News Release
For Immediate Release

Contact: Logan McSwain, communications manager
704.372.0101 x2765
lmcswain@ncdance.org

North Carolina Dance Theatre Awarded  
Prestigious Choreography Fellowship

Charlotte, N.C. – North Carolina Dance Theatre has been awarded a Fellowship Initiative grant from the New York Choreographic Institute, an affiliate of New York City Ballet, to support the development of new choreography in a studio setting. Eighteen-year-old Madeline Jazz Guerdat will choreograph the new work.

Guerdat, from Charlotte, was chosen as one of four candidates to receive the Fellowship. She was nominated by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, NC Dance Theatre president and artistic director. In his nomination letter Bonnefoux wrote, “Madeline is exceptional in the way she communicates her ideas to dancers. Early on, I recognized Madeline’s talent for doing just this. I firmly believe that good choreographers must be able to communicate their ideas to dancers.”

The title of Guerdat’s work is Longing and Belonging and it features the six members of NC Dance Theatre 2. She is using musical selections by Ben Harper and Charlotte Church. “The theme of my piece is every person’s journey through life and longing for belonging. We are born into the world alone and ultimately we leave the world alone, but in the moments between, it is our connections to others which give life its comfort, meaning and depth,” said Guerdat.

Peter Martins, founder and artistic director of the New York Choreographic Institute, states, “The Fellowship is meant to help ballet companies to create an environment in which a choreographer can develop ideas without the pressure of stage production. The Institute is committed to classical choreographers who will be creating works for the future.”

This fall Guerdat plans to enter UNC Charlotte to pursue her B.A. in dance. She pursued her academic studies as a home school student and completed high school early. Guerdat has been a NC Dance Theatre company apprentice for the past three years, while pursuing an Associate’s Degree from Central Piedmont Community College. She is currently a faculty member and frequent choreographer for the NC Dance Theatre School of Dance.

Guerdat’s choreography will be presented March 29 during a special showing at NC Dance Theatre studios in NoDa. Call 704.372.3900 for more information.

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North Carolina Dance Theatre has established itself as one of America’s premier dance companies. Led by internationally acclaimed President and Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, NC Dance Theatre is based on strong dancers, high energy and a versatile repertoire that ranges from classical ballet to bold contemporary works. NC Dance Theatre School of Dance parallels the professional company’s tradition of excellence.

North Carolina Dance Theatre is supported by the Arts & Science Council, Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc.; the North Carolina Arts Council; ArtsTeach; the National Endowment for the Arts; and individuals, corporations, and local and national foundations.

To find out more about NC Dance Theatre visit ncdance.org.