Choreographic Development

This program is designed to educate and train young dancers in dance choreography by giving them the opportunity to create new works, which later will be presented on stage before live audiences. Dancers are given the opportunity to create short (1-6 min.) pieces with access to studio facilities and fellow performers on whom to set their choreography. During the creation process there are consultations with experienced choreographers before presenting the work on stage with costumes and lighting and when possible with live music. Some projects may include working with composers and in some cases works may be incorporated into the company's repertory. In 2005 ALD gave sixteen performances around Portland and on tour in the Pacific Northwest and Mexico. In 2006, we are planning a minimum of 25 performances. In 2007, we are hoping to increase our public activity to at least 30 performances. This offers numerous opportunities to our developing choreographers and dancers to enhance their skills and increase public appreciation and understanding of choreographic performance art.

Jodie Hurley, Sumi Wu, Alison Camp in Pictures of Miro at Blue Sky - DCO benefit, May 2005 costumes by Ela Kwasek photo © Chris Leck