COMPOSITIONS LAB.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW VOICES IN DANCE & MUSIC.

The Traverse City Dance Project's Compositions Lab is rooted in the mission of supporting artists and nurturing creativity. Created by TCDP Co-Founder and Resident Choreographer Jennifer McQuiston Lott, it was formerly known as the NewVo Fellowship. This initiative commissions a choreographer and composer to craft original works slated for performance during the Traverse City Dance Project's summer tour or dance festival. Selected choreographers and composers benefit from invaluable mentorship from seasoned professionals, guiding them through a week-long process at the Croft Residency. This partnership with the Croft Residency, directed by Benjamin Cheney, serves as an intensive rehearsal period, offering dedicated space and time for collaborative exploration and refinement. From its inception, the Traverse City Dance Project has championed the fusion of dance and music, acknowledging the profound impact that original compositions can have on choreographic narratives. At the heart of the program lies a commitment to cultivating an environment conducive to experimentation and collaboration. Here, artists are encouraged to push boundaries, fostering mutual growth for both choreographers and composers. Dedicated to promoting diversity and representation, TCDP prioritizes the support of BIPOC and female artists, acknowledging their historical underrepresentation in leadership roles within the dance community. Through the Compositions Lab, TCDP amplifies the voices of these artists, providing them with the platform they deserve. Furthermore, artists have the opportunity to solicit constructive feedback from peers and audiences, refining their work and sharpening their artistic vision. Access to essential resources, such as dedicated rehearsal space and professional performers, ensures that choreographers' collaborative visions are brought to life with precision, ready to captivate audiences on the summer tour stage. The Compositions Lab epitomizes TCDP's commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and artistic excellence. By nurturing emerging talent and fostering meaningful collaborations, TCDP remains a trailblazer in the dance community, inspiring both audiences and artists with its productions.

Past Recipients Include:

2019: Choreographer Jakevis Thomason & Composer/Musician Ian Chang

2021: Choreographer Kara Wilkes & Composer/Musicians Kevin Beck & Spencer Aubrey

2022: Choreographer Kara Wilkes & Composer/Musician Jordan Hamilton

2023: Choreographer Seyong Kim & Composer/Musician Jordan Hamilton

2024: Resident Choreographer Jennifer McQuiston Lott & Composer/Musician Jordan Hamilton

We extend our gratitude to Rotary Charities of Traverse City and the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation for their invaluable support in providing startup funding for the Compositions Lab.