Summer Programs

Choreographic Institute

The Choreographic Institute is a four-week residency designed to foster the development of new work by emerging choreographers of exceptional promise. Through this initiative, UNCSA School of Dance looks to deepen its mission of developing original works, supporting artists, and giving back to the broader community.

The UNCSA Choreographic Institute is open to emerging choreographers who have a passion for developing and improving their skills as a choreographer. The institute will assist in improving one's artistic voice by providing insight and critical feedback in a process-driven environment.

The 2024 Choreographic Institute will take place June 23 to July 20.

The residency will consist of a daily technique class (optional), morning studio work sessions, workshops, artist talks, and critical feedback from esteemed choreographic mentors. The afternoons are devoted to rehearsals with a cast of dancers from the UNCSA Summer Dance Intensive.

Additionally, choreographers will have access to our studios in the evenings for further choreographic research. The residency culminates in a performance of the work at one of our on-campus theaters.

During the residency, the choreographers will be mentored by Choreographic Institute Director and UNCSA School of Dance alumna Juel D. Lane. Additional seminars will include 'Unpacking the Business of Being a Choreographer,' 'Digital Representation,' 'From Studio to Stage' and 'Finding Your Voice.'

Choreographers will be chosen from an open call, and participants will receive room, board, and a stipend of $2,500 plus travel and per diem costs.

Requirements

The Choreographic Institute program looks for emerging choreographers ages 21 and up who exhibit a strong choreographic voice and exceptional promise. Two contemporary choreographers and two contemporary ballet choreographers will be selected. Choreographers must have five years of choreographic experience. Applicants must be U.S. residents in order to be considered.

How to Apply

Note: Applications for the 2024 Choreographic Institute are now closed.

If you have questions about the Choreographic Institute or the application process, email Program Director Juel D Lane at uncsachoreoin@gmail.com.

Application Requirements

$25 application fee
A work sample via video link that contains no longer than 10 minutes of unedited footage
Resume or CV
An artistic statement
A short paragraph on why you want to apply to UNCSA Choreographic Institute
Email all required submission documents to Program Director Juel D Lane at uncsachoreoin@gmail.com no later than April 1, 2024 (deadline has been extended).

If you have questions about the Choreographic Institute or the application process, email Program Director Juel D Lane at uncsachoreoin@gmail.com.

Previous Choreographic Institute development residents

2023
Chelsea Ainsworth
Maiya Redding
Mollie Sansone
Eva Stone
Richard Walters

2022
Julia Eisen
Helen Hatch
Lina Puodžiukaitė-Lanauskienė
J'Sun Howard

2019
Alexander Brady
Marika Brussel
Andrew Harper
Ja’ Malik

2018
Melissa Bobick
Suzanne Haag
William Isaac
Eryn Renee Young

2017
Kyle Davis
Marielis Garcia
Charlotte Griffin
Mari Meade

Juel D. Lane - Director of Choreographic Institute

Juel D. Lane, an Atlanta native, honed his artistic talents at Tri-Cities High School, The Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, and The University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Dance Magazine recognized him as one of their "25 to Watch," and his captivating performances have enthralled audiences worldwide. He's shared the stage with luminaries like Ronald K. Brown/Evidence and is currently a vital member of the acclaimed Bessie Award-winning Camille A. Brown & Dancers and Executive Artistic Associate with the Black Acting Methods Studio. Lane's choreography has graced Ailey II, Dallas Black Dance Theater, Atlanta Ballet, Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company, and numerous universities. He's also performed in productions such as The Metropolitan Opera's "Fire Shut Up In My Bones," Amazon Prime's series “Harlem,” and NBC's "Jesus Christ Superstar Live.” Lane received the Bronzelens film festival award for his remarkable dance film, “The Maestro" and showcased his directing and choreography talents in the captivating music video "Only-1" with Roc Nation artist Dixson.

Website

DIXSON - ONLY-1

The Maestro 2018