The Milwaukee Ballet will host its fifth international choreographic competition this February when three choreographers challenge each other for a chance to win $3,000 and the opportunity to design a dance for the Milwaukee Ballet’s 2013-14 season.
The competition, ‘Genesis,’ which takes place every other year, features dances created by three choreographers who have been selected by Milwaukee Ballet Artistic Director Michael Pink.
“‘Genesis’ represents a quintessential aspect of our mission at Milwaukee Ballet,” Pink said. “Milwaukee Ballet has a longstanding commitment to producing new and innovative works, and ‘Genesis’ provides a wonderful opportunity for three incredible young choreographers to work with world-class dancers in a professional environment that fosters and nurtures their individual creativity and artistic identity.”
In narrowing down the three finalists, Pink reviewed more than 30 submissions from candidates around the world. Finalists are James Gregg, Lauren Edson and Gabrielle Lamb.
All three are choreographing 20-minute performances with teams of eight dancers. They will have three weeks – 90 rehearsal hours – to polish their performances before taking the stage at Milwaukee’s Pabst Theater.
A panel of judges, comprised of ballet artistic directors and executives, will critique each performance and award first, second and third place. The second place winner will be awarded $2,000, and the choreographer in third place will receive $1,000. Audiences will also be able to vote for their favorite choreographer, who will take home an additional $500.
“‘Genesis: International Choreographic Competition,’ sponsored by Briggs & Stratton Corporation Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, will hit the stage Feb. 7-10 at the Pabst Theater, located at 144 E. Wells St. Tickets cost $29 to $74. For more information, visit www.milwaukeeballet.org.
