Oliver Till, Artistic Director of Kansas City Ballet School, walks us through ChoreoLab, their unique summer program that pairs aspiring dancers with emerging choreographers.

The program runs two tracks: Movers (dancers 17+) and Makers (choreographers 18-24). Instead of traditional technique classes, participants collaborate on original work, learning about lighting, costume design, and tech rehearsals along the way. The focus is on the creative process, not just the final product, with dancers exploring new movement styles they wouldn't encounter in standard training.

Oliver explains the application process, including in-person auditions for dancers and portfolio-based selection for choreographers. He discusses why the program culminates in a ticketed performance to raise the stakes, and how they've incorporated mindfulness sessions to support mental well-being during the intensive creative process.

If you're interested in choreography, want to understand how professional work gets made, or are looking for a summer program that goes beyond technique, this episode breaks down what makes ChoreoLab different.

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Takeaways:

• The Mover track is for aspiring dancers aged 17 and up.

• The Maker track is for aspiring choreographers aged 18 to 24.

• The program emphasizes collaboration between dancers and choreographers.

• Participants learn about lighting, costume design, and tech rehearsals.

• The focus is on the process of creation rather than just the final product.

• Dancers are encouraged to explore new movement styles and techniques.

• The application process includes in-person auditions for movers.

• Makers are selected based on their choreographic ideas and experience.

• The culmination performance is a ticketed event to enhance accountability.

• Mindfulness sessions are introduced to support dancers' mental well-being.