The University of Utah School of Dance is airborne with excitement to announce the formation of the University of Utah Ballet Choreographic Institute, which will be headed by School of Dance assistant professor Melissa Bobick.
The Ballet Choreographic Institute will bring four aspiring professional ballet choreographers, or choreographic fellows, to the University of Utah campus in the summer of 2022 where they will have a chance to choreograph works on professional dancers, as well as the opportunity to interface with Utah Ballet Summer Intensive students and faculty, including guest directors and international faculty.
“One of the primary goals of the institute is to provide a nationally recognized public forum in which emerging choreographers can explore their process, define their voice and debut their newest works for the ever-expanding ballet audience in the Salt Lake City area and beyond,” said Bobick.
The four choreographic fellows will each be awarded a two-week residency, which includes travel, room, board, rehearsal space, time and eight to 10 previously auditioned, advanced-level dancers to experiment and create a new work. It also includes a stipend of $2,000. Each two-week residency will culminate in an informal showing which includes a professional recording of their work.
“We are also hoping to identify emerging choreographers who work with ballet as their foundation and provide an environment for groundbreaking experimentation in contemporary ballet choreography, while encouraging the innovative use of pointe shoes in new ballet choreography, and creating a space for workshopping new narrative works,” added Bobick.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying to be a choreographic fellow for 2022, please see details and application links below. All application materials must be submitted no later than Jan. 31, 2022, by 11:59 p.m. Late applications will not be considered, and applicants will be notified by Feb. 21, 2022. A minimum of three years of professional experience is required.
If you are interested in auditioning to be one of the dancers for the Ballet Choreographic Institute, please see the details and application links below.
Contact Melissa Bobick at melissa.bobick@utah.edu with any questions.