The Step It Up NYC initiative is seeking a choreographer to create an opening number performance in its youth step/dance showcase at the Apollo Theater. The initiative began in 2009 as a youth engagement program focused on fusing the passion to move with the drive to create change. The aim is to leverage the performing arts to build community leadership capacity in young people ages 10-20. Through the competition, dance and step teams plan community service projects and develop citywide social campaigns to speak up about issues that impact their communities, including education, health, equality and opportunity, peace and tolerance, and safe communities. In a dynamic final showcase that serves as a catalyst to engage families and the community in the work of the young people, the top 11 teams are judged on stage performances infused with their social causes.

Each of the top 11 teams will choose up to three members to perform in the opening number. The choreographer will be charged with creating a piece that tells the story of the competition (youth bringing social change to the stage) and highlights the variety of genres the teams represent (hip hop, contemporary, step). Over the course of three rehearsals in May (dates/times/location to be determined), the choreographer will teach the piece to the performers, in preparation for the final showcase at the Apollo on June 4.

If interested, please contact Sarah Whitney, and include your resume, qualifications, and experience working with: 1. youth, and 2. hip hop, step, and contemporary dance.