Ballet Counterpointe’s Orion Choreographic Fellowship is intended to give San Diego choreographers a helping hand by supporting them through the entire work of creating, staging, and promoting an original piece of choreography.

Each year, 2-3 choreographers will receive a monetary grant and mentorship to support the creation of a new work. The funding will help ease the financial pressures that artists often face in renting rehearsal space and hiring professional dancers. The mentorship will give them guidance from a local, seasoned choreographer and their wealth of knowledge.

After their work is complete, fellows will have the opportunity to present their finished piece at one of Ballet Counterpointe’s bimonthly community showings. By staging their works at these performances, fellows will have their choreography displayed alongside San Diego’s brightest artists, while also providing them with a filmed piece to add to their portfolio. This combination of funding, mentorship, connection, and presentation is intended to help choreographers with every aspect of breaking into the business.

The Orion Choreographic Fellowship is named after Ryan Orion Beck, who is in his own rights a brilliant artist and upstanding member of the San Diego arts community. When Kevin was beginning his own journey as a choreographer it was Ryan who mentored him and generously shared the knowledge and expertise that put Kevin on the path to where he is today. In recognition of this deep gratitude and their long-standing friendship, Kevin is proud to pay Ryan’s goodwill forward through the Fellowship.

To apply, email the following materials to info@balletcounterpointe.org:

Resume

5 minutes of your work, consisting of no more than 3 clips

1 paragraph artist statement

1 paragraph stating your goal with the funds

Photos by 1000:words by Ryan Orion, Jim Carmody, Israel Palacio