Event Detail

Choreographer’s Toolbox (for grades 9th-12th) is designed for teens to cultivate the craft of dance composition and contemporary performance by offering a safe, supportive space for teens to explore creative expression, develop narrative, and think critically through improvisation, dancemaking, reflection, and discussion.

Designed to cultivate the craft of dance composition and contemporary performance, the program draws inspiration from tools developed by Liz Lerman, Pina Bausch, Merce Cunningham, Wayne McGregor, Ohad Naharin, and William Forsythe. Dancers learn to create from words and language, images, musicality, somatic sensation, emotions, chance procedures, improvisation, exploring choreographic principles with increasing breadth and depth.

After learning elements of dance, choreography, and creative prompts, students are paired with a professional choreographer as an advisor and mentor. Teen choreographers receive one-on-one mentorship sessions, including feedback on structure, intention, and rehearsal planning, as they develop a solo, duet, or small group work. These works are shared in a culminating performance at Westside Theater at the end of February.

This expanded model allows BBD to provide access to professional mentorship and create a shared creative space for young artists to invest deeply in choreography and performance.

Dancers of all styles and experience levels are welcome and are encouraged to embrace their individuality while learning in a collaborative and nurturing environment.

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