Smuin Ballet’s “Choreography Showcase” unveils ten bold new works

Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s Choreography Showcase continues its tradition of supporting company artists in exploring their creative voices. This thrilling opportunity for audiences to experience never-before-seen world premieres by first-time and rising dancemakers was inspired by founder Michael Smuin’s commitment to developing choreographic talent. The premieres unveiled in the Choreography Showcase range from humorous to heartfelt, featuring a variety of dance styles and musical selections.

The ten Smuin artists who will set new works on their fellow dancers include: AL Abraham, Tessa Barbour, Jacopo Calvo, Maggie Carey, Julia Gundzik, Cassidy Isaacson, Marc LaPierre, Shania Rasmussen, Yuri Rogers, and Brennan Wall. Presented at the Smuin Center for Dance, these intimate performances will provide audiences with an invaluable glimpse at the rising choreographic voices within the company. 

“Choreography is a honed skill that takes practice, mentorship, and training,” says Smuin Artistic Director Amy Seiwert, now a nationally acclaimed choreographer, as well as a former dancer. “Creating dance requires resources that aren’t always easy to access, such as skilled dancers and a dedicated space. Opportunities are rare in the ballet field but so important in fostering the next generation of creative leaders.” 

Smuin’s Choreography Showcase is an initiative that puts the artistic reins into the hands of its dancers, providing them with the time, space, and talent to develop their choreographic skills. Artistic Director Emerita Celia Fushille formalized the tradition by launching the company’s first-ever Showcase in 2008. Since then, the opportunity has repeated annually or biennially, with several of the works developed in the Showcase process adapted for mainstage premieres at Smuin. Experiences such as these are uncommon, particularly in the field of ballet, as they are logistically and financially difficult to organize.

Smuin’s Choreography Showcase is open to any company artist, many of whom are often choreographing for the very first time. For others, it is a chance to dive deeper into their developing choreographic passions. The dancer, now in the choreographer role, has the responsibility not just of finding music and creating the steps, but also managing schedules and their peers, communicating their vision, and coaching it through to fruition. They also learn to collaborate on lighting, stagecraft, and costumes. Though some dancers discover they prefer performing to choreographing, they still benefit from a changed perspective.

“We are investing in our dancers to become stronger collaborators,” says Seiwert. “The experience is incredibly valuable as they gain an understanding of what it takes to create a piece, and strengthens their skill set as a dancer working on premieres by other creators.” Seiwert hopes to continue evolving the program to establish a fertile ground for emerging artists.

Smuin will also host pre-show talks and post-show Q&As, in which audiences will enjoy insights into the program and creative process behind the ballets. Smuin’s Choreography Showcase will be presented February 14-23 at the Smuin Center for Dance, 1830 17th Street, San Francisco. Tickets ($35-$55) and information are available at smuinballet.org or by calling(415) 912-1899.

Smuin’s 24-25 Choreography Showcase, Pictured Smuin artists Tess Lane and Ricardo Dyer, Photo credit Chris Hardy