Choreography Takes Center Stage on Saturday Night

Innovation is the name of the game at Joy of Motion’s Dance Project: A Choreography Showcase coming up this Saturday evening. 

Dance Project is an annual showcase for both established and emerging choreographers, according to Rachel Pearl, (JOMDC) education and production program manager. “With the growing number of dancers, local companies and creative types in the D.C. Metro area, the need for a performance venue increases each season," Pearl said. "We also know many of the new companies need opportunities to perform where they can build connections, receive feedback for their work and don't go broke in the process. This is an ideal environment for the dancer/entrepreneur - a place to test the waters.”

Jazz Funk will be represented by Howard University’s Vizion Performance Team and Hip Hop by Antonio Jefferson (Kaution Dance Kru), LaToya McKay (Fierce Collabo) and Laurence Agenor (DCypher Dance). 

Modern Dance will represented by Alina Sabadish with Lauren Borchard (Glade Dance Collective); Micheline Heal (Mich-Mash Productions); Xavaire Bolton, Alicia Ronquillo, Rose Stidman, Lydia Szafranski (3D Dance Coalition); Heather Doyle; Jerene Aldinger (Georgetown University Dance Company) and Kjerstin Lysne in collaboration with Dia Dearstyne. There will also be Modern Dance/Ballet from Kathleen Howard (MOVEius Dance) and Modern/Improv from Joy of Motion’s CREATE: A Choreography Workshop students.  

The showcase is also a competition, with audience members voting for their favorite performance. Performances will be judged based on choreographic intent, technique, music and costumes.

The work with the most votes will be awarded one of two Favorite Choreographer Packages. Option 1 includes a $100 gift card to JOMDC, 100 hours of rehearsal time at JOMDC Atlas and two hours of professional development with a JOMDC staff member. Option 2 includes 50 percent off a rental at The Jack Guidone Theater, a two-hour photo shoot at JOMDC Atlas and two hours of professional development with a JOMDC staff member.

“What's great about Dance Project is that dance companies that were once emerging come back after they've produced their own full length shows," said Pearl. "The show is still a great opportunity for them to showcase new work. The show is recorded as well and many of these companies use the DVD to promote their company, submit to festivals and use as work samples for grant applications.”    

Dance Project: A Choreography Showcase is part of a Joy of Motion Dance Center series which also includes Percussive Dance Project and Youth Dance Project.

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Dance Project: A Choreography Showcase will be held at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3rd, at JOMDC Friendship Heights, The Jack Guidone Theater, 5207 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC. Tickets:  Adults $15 in advance, $20 day of show. Children/Seniors/Students $12 in advance, $15 day of show. Box Office: 202-520-3692, joyofmotion.org.