Press Release: McNicol Ballet Collective announces Compositions & Configurations, a new creative residency for composers and choreographers

[Jan McNulty]

Press Release

Monday 30 October 2023

 

McNicol Ballet Collective announces Compositions & Configurations, a new creative residency for composers and choreographers

 

McNicol Ballet Collective is proud to announce a brand-new creative residency programme, Compositions & Configurations, offering paid opportunities for composers and choreographers to experiment together in a studio setting at DanceEast, with the Collective’s professional dancers, before embarking on a formal creative process.

 

McNicol Ballet Collective in rehearsals © Camilla Greenwell

 

Compositions & Configurations will foster collaboration between dance and music, continuing McNicol Ballet Collective’s mission to shape the future of contemporary ballet and original composition.

 

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to explore original music and choreographic concepts during a one-week studio residency at DanceEast with McNicol Ballet Collective’s professional dancers and live musicians. The residency programme also offers pre-residency meetings and workshops, guest speaker sessions, and mentoring and support from a dramaturg throughout the creative process.

 

The residency concludes with an informal sharing of the artist’s work to an invited audience and industry professionals.

 

Following the residency, McNicol Ballet Collective plans to commission at least one choreographer and composer to further develop their work and present it as part of the Company’s 2024/2025 season.

 

Of Compositions & Configurations, Andrew McNicol said: “I firmly belief that the future of dance and specifically contemporary ballet is inherently linked with the future development of music. To ensure MBC and the wider dance and music sector has talented choreographers and composers with the knowledge, experience, and tenacity to shape the future of our artforms, it’s vital we invest in artistic development and experimentation in an intentional way. I’m thrilled to offer this opportunity to support new music and dance and facilitate connections between artists in different fields.

 

Founded by Andrew McNicol, “one of the UK’s most talented young choreographers” (Bachtrack), McNicol Ballet Collective (MBC) is committed to creating new and collaborative work with an inspiring collective of artists. MBC commissions adventurous contemporary ballets, innovative dance films and meaningful education projects – strengthening our connection to dance and each other.

 

In 2023 the Collective presented its second programme, Devotions, to critical acclaim at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre and on tour in North East England. Andrew’s vision for the Collective is to create an enduring and distinct repertoire that will excite audiences, empower artists, and explore the full potential of contemporary ballet today.

 

Applications for Compositions & Configurations open today, Monday 30 October 2023 and close on Monday 15 January 2024. Applicants must be based in and have the right to work in the UK. The residency will take place from Monday 15 - Saturday 20 July 2024, with regular preparatory meetings taking place from March. For full details and criteria please see www.mcnicolballetcollective.co.uk/articles/call-out-for-choreographers-and-composers

 

The successful applicants will be announced in February 2024.

 

Compositions & Configurations is supported by Charles Holloway, the Idlewild Trust, Leche Trust, DanceEast, McNicol Ballet Collective, and those who wish to remain Anonymous.