American Repertory Ballet Presents First Emerging Artists Showcase, 10/26 & 27

American Repertory Ballet will present its first "Emerging Artist Showcase" with performances at 8:00 PM tonight, October 26th, and Saturday, October 27th at Princeton Ballet School’s Studio A, 301 North Harrison Street in the Princeton Shopping Center, above McCaffrey’s Supermarket. The performances will feature choreography created and performed by The dancers of American Repertory Ballet and the ARB/Princeton Ballet School Trainee Program. While no one will be turned away at the door, a suggested donation of $10 will go directly to the artists.

The creation of these works has been made possible, in part, through a space grant from American Repertory Ballet’s Emerging Artists Residency Program. ARB has provided the participating artists with use of their studios at Princeton Ballet School which the artists have used to create new work and coordinate the production of a showcase. In addition, ARB is working with the artists to help co-promote these performances.

“The ‘Emerging Artist Showcase’ aligns with ARB’s commitment to cultivating new American work and supporting emerging choreographers,” says ARB Managing Director Christine Chen. “When ARB Dancer Edward Urwin proposed the idea of working on a showcase with some of the other dancers, I was happy to get on board and to share our resources with these talented artists. Access to space and talent are two of the greatest challenges you face as an emerging choreographer with limited resources. We have this wonderful pool of talented dancers and trainees who wanted to work together, and now they have the space to work in. My hope is that this program will help these artists delve into their creative process without having to worry about the financial burden of space rental. I can’t wait to see what comes out of it!”

New works will be premiered by Alessia Astro, Cameron Auble-Branigan, Shaye Firer, Karen Leslie Moscato, Claire van Bever, and Emerging Artists Residency Coordinator Edward Urwin. Their works have been inspired by such concepts as: left/right brain theory, human relationships, reflecting on the past, classicism and innovation, and more. These pieces are works in progress, and will offer behind-the-scenes insight into what goes into the creation of great dance repertoire in an intimate in-studio setting. The choreographers will host a question and answer session following each performance, discussing their inspirations and rehearsal processes.

“As dancers, we have all dedicated our lives to fulfilling the visions of already established choreographers. This showcase provides The dancers of ARB a unique opportunity to establish our own choreographic voices,” says Urwin. “Rehearsal space for the creation of new works can be near impossible to find, yet vital. We are extremely grateful to ARB for our space grant and support. ARB has made it clear to us that the organization is committed to nurturing the creation of the new choreographers and their works.”