State Choreographers’ Forum To Open Entries

WATERBURY — Naugatuck Valley Community College and Brass City Ballet are currently accepting works to be judged during the CT Choreographers’ Forum, to take place in March and April 2001.

Choreographers are invited to submit sample videos of their works, which should run approximately ten minutes in length. The videos will be judged by Peggy Lyman, a co-artistic director of Dance CT and a former principal dancer with Martha Graham Company, and Jim May, a co-artistic director of The Players’ Project in New York City.

Videos must be labeled with the choreographer’s name and telephone number. Cue tapes and send them along with current resume to Brass City Ballet, PO Box 3263, Waterbury, CT 06705-0263. Materials must be postmarked by November 30.

Choreographers who need their videos returned should include pre-stamped packaging or arrange for pickup by calling Brass City Ballet at 203/573-9419.

The forum next spring will consist of two parts. Part 1 will be hosted by Elizabeth F. Barisser, the artistic director at Brass City Ballet Studios in Waterbury; Part 2 will be hosted by Elena Rusnak, an assistant professor of fine arts and the artistic director of the dance ensemble at NVCC. 

During Part 1, the works may consist of any style of choreographic dance consisting of no fewer than two dancers. The works need not be finished in their entirety, nor fully costumed for the optional Part 1 performance. Works previously presented are allowed but keeping in mind the creative process, choreographers are encouraged to alter, adjust or completely rearrange the work if they so choose.

Dances brought to the forum do not have to be the ones submitted on the sample tape. The final dance should be no longer than 20 minutes.

During Part 2, the dances will be presented on a proscenium stage, equipped with full theatrical lighting and facilities. Props and costumes are not provided.

Notification of the selection of artists will be made during the week of January 8. A stipend of $1,000 for each choreographer will be provided.

For more information, contact Elena Rusnak at 203/575-8179 or Elizabeth Barisser at Brass City Ballet.