Auditions for dancers will be held in September, in the Katzen Dance Studio. To audition to perform — please register online, and bring your schedule of availability to the audition.

Students do not need to be a Dance Major or Minor to participate in CHOREOLAB or Capstone. Students cast in CHOREOLAB must register for Choreographic Laboratory, either at 0-credits - DNCE-050, or 1-credit - DNCE-350. *Note DNCE-350 counts towards the completion of a Dance Major or Minor.

Contact us at danceprogram@american.edu.

CHOREOLAB is an opportunity for students to bring their ideas to the stage. Interested students should review the CHOREOLAB FAQ below as they consider applying to choreograph. To apply as a choreographer, please contact us at danceprogram@american.edu

Applications are due in August.
Choreographers do not need to be a dancer major or minor, but must be a returning student at AU. Applications are reviewed for by Dance Faculty, and invitations to participate go out early September.

CHOREOLAB is an annual workshop for emerging student choreographers. Students are asked to approach their choreography in the workshop as though in a laboratory: to experiment with methods of dance making, to take risks, to upend their assumptions, and to recognize the process of making as equally valuable to the results or products that come out of that process. Throughout the CHOREOLAB workshop, student choreographers are coached by AU Dance Program faculty and meet regularly with one another to exchange feedback. At the end of the workshop, the choreographers present their works-in-progress in a main-stage concert in the Greenberg Theatre.

FAQ

What is CHOREOLAB?

CHOREOLAB is an annual workshop for emerging student choreographers. Students are asked to approach their choreography in the workshop as though in a laboratory: to experiment with methods of dance making, to take risks, to upend their assumptions, and to recognize the process of making as equally valuable to the results or products that come out of that process. Throughout the CHOREOLAB workshop, student choreographers are coached by AU Dance Program faculty and meet regularly with one another to exchange feedback. At the end of the workshop, the choreographers present their works-in-progress in a main-stage concert in the Greenberg Theatre.

Who is eligible to choreograph?

All American University dance students who have sophomore, junior, or senior standing may apply to present a piece in CHOREOLAB.

Do I need prior choreographic experience?

No. New choreographers are encouraged to apply. Prior dance experience is necessary.

Which dance styles are allowed?

You may choreograph in any genre of dance. Regardless of style, the focus during CHOREOLAB will be on creating a solidly crafted piece.

Can I perform in my own dance?

No. This isn’t the focus of the CHOREOLAB workshop and creating a strong dance can be very challenging when you’re in the piece. CHOREOLAB is an opportunity to develop your skills as a choreographer, rehearsal director, and teacher.

Can I get credit?

Yes! CHOREOLAB is the culminating performance of DNCE-050/350 Chorographic Laboratory. All choreographers and dancers must register for either DNCE-050 (0 credits) or DNCE-350 (1 credit).

How will I get feedback and help in making my piece?

In the weekly Choreographic Laboratory you’ll show what you’re working on and practice giving and receiving feedback with the other choreographers and dancers. You’ll also have a faculty creative advisor with whom you’ll work very closely throughout the CHOREOLAB process. Some Choreographic Laboratory weeks will be dedicated to coaching only.

What’s the role of the creative advisor?

Creative advisors are AU dance faculty. Their job is to work with you one-on-one to facilitate your creative inquiry, deep curiosity, and rigorous investigation during your choreographic process. Your individual advisor will mentor you throughout the CHOREOLAB experience. You’re in charge of your own project, so your job will be to bring your questions to your advisor.

Will there be costumes and lights?

CHOREOLAB is an informal performance. There will be a “general wash” of lights on the stage. Costumes are not required, but you may provide them if you feel they’re necessary. Your primary focus should be on your choreography.

What happens after CHOREOLAB?

Choreographers are encouraged to continue developing their pieces, using the feedback they receive from the audience, faculty, and their peer choreographers. Projects developed in CHOREOLAB may be considered for future presentation at AU.

Choreographers work intensely with AU/DC and AU/DC2 through week-long choreographic residencies, as well as extended semester-long creative processes. The Artistic Director also curates student work out of Fall main-stage performances, allowing for students to continue their processes and receive full production support through presentation in DANCEWORKS.

The AU Dance Program hosts Guest Artists from around the country, who are professionals in the field, who either re-stage an existing dance, or make a newly commissioned work for AU/DC. The Dance Program invites artists within a rotation of dance forms, so that students have an opportunity to be cast in concert dance that includes Afro-Contemporary, African, Ballet, Contemporary, Improvisation, Jazz, and Urban dance forms. Guest Artists also regularly teach Master Classes to the AU community, as well as present in "Movement Speaks: Conversations about dance." The "Movement Speaks" lecture series is open to the public, and is a look into the choreographic laboratory. Through an lecture/demonstration, audiences get an inside view into the creative process. Recent artists include Tatiana Desardouin, Rosy Simas, Meredith Rainey, Orange Grove Dance, Charles O. Anderson, Geoff Chang or Bboy Toyz R Us, Cynthia Gutierrez, Gesel Mason, the Dance Exchange, Christopher K. Morgan and Zoe Scofield of zoe | juniper.