Ryan Jaffe

Open Stage, featuring Neil Cain & Ryan Jaffe, opens TONIGHT at The Basile Opera Center! Reminder that 100% of the ticket revenue goes directly to the participating artists so let’s show up and show out for these incredible movers & makers. A huge thank you to The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation from making the Open Stage program possible and to our presenting partners, Indy Convergence & the Indianapolis Opera.

Meet Open Stage artist, Ryan Jaffe and come see his new work, Earth Angel, premiering this weekend at Open Stage, presented by Indy Movement Arts. Ryan Jaffe is originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, where he trained at Bak Middle School of the Arts and A.W. Dreyfoos High School of the Arts. Ryan continued his studies at Southern Methodist University, graduating in 2024 with a BFA in Dance Performance and a BS in Applied Physiology and Health Management. While at SMU, Ryan has performed works by choreographers such as Adam Houghland, Stephanie Martinez, and Matthew Neenan. He has also attended summer and winter intensives at Jacob’s Pillow, the Martha Graham School, BalletX, and Bruce Wood Dance. After graduating, Ryan joined Dance Kaleidoscope, a contemporary dance company in Indianapolis. Now in his second season, he has performed works by Joshua Blake Carter, David Hochoy, Robyn Mineko Williams, Robert Battle, and Autumn Eckman. As a teacher and choreographer, Ryan has instructed dancers ranging from four years old to adults and has created works for studios and companies across South Florida, Indiana, and Texas.

On my 24th birthday, I am filled with a deep sense of pride in myself. This past year, I have been more committed to being true to myself and to continuing to pursue greatness. I am also incredibly thankful for those who have helped me achieve my goals and have been my supporters and guides as I grow. Much love always! 💚

We are exactly one week away from our second Open Stage performance of 2026, featuring Ryan Jaffe and Neil Cain. As a reminder, 100% of the ticket revenue goes directly to the participating artists. $15,000 and counting paid to artists since we launched the Open Stage program in May of 2025. Paying artists is our priority! 🗓️ May 15th & May 16th, 2026 🕢 Doors | 7:30PM 🕗 Performance | 8:00PM 📍 Basile Opera Center Video footage features a small glimpse of “Earth Angel” choreographed by Ryan Jaffe. The Open Stage program is made possible by The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation and presented by Indy Movement Arts in partnership with Indy Convergence and the Indianapolis Opera.

Some clips from my newest work, ‘Earth Angel’ ✨ Catch it May 15 & 16 with Indianapolis Movement Arts Collective More info + tickets in my bio! 💚

Please join us for our second Open Stage Dance Performance of 2026, featuring new danceworks by Ryan Jaffe and Neil Cain on May 15th & 16th at The Basile Opera Center. The evening will open with “Earth Angel”, choreographed by Ryan Jaffe. This piece is dedicated to his younger brother, Matthew, who tragically passed away at the age of 13 in 2021. The title “Earth Angel” is inspired by one of Matthew’s favorite songs, “Earth Angel” by the Penguins. This song has continuously reminded Ryan of Matthew’s loving spirit; he has become Ryan’s angel, guiding him while he navigates life on Earth. As five years have gone by, Ryan wanted to reflect on his relationship with his brother. This work explores themes of healing, memory, love, and resilience, reflecting on the emotions Ryan feels today about Matthew and his passing. Following “Earth Angel”, Open Stage artist Neil Cain will be presenting a new performance work, “Menhir”. Menhir, named for the standing stones of the ancient world often associated with ritual and the sacred, is a ‘dreaming back’ of ancient ritual consciousness in the form of immersive dance theater. Intended as a vessel to transmit, and be nourished by, the vitality of our planet, “Menhir” explores the embodiment of surrender, mystery, transcendence, and transformation.

Make plans to come witness Open Stage artist Ryan Jaffe’s new dance work “Earth Angel” at our next Open Stage Performance on May 15th & 16th at The Basile Opera Center. Tickets are on sale now! Reminder the 100% of the ticket revue goes to the participating artists! “This piece is dedicated to my younger brother, Matthew, who tragically passed away at the age of 13 in 2021. The title “Earth Angel” is inspired by one of Matthew’s favorite songs, “Earth Angel” by the Penguins. This song has continuously reminded me of Matthew’s loving spirit; he has become my angel, guiding me while I navigate life on Earth. As five years have gone by, I want to reflect on my relationship with him. The work explores themes of healing, memory, love, and resilience, reflecting the emotions I feel about him and his passing today.” 🗓️ May 15th & 16th 2026 🕢 Doors, 7:30PM | Performance 8:00PM 📍 The Basile Opera Center 🎟️ $20 The Open Stage program is presented by Indy Movement Arts in partnership with the Indianapolis Opera and Indy Convergence and is made possible by The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation.

Just finished up a wonderful residency creating a new work for the students @dreyfoosdance Beyond honored to share in a place that taught me so much! 🤍

2025 was a year full of new experiences and deep connections. I found myself constantly learning from both my successes and challenges. As I look forward to the new year, I feel excited. I am ready to embrace new opportunities and explore what lies ahead. Each new chapter helps me reflect and build resilience. Much love always🤍

One year together, and I can't help but feel so thankful that our paths crossed and that you became such an important part of my life. From the first moment we met, I knew you were special. I've never connected with anyone the way I do with you, and that bond continues only to grow stronger. Thank you for being patient with me and for accepting all my quirks. You bring so much warmth and joy to my life. My world is so much better with you in it. Keep being you, Xavier, much love always!

Please join us in congratulating the Open Stage artists for 2026! Open Stage is made possible by The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation and is presented by Indy Movement Arts in partnership with Indy Convergence and the Indianapolis Opera. - Neil Cain Jelani Davis AKA “Jay The Vintage Impersonator” Sawyer Harvey Ryan Jaffe Sockie Phommachanh Koi Roi André Williams & Relevations Dance Theatre - Through Open Stage, Indy Movement Arts will produce new and experimental work by local dance makers in our home at The Basile Opera Center. Through this program, the selected artists will not have to pay a dime in venue rental fees, will receive a $250 stipend, and keep 100% of ticket proceeds. - @indyconvergence @indyopera @ryan.jaffe_

Don't be fooled. It might be the same shirt as last season, but it is a new photo! 😆 This season’s Lifestyle shot by @jeremykyle.photo courtesy of @dance_kaleidoscope_indy