 💙

02/07/2024

Step Closer, We Promise We Don't Bite... At Least Not in the Opening of Rouge!

Join us for a captivating experience where the only thing that bites is the excitement of the performance. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with wonder, laughter, and breathtaking moments!

February 9: Asheville | Diane Wortham Center for the Performing Arts - ALMOST SOLD OUT!
February 10: Greensboro | Carolina Theatre of Greensboro
February 16 - 17: Charlotte | Booth Playhouse
February 24: Raleigh | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

See the link in the bio for tickets!

02/05/2024

Prepare to be amazed as Caroline and Eli collaborate on a breathtaking duet, blending dance, acrobatics, and partnering to create something truly extraordinary for the stage! Take a peek behind the scenes and witness their creative process in action.

You can see the live!
February 9: Asheville | Diane Wortham Center for the Performing Arts — ALMOST SOLD OUT!
February 10: Greensboro | Carolina Theatre of Greensboro
February 16 - 17: Charlotte | Booth Playhouse
February 24: Raleigh | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY ARE GONE! Link in the bio.

01/30/2024

The energy in the studio was electric after Kim and Taylor poured their hearts into rehearsing their solos for Rouge this week! Get a sneak peek behind the scenes and witness the dedication, passion, and artistry that goes into their performance!

You can see them live SOON:
February 9: Asheville | Diane Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
February 10: Greensboro | Carolina Theatre of Greensboro
February 16 - 17: Charlotte | Booth Playhouse
February 24: Raleigh | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY ARE GONE! Link in the bio.

01/30/2024

Take a peek behind the scenes and catch Eli in action, perfecting his dance solo for Rouge! Enjoy this exclusive glimpse into the creative process and dedication that goes into crafting each mesmerizing moment.

Like what you see? ✨ Join us at our live shows:

February 9: Asheville | Diane Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
February 10: Greensboro | Carolina Theatre of Greensboro
February 16 - 17: Charlotte | Booth Playhouse
February 24: Raleigh | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

See the link in the bio for tickets!

01/23/2024

Exciting News!

Sam is gearing up for his upcoming visit, perfecting his act solo until our collaboration begins. The anticipation is building, and we can't wait to work and tour together!

✨ Join us for a mesmerizing experience – come see us in action:
February 9: Asheville | Diane Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
February 10: Greensboro | Carolina Theatre of Greensboro
February 16 - 17: Charlotte | Booth Playhouse
February 24: Raleigh | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

See the link in the bio for tickets!

01/18/2024

Rouge
Expect the Unexpected

Check out Jenna! She will be bouncing her way into your hearts all of February.
❤️February 9: Asheville | Diane Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
❤️February 10: Greensboro | Carolina Theatre of Greensboro
❤️February 16 - 17: Charlotte | Booth Playhouse
❤️February 24: Raleigh | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

The Rouge Tour is not just a show; it's an experience. Immerse yourself in a night of excitement, entertainment, and a dash of sass that will leave you wanting more!

🎟️Tickets are selling fast! Use the link in the bio for tickets. BEFORE THEY ARE GONE!

01/16/2024

Despite this act being tilted "Take it Easy" Javy and Taylor certainly not taking it easy! They have been exploring to see how they can dance with each other and the apparatus.

Javy: This piece is so special to me because of the emotional connection the audience is able to feel. And I'm happy to introduce Taylor to aerial dance with the first aerial act I ever did!

Taylor: I am loving learning to be in the air! It is a first for me, so I'm really excited about it. Javy has been a blessing as he is a pro in the air and has been so supportive and helpful!

See them dance in the air:
February 9: Asheville | Diane Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
February 10: Greensboro | Carolina Theatre of Greensboro
February 16 - 17: Charlotte | Booth Playhouse
February 24: Raleigh | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

See the link in the bio for tickets!

01/16/2024

Get ready to be captivated as the Rouge Tour 2024 sets the stage ablaze, and our first show is coming to the enchanting city of Asheville, NC, at the Diane Wortham Center for the Performing Arts!

📅 Date: February 9th, 2024
🕒 Time: 8pm
📍 Venue: Diane Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Is Asheville too far away? Don't fret, we will be all over North Caroline all of February:
February 10: Greensboro | Carolina Theatre of Greensboro
February 16 - 17: Charlotte | Booth Playhouse
February 24: Raleigh | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

You do not want to miss this line up:

Caroline Calouche
Rachel Houdek
Jenna Ciotta
Kim Melohn .melohn
Eili Montey
Sam Hollis
Taylor Railton
Javier Gonzalez

01/12/2024

Say hello to our fearless leader, Caroline!

To be honest, when you look at all the prep work that she does you can see why she can look fearless. Here is a sneak peak at her training to prepare for the 10th anniversary of Rouge.

Gyrotonics with
Rowing at home
Hip-hop
Rouge Finale 2023 Returns!

Caroline's dancing roots began down the road in Gastonia, North Carolina and then she attended Texas Christian University (Go Frog!) for two BFA degrees in Ballet and Modern Dance. From there she studied, choreographed and performed in Rome, Brussels and then completed a postgraduate program in choreography at the Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance. She founded Caroline Calouche & Co. in 2006 and the company's school, The Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center in 2011. Caroline serves on the board of the Dance Artist Alliance CLT.

February 9-24
Asheville
Greensboro
Charlotte
Raleigh

Link in bio for tickets.

01/11/2024

Welcome back Javy!

Javier has performed Clara's Trip the past six years, most recently in 2023 as Mr. Candy Cane! We are delighted to welcome back this sweet treat of a human! He began his career in dance in 2008 studying hip-hop and various Latin Style Dances. In 2009 He became a company member of Ballet Folclórico de las Americas and LeColours Latino Dance.

He has also danced with ECHO Contemporary Dance Company and the Moving Poets of Charlotte as well as a guest dancer for Carnaval Carolina, Charlotte’s largest Latin festival.

He has been a backup dancer for Latin artist including Las Fenix, Jorge Celedon and former Miss Universe Alicia Machado. On the side Javier enjoys teaching dance to Latin girls preparing them for their quinceañeras celebrations. He currently is a manager at Brixx Pizza in Fort Mill, SC.

February 9-24
Asheville
Greensboro
Charlotte
Raleigh

Link in bio for tickets.

01/09/2024

Taylor Railton graced a CC&C production recently in Clara's Trip and we are thrilled to be working with her again!

Taylor, born and raised in Bermuda, is a freelance dancer and collaborator based in Charlotte,NC. Taylor is an alumni of SUNY Purchase College Dance - magna cm laude, attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts’ high school program, San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, under the direction of Summer Lee Rhatigan, and London Contemporary Dance School.

She has performed works by Ohad Naharin, Bobbi Jene Smith, Alex Ketley, Tom Weinberger, Annie Rigney, Hannah Garner, and Kyle Abraham. She also had the opportunity to study under Danielle Agami and Doug Varone. As a member of Purchase Dance Company, Taylor has the pleasure of performing work by Ana Maria Lucaciu at New York Live Arts in 2019.
Since graduating, Taylor has performed with Uana Dans at New York Dance Festival and Houston Dance Festival. More recently, she is has performed with Stewart/Owen Dance based in Asheville, NC, and Eric Mullis on his most recent production, “Motive Forces” in Charlotte, NC.

Photos by Stewart/Owen, Alex Anderson, and Alice Chacon

February 9-24
Asheville
Greensboro
Charlotte
Raleigh

Link in bio for tickets.

01/05/2024

Welcome Eli Motley to Rouge 2024!

February 9-24
Asheville
Greensboro
Charlotte
Raleigh

Link in bio for tickets.

Eli is a choreographer, dancer, teacher, and currently a MFA Degree of Dance and Choreography candidate at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Eli holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Theatre and a Bachelor of Science in Civil/Environmental Engineering from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

After graduation, Eli relocated to Chicago and danced three seasons as a company member with Chicago Dance Crash, 2017-2020. As a solo artist he choreographed and performed his works in Chicago, Wisconsin, Norfolk, and Texas. In addition to performing, he taught dance in the Chicago Public Schools System, various dance studios, and high school dance festivals. Eli is now an MFA Candidate for Dance and Choreography at The University of North Carolina Greensboro. When not dancing Eli loves to play piano, cheer on the Indianapolis Colts, and watching Parks and Recreation with his wife Christina and cat Levon.

Photos by William Fredricking

01/04/2024

Welcome Sam Hollis to the Rouge Cast!

February 9-24
Asheville
Greensboro
Charlotte
Raleigh

Link in bio for tickets.
Sam grew up in east Texas, where the idea of joining the circus is only something that happens in fairy tales. With no circus community around him, he only knew of traditional circuses that would occasionally perform in nearby cities. It wasn’t until seeing “La Nouba” by Cirque du Soleil during a family vacation to Walt Disney World that his eyes were opened to the possibilities of modern-day circus. Because of his previous gymnastics and dance training, his mother purchased a water bottle from the gift shop that read: when I grow up, I am going to run away and join the circus. Thinking that this would be a cute keepsake, she had no idea that this would actually become his reality.

Sam taught himself to juggle with the hopes of one day breaking into the world of circus. After many years of training alone, he yearned to find a circus community in order to better understand the lifestyle. In 2014, his dreams became a reality when he joined Circus Smirkus, an American touring youth circus company. He spent three summers performing around New England and New York discovering his love for the art form and way of life. In 2016, he moved north in order to turn his passion into a career at the National Circus School in Montreal. There, he pushed himself to advance both technically and artistically while developing his fresh and quirky style. Sam graduated from the National Circus School in Montreal in June of 2020 with a specialization in juggling and hoop diving.

12/29/2023

Our Madame of Ceremonies Rachel Houdek returns to Rouge!

Rachael Houdek is no stranger to Charlotte stages as she spent twelve years producing, directing, choreographing and starring in Rachael Houdek's Cabarets, as well as Stephen Seay Productions all over town. With her only classical vocal training coming from Frank Mastracola and Eugene Fleming from 10-13 years old, Rachael considers herself a self-taught vocalist. Charlotte will always hold a special place in her heart, however, is no longer the place she calls home. She has relocated to Chicago and is enjoying spending time at the beach on Lake Michigan, camping, exploring the city and what it has to offer and meeting talented folks hungry for the city's theatre scene to fully open back up. The last two years have been trying but being back for ROUGE is exactly what we all need to kick off a fantastic new year! "You can like the life you're living; you can live the life you like..."

12/28/2023

Jenna Ciotta (our favorite carb lover) is back for a second round of Rouge!

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Jenna’s early years were spent developing a love of dance, theatre, and dry heat. She found circus arts after completing a BA in Gender Studies and an MA in Human Rights. Circus offered a new and exciting creative outlet for personal expression. Her mixed background in academia, activism, and movement draws her into spaces where performance arts and politics intersect.

She is a member of the 2019 inaugural graduate class of the 3 year Pro-Track Program at the New England Center for Circus Arts. She is a member of the Boston Circus Guild, and currently lives in Northampton, MA.

12/27/2023

Rouge Tour 2024 Kicks Off in Asheville, NC!

Get ready to be captivated as the Rouge Tour 2024 sets the stage ablaze, and our first show is coming to the enchanting city of Asheville, NC, at the Diane Wortham Center for the Performing Arts!

📅 Date: February 9th, 2024
🕒 Time: 8pm
📍 Venue: Diane Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Is Asheville too far away? Don't fret, we will be all over North Caroline all of February:
February 10:Greensboro | Carolina Theatre of Greensboro
February 16 - 17: Charlotte | Booth Playhouse
February 24: Raleigh | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

You do not want to miss this line up:

Caroline Calouche
Rachel Houdek
Jenna Ciotta
Kim Melohn
Eili Montey
Sam Hollis
Taylor Railton
Javier Gonzalez

🎟️ Secure Your Seats: Use the link in the bio to get discounted tickets. SALE ENDS 12/31/23