Entity Contemporary Dance was founded in 2009 by choreographers Will Johnston, Marissa Osato, and Elm Pizarro with the intent to forge connections between the Southern California hip hop and contemporary dance communities. Based in Los Angeles and directed by Will Johnston and Marissa Osato, Entity Contemporary Dance is a professional contemporary dance company that interweaves modern, jazz, and hip hop dance techniques to present dynamic repertory that explores the nuances of human emotionality and connectivity. Fostering communal collaboration and emphasizing a cross-genre dance education, Entity Contemporary Dance’s mission is to bridge the gaps between commercial and concert dance in Los Angeles.
Entity has created four evening length works—"Braxton vs. Oregon" (2014/15: Los Angeles, San Francisco), "PEEL" (2016/17: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Singapore, Hong Kong), "Transparent/see” (2019: Los Angeles, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mexico), and "The Spectacular Society” (2019/2020: Los Angeles, Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out series *performance canceled due to the pandemic), in addition to performing in numerous festivals, benefit shows, and industry showcases. After winning the 2017 Capezio A.C.E Awards grand prize, Entity premiered its evening length work "Transparent/see” in Los Angeles and Asia and set excerpts of the work at University at Buffalo Department of Theatre and Dance in New York.
Entity has taught workshops across the U.S., Mexico, Asia, and Australia, and hosts open company class every first Wednesday of the month as well as annual summer and winter intensives. Entity was a company-in-residence at Edge Performing Arts Center from 2016-2020 and is currently a resident company at Stomping Ground L.A. Entity most recently to premiered "EntityFeatures”—a series of movement films created by company directors, members, and guest artists—at a live screening & performance event on Friday August 13, 2021 at James Irvine Japanese Garden at JACCC.