The Choreographic Institute is a four-week residency designed to foster the development of new work by emerging choreographers of exceptional promise. Through this initiative, UNCSA School of Dance looks to deepen its mission of developing original works, supporting artists, and giving back to the broader community.

The 2023 Choreographic Institute will place June 25 to July 22.

The residency will consist of a daily technique class (optional), morning mentoring sessions, workshops, and lectures led by esteemed Summer Dance faculty and guests. The afternoons are devoted to rehearsals with a cast of dancers from the UNCSA Summer Dance Intensive.

Additionally, choreographers will have access to our studios for further choreographic research. The residency culminates in a performance of the work at one of our on-campus theaters.

During the residency, the choreographers will be mentored by visiting distinguished artist Helen Pickett, an internationally known resident choreographer of the Atlanta Ballet and Associate Director, and UNCSA School of Dance alumna Mari Meade. Additional seminars will include lighting design, diversity and inclusion, film editing, and the business of dance.

Choreographers will be chosen from an open call, and participants will receive room, board, and a stipend.

Requirements

The program looks for emerging choreographers who exhibit a strong choreographic voice and exceptional promise. Two contemporary choreographers and two contemporary ballet choreographers will be selected. Choreographers must have five years of choreographic experience.

How to Apply

Application submissions will open on December 12, 2022, and close on February 17, 2023. Selected choreographers will be notified on or before March 1, 2023.
 
Early application submissions are recommended.
 
Email application materials to uncsachoreoin@gmail.com.
 
The body of the email should include your full name, address, email, and phone number. Indicate which category you are applying for: Contemporary or Contemporary Ballet (you may only apply for one).
 
Include the following attachments to your application email:

Your choreographic C.V. in PDF format
Names and email addresses for two references
An artistic statement (one-page maximum) in PDF format
A link to a five to ten minute video of your choreographic work from the past three years. The video should be a five-minute consecutive section using four or more dancers.
Please explain your interest in this specific program (one-page maximum) as it pertains to:

Why you would be a good fit to work with our students, intermediate-advanced level, ages 16-18 years old
What you hope to gain from the mentorship aspect of the program (mentorship with Helen Pickett, various professional development guests, and peer mentors)

There is no fee to apply. Partial applications will not be considered.
 

If you have questions about the Choreographic Development Residency or the application process, email Summer Dance director Ashley Lindsey at uncsachoreoin@gmail.com.