American Ballet Theatre Partners with Columbia University for ABT's "Innovation Initiative"

Lauren Post and Luis Ribagorda in ABT’s 2010
Innovation Initiative performance.

(Photo by Gene Schiavone)

American Ballet Theatre’s Innovation Initiative is a two-week choreographic workshop that supports emerging choreographers within ABT’s ranks. This year, the Initiative has partnered with the Arts Initiative at Columbia University to provide Columbia students with a chance to take an in-depth look at the professional choreographic process. ABT dancers Gemma Bond, Claire Davison and Daniel Mantei have been selected as this year’s choreographers. ABT has also invited Pam Tanowitz and Jillian Peña to create new work on the company. It’s the first time outside choreographers have been included in the program. 

Leading up to the program’s final, public performance—which will take place on November 16 at Columbia’s Miller Theatre—students will have a chance to attend company performances at the David H. Koch Theater, observe Innovation Initiative rehearsals and participate in a master class let by an ABT dancer.

This win-win partnership will allow ABT to continue offering its choreographic program to company dancers, while simultaneously bringing ballet to a university that—while famous for its academics—has not historically prioritized dance. Ideally the partnership will help foster a passion for dance within a new group of audience members.

For tickets to the November 16 performance, click here.