Choreo Lab

Choreo Lab is an experiment in short-term, low-stakes creative processes that mutually benefit dancers and dancemakers. Led by a new choreographer each month, we create instant ensembles, giving the choreographer an opportunity to test out creative ideas on bodies other than their own and dancers the opportunity to meet collaborators, learn new movement styles, and be in a process-oriented environment. Dancemakers might ask participants to create their own material, play with spacing/facing, and engage with other compositional elements.

Each session will start with a 15-30 min warm up depending on the needs of the process. Before each session participants will receive more details about what to expect including notes on apparel and other elements that might be involved like writing, speaking, and/or physical contact. Since every person will bring and receive extraordinary value to the space, we ask for a donation from everyone participating each month–both dancers and choreographers. A sliding scale of $10-30/person for each month will help cover the cost of studio space and admin while cultivating mutual respect and commitment between the dancers and choreographer. Choreographers for Sept, Oct, and Nov are already confirmed, and we plan to continue labs long-term in the future with rolling submissions from choreographers.

Choreo Lab was conceived by Lauren Kravitz with considerable support from Rai Barnard. Together, we’ll facilitate and develop this series.

Schedule:

• September 13 at Oak Cliff Cultural Center (223 W Jefferson Blvd Dallas, TX 75208) & September 27 at Sammons Center for the Arts (3630 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219)
  • 2 PM - 5 PM
  • Choreographer: Larissa Fong
  • Come dance and explore movement that plays with momentum, weight and textures. This lab will also explore light floorwork and partnering, improvisation and how an environment/site can inform creative decisions and storytelling. Intermediate level: Dancers should have some knowledge of technique, willingness to improvise and ability to pick up choreography.
• October 5 & 19 at Arts Mission Oak Cliff (410 S Windomere Ave Dallas, TX 75208)
  • 11 AM - 2 PM
  • Choreographer: Alexis Stus
  • We’ll explore collaborative partnering and set material through the lens of spatial relationships, and how we move with and around one another in specific environments. Expect shared learning and a generative space for connection and curiosity.
• November 8 & 22 at Arts Mission Oak Cliff (410 S Windomere Ave Dallas, TX 75208)
  • 11 AM - 2 PM
  • Choreographer: Claire Augustine Hixson
  • Working with memory excavation using contemporary modern movement phrases, improvisation, and chance dance procedures. Be ready to be in touch with your surroundings as we use the space for choreographic material.

Registration: $10-30, sliding scale for all participants, including choreographers. Registration for a lab includes two 3-hr sessions within one calendar month, and participants are expected to attend both.

DFW dance artists! We are excited to offer a rolling open call for local dancemakers to lead upcoming sessions of Choreo Lab. Learn more and submit here.