As the ninth-largest city and part of the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the nation, Dallas covers approximately 343 quare miles and has a population of 1,241,162. The ultra modern and sophisticated city attracts worldwide travelers, making the area the No. 1 visitor and leisure destination in Texas.
Choreo Lab is an experiment in short-term, low-stakes creative processes that mutually benefit dancers and dancemakers. Led by a new choreographer each session, we create instant ensembles, giving the choreographer an opportunity to test out creative ideas on bodies other than their own and dancers the opportunity to meet collaborators, learn new movement styles, and be in a process-oriented environment. Dancemakers might ask participants to create their own material, play with spacing/facing, and engage with other compositional elements.
Each session will start with a 15-30 min warm up depending on the needs of the process. Before each session participants will receive more details about what to expect including notes on apparel and other elements that might be involved like writing, speaking, and/or physical contact. A sliding scale of $5-15/person for each session will help cover the cost of studio space and admin.
*NEW* Performance opportunity for participants! Spring 2026 Choreo Lab choreographers are invited to share their work in an informal showing at Sammons Center for the Arts on Saturday, April 25, 2026! This low-tech, informal showing invites friends and family to get a glimpse of dance works created in the labs, while offering dancers the opportunity to perform. Showings will also include a facilitated discussion between choreographers and viewers to give makers the opportunity to ask questions, gather feedback, and share valuable insights about their work with the audience. Participation in the informal showing is preferred, but not required, to participate in choreo lab sessions!
Choreo Lab was conceived by Lauren Kravitz with considerable support from Rai Barnard. Together, we’ll facilitate and develop this series.
Schedule:
Saturday, March 28 at Oak Cliff Cultural Center (223 W Jefferson Blvd Dallas, TX 75208)
11 AM - 2 PM
Choreographer: LOAM, Faith Magee and Hannah Staton
We would love to have as much fun as possible by creating an environment that encourages exploration and risk-taking. We love music that calms the mind and conversation that inspires questions and curiosity. Some themes we might use are: the push and pull of the moon, the different phases of the moon, and quick, abrupt movement that shows how fast change can happen. We would love 7-9 dancers, and movers with varying backgrounds and training are welcome.
upcoming:
Tuesday, April 14 at Arts Mission Oak Cliff (410 S Windomere Ave Dallas, TX 75208)
6 PM - 9 PM
Choreographer: Rai Barnard
Drafting a group work using a mix of existing choreography and collaboratively devised phrasework, combining contemporary movement with House and club dance influences. We'll explore the interplay between isolation and full-body movement within solo and ensemble moments. Expect repetitive steps, juicy grooves, and gestures with a touch of absurd theatricality.
Saturday, April 18 at Oak Cliff Cultural Center (223 W Jefferson Blvd Dallas, TX 75208)
11 AM - 2 PM
Choreographer: Elliott Trahan
We’ll explore unison and group movements, moving in and out of various shapes and creating living statues. I’d like to coordinate some of the principles of design such as unity, balance, emphasis, and proportion and blend them with similar elements of dance to combine concepts of visual art with choreography.
