Yard Choreographic Residencies

The Yard is now accepting applications for the

2009 Professional Dance Company Residency

Application Deadline April 7, 2008

click here for guidelines

click here for application

 

2008 Company Residency:

Cherylyn Lavagnino

dance theatre X

2008 Bessie Schönberg Choreographers Residency:

Choreographer: Howard Katz

Dancers: Hana Ginsburg, Troy Ogilvie, Mindy Upin, Candice Schnurr

Choreographer: Belinda McGuire

Dancers: Hallie Dalsimer, Abby Geartner, Hana Ginsburg, Lauren Muraski, Mindy Upin

Choreographer: Andrea Miller

Dancers: Troy Ogilvie, Amber Parker, Candice Schnurr

Choreographer: Sarah Wilbur

Dancers: Hallie Dalsimer, Abby Geartner, Lauren Muraski, Amber Parker, and members of the Martha's Vineyard community

The Yard is known as a beacon of support for the art of choreography. In its 34 years of existence, more than 650 choreographers, dancers, composers, and designers have collaborated on more than 200 original works at The Yard.  Our summer residencies provide artists with housing, work space, stipends, technical and administrative support, concert performances of new work and the time and freedom to explore their craft without interruption or outside obligation.  Alumni of Yard Residencies include MacArthur and Guggenheim recipients, Paul Taylor and Fulbright fellows, Bessie award winners, and many others who have gone on to become luminaries in the world of dance.  Choreographers refer to The Yard as an “artistic nurturing ground,” and many describe their time there as a turning point in their artistic life. 

PATRICIA N. NANON RESIDENCY

The Patricia N. Nanon residency happens every spring and features the work of Yard founder Patricia Nanon along with a guest choreographer. Patricia’s career path includes time at Bennington College when it was a hotbed for the genesis of modern dance. Her work with legendary Doris Humphrey and performances on Broadway and television, have combined to give Patricia a unique artistic history, which she brings to each new work she creates. Each season, a guest choreographer is invited to premiere a new work during this residency. 2007 features former Jose Limón Dance Company member Jonathan Riedel, artistic director of Riedel Dance Theater.

COMPANY RESIDENCY & BESSIE SCHÖNBERG RESIDENCY

Company Residencies and the Bessie Schönberg Residency are the artistic center of The Yard’s programming.  They are supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Harkness Foundation for Dance, Capezio, and other foundations.  Through an extremely competitive selection process, two companies are chosen for a four-week Company Residency in July and four independent choreographers and eight dancers are chosen for the four-week Bessie Residency. The selection panel is made up of experts in the field, including, most recently, former Twyla Tharp dancer Richard Colton, choreographer Blondell Cummings, Chair of Tisch Dance at New York University Linda Tarnay,  Juilliard School Dance Division Faculty member Elizabeth Keen, Laurie Uprichard of Dancespace Project, and choreographer Nina Winthrop.

photo of Jody Oberfelder by Jaxon White