National Choreographers Initiative Showcases New Ballet Works

News Summary

The National Choreographers Initiative will take place at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, featuring four choreographers and 16 dancers collaborating on new ballet works. Founded in 2004 by Molly Lynch, the initiative supports creativity in ballet, offering a platform for choreographers to experiment and innovate. With tickets ranging from $25 to $80, the event aims to engage audiences and enhance the national dance community. Historically, many new works from NCI have been performed by major dance companies, highlighting its impact in fostering contemporary ballet.

Irvine, California – The National Choreographers Initiative (NCI) is set to take place on July 26, 2025, at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, showcasing its 21st season. Scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM, this year’s event will feature a diverse lineup of choreographers and professional dancers from across the nation.

This annual program, founded by award-winning choreographer Molly Lynch in 2004, invites four choreographers and 16 dancers to collaborate on new ballet works over a three-week creative process. This year’s participating choreographers include Natasha Adorlee, Glenn Edgerton, Morgan Sicklick, and Makino Hayashi, each bringing their unique perspectives and styles to the initiative.

Tickets for the performance are currently on sale, with prices ranging from $25 to $80, making the event accessible to a variety of audience members. Those interested can purchase tickets through the venue’s website or box office.

The National Choreographers Initiative aims to foster professional dance and support the broader national dance community. Over the years, NCI has provided a unique platform for choreographers to explore new ideas without the immediate pressure of completion, allowing them to create ballets that may evolve beyond the initial three-week rehearsal period.

Since its inception, NCI has presented 76 choreographers, of which 34 have been women, and has involved 177 dancers from 58 national dance companies. This initiative serves not only to promote new work but also to broaden opportunities for emerging, mid-career, and established choreographers. Each performance typically includes a series of works that last between 10 to 20 minutes, showcasing the diversity of dance styles and concepts.

Performances will be held in the dance studios at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts at UC Irvine, where Molly Lynch is also a current Professor of Dance. During the event, each choreographer will introduce their new ballet followed by a Q&A session, encouraging audience engagement and feedback, which is an integral part of the creative process.

Historically, 35 new works created during the NCI have gone on to be performed by major dance companies, highlighting the initiative’s significant impact on the dance community both locally and nationally. By providing a space for innovation and experimentation, NCI has established itself as a vital force in promoting choreographic talent.

The Irvine Barclay Theatre, situated at 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, California 92612, will host this impressive display of creativity and collaboration. As the event date approaches, excitement is building around the new works that will emerge from this collaborative effort, further enriching the world of dance.

As the 21st season unfolds, the National Choreographers Initiative continues to play a critical role in the development of contemporary ballet, marking its place in the cultural fabric of the nation’s dance community.

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Additional Resources

• LA Dance Chronicle: National Choreographers Initiative at Irvine Barclay Theatre
• Wikipedia: National Choreographers Initiative
• Newport Beach Indy: NCI Celebrates 20 Years
• Google Search: National Choreographers Initiative
• LA Dance Chronicle: Annual NCI Returns
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Choreography
• OC Register: Pop-Up Ballet Company in Irvine
• Google News: Irvine Barclay Theatre