News Summary
The National Choreographers Initiative (NCI) returns for its 21st season in Corona del Mar, featuring four choreographers and 16 dancers from across the U.S. Led by Molly Lynch, the program runs for three weeks, culminating in a performance at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Participants engage in classes and rehearsals, fostering creativity and collaboration while showcasing diverse dance styles. Tickets for the July performance are now available.
Corona del Mar is set to host the 21st season of the National Choreographers Initiative (NCI), a notable summer choreography and dance intensive led by local dance educator Molly Lynch. The event brings together four choreographers and 16 dancers from across the United States for three weeks of collaboration and creativity, culminating in a performance at the Irvine Barclay Theatre scheduled for Saturday, July 26.
The NCI offers an intensive schedule running from Tuesday through Sunday, starting each day at 10 a.m. and concluding at 6 p.m. During this time, participants engage in a mix of classes, rehearsals, and brief lunch breaks. Dancers typically work with two different choreographers, allowing them to experience a diverse range of styles and techniques as they alternate between collaborating with each choreographer.
Throughout the selection process, over 120 dancers applied for the coveted 16 spots, reflecting the program’s prestige and appeal in the dance community. Molly Lynch, a Professor of Dance at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts at UC Irvine and the founder of NCI, aims to curate a cohort that balances returning dancers with newcomers, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to the initiative.
Each choreographer participating in the NCI submits a bio and samples of their work months in advance. Lynch carefully selects choreographers with varying artistic influences to ensure an engaging experience for both the dancers and the audience. The program highlights the importance of fostering a creative environment, encouraging choreographers to approach their work with open minds and the freedom to experiment without the constraints of pressure or time.
Lynch actively participates in the daily rehearsals, providing support to both the choreographers and dancers. This hands-on approach includes collaborating with lighting designers to refine each performance piece in the theater prior to the public presentation. Lynch takes on the role of introducing each choreographer and their respective pieces to the audience during the final show, and she also facilitates a Q&A session following the performance, promoting a dialogue about the creative works presented.
At the conclusion of the program, choreographers receive a video of their piece, enabling them to evaluate its future and make necessary adjustments. This aspect of the initiative has contributed to the professional development of many participants, with several emerging performers transitioning into roles as choreographers or artistic directors after their experiences in the NCI.
This year, the choreographers involved in the NCI include Natasha Adorlee, Glenn Edgerton, Morgan Sicklick, and Makino Hayashi, bringing their unique perspectives and artistic visions to the initiative. The diverse array of styles and influences presented promises to captivate and inspire audiences during the performance.
Tickets for the NCI performance on July 26 are available for purchase through TheBarclay.org, with prices ranging from $28 to $80. As the long-standing reputation of the NCI continues to grow, the impact on the dance community remains evident, highlighting Lynch’s dedication to developing new talent and fostering creativity among aspiring choreographers.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Indy: National Choreographers Initiative Returns
- Wikipedia: Dance
- Newport Beach Indy: NCI 20th Anniversary Performance
- Google Search: Choreography
- Newport Beach Indy: NCI at Irvine Barclay Theatre
- Google Scholar: National Choreographers Initiative
- Newport Beach Indy: Molly Lynch’s Dance Initiative
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dance
- OC Register: Frank W. Lynch Obituary
- Google News: Dance Initiatives
