Contemporary Ballet
Contemporary Ballet | June 10–23
Alexandra Damiani and Matthew Neenan, Program Directors
Matthew Neenan, Gala Choreographer | John Sauer, Accompanist | Artist Faculty: Jonathan Alsberry for Aszure Barton, Alicia Graf Mack, Edwaard Liang, Emily Molnar, and other artists to be announced. Read more about Artist Faculty.
For 22 advanced pre-professional or early-career professional ballet dancers, age 16 and up.
The Contemporary Ballet Program is directed by Alexandra Damiani, former artistic director of Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet and Matthew Neenan, co-founder of Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company BalletX. They will lead an esteemed artist faculty in coaching classically trained dancers to successfully approach multiple contemporary movement vocabularies integral to the repertoire of today’s leading ballet companies.
Dancers will work with choreographers who will both create, and set, work on them. They will perform a world premiere by Matthew Neenan for the Festival Opening Gala on June 15 and be coached in the choreography of Aszure Barton, which they will present on June 22 during the opening week of the Festival.
This truly dance-immersive experience includes living onsite and having exclusive Festival artist interactions each week such as Master Classes led by company artistic directors and career-building discussions with company members. Dancers see five Festival companies on three stages, attend Festival events such as artist and scholar-led talks, and research dance interests and assignments in the Jacob’s Pillow Archives. These experiences are integral to the development of a unique artistic point of view. Check out companies performing in Festival 2019.
Program Directors
Alexandra Damiani
Alexandra Damiani is a French choreographer, artistic director, and movement specialist based in New York City. Her works have been performed in New York, NY, Richmond, VA, and Pittsburgh, PA to critical acclaims. She also brought her expertise to numerous commercials and film projects, including Colgate, Warby Parker, Black Swan, and Adjustment Bureau.
Learn MoreMatthew Neenan
Matthew Neenan began his dance training at the Boston Ballet School. He later attended the LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts and the School of American Ballet in New York. From 1994-2007, Neenan danced with the Pennsylvania Ballet and in October 2007, Neenan was named Choreographer in Residence.
Learn MoreAPPLICATION DEADLINES & FEES
Jan 10, 4PM EST: Priority Consideration | $30
Feb 21, 4PM EST: General Consideration | $40
Jun 10, 4PM EST: Late Consideration, space permitting | $55
Contact Us
If you have questions or need additional information, please email us at [email protected] or call 413.243.9919 x163 for more information.
Alumni Spotlight
2010 Ballet Program participant and Lorna Strassler Award winner Calvin Royal III speaks about his unforgettable and career-changing experience at The School:
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