Great Works Dance Project

WESTERN MICHIGAN University's GREAT WORKS DANCE PROJECT

The Great Works Dance Project introduces WMU’s students and southwest Michigan audiences to the finest world-class historic and contemporary dance works.  Renowned choreographers and guest artists travel to WMU to stage and rehearse these masterworks.  While here, they also teach master classes in the style of the choreographer and provide dynamic seminars to students and the general public about the historical significance of the dances.

WMU’s Great Works Dance Project enriches and enhances the programs of the University’s Department of Dance and brings works of the highest aesthetic standards to southwest Michigan.  Presenting choreography that features ballet, jazz, and modern dance styles, this program highlights innovative artists of the past, as well as today's contemporary choreographers. 

Guest artists Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner as they discuss their Great Works residency for the staging of Anthony Tudor's "Continuo":

Want to see more regarding the staging of other Great Works Dance Projects?  More videos are available at WMU Dance You Tube Channel.

Performed beginning in 1997, Great Works Dances have included the following:

• The Three Themes of Four Temperaments, choreographed by George Balanchine; staged by Viki Psihoyos; Sharon Garber rehearsal director.  (2020)
• Excerpts of Happy Little Things,choreographed by Aszure Barton; staged by Tobin Del Cuore, Brett Perry, and Jonathan Alsberry;  Whitney Moncrief rehearsal director.  (2019)
• Esplanade, choreographed by Paul Taylor; staged by Ruth Andrien;  Carolyn Pavlik rehearsal director.  (2018)
• HAUNT, choreographed by Brendan Duggan; Whitney Moncrief, rehearsal director.  (2018) Great Works commission from the winner of the third Great Works Dance Project National Choreography Competition.
• The Gettin', choreographed by Kyle Abraham; staged by Matthew Baker and Jeremy "Jae" Neal, Whitney Moncrief, rehearsal director.  (2017)
• Lilac Garden, choreographed by Antony Tudor; staged by Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner; Sharon Garber and David Curwen, rehearsal directors.  (2017) 
• Charanga, choreographed by Frank Chaves; staged by Frank Chaves and Monique Haley; Monique Haley, rehearsal director.  (2017)

• Diphthong, choreographed by Brian Enos; Whitney Moncrief, rehearsal director.  (2017)
• Foreground, choreographed by Lauren Edson; Carolyn Pavlik, rehearsal director.  (2017) 
• Fire Dance, choreographed by Loïe Fuller; reconstructed by Jessica Lindberg Coxe and Megan Slayter; Megan Slayter, rehearsal director.  (2017)

• Out of the Dark, choreographed by James Gregg; Jeremy Blair, rehearsal director.  (2016) Great Works commission from the winner of the third Great Works Dance Project National Choreography Competition.
• Continuum, choreographed by Rennie Harris; staged by Mariah Tlili; Monique Haley, rehearsal director.  (2016)
• Con Amore, choreographed by Lew Christensen; staged by Leslie Young; Sharon Garber, rehearsal director.  (2016)
• Kyr and Anaphase,choreographed by Ohad Naharin; staged by Michal Sayfan and Shahar Biniamini; Whitney Moncrief, rehearsal director.  (2015)
• Continuo, choreographed by Antony Tudor; staged by Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner; Sharon Garber, rehearsal director.  (2015) 
• Ritournelle, (premiere), choreographed by Gabrielle Lamb; Whitney Moncrief, Rehearsal Director (2014)  Great Works commission from the winner of the second Great Works Dance Project National Choreography Competition.
• One Sound Looking Back, (premiere), choreographed by Peter Chu; Whitney Moncrief, rehearsal director.  (2014)
• Viva Vivaldi, choreographed by Gerald Arpino, staged by Willy Shives; Sharon Garber, rehearsal director.  (2013)
• Light and Landless, (premiere), choreographed by KT Nelson; Whitney Moncrief, rehearsal director.  (2013)
• Fandango, choreographed by Antony Tudor, staged by Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner; Sharon Garber, rehearsal director.  (2012)
• La Mer, choreographed by Loïe Fuller; reconstructed by Jessica Lindberg Coxe and Megan Slayter; Megan Slayter, rehearsal director.  (2012)
• Addio Amore, (premiere), choreographed by Nelly Van Bommel; Whitney Moncrief, rehearsal director.  (2012)  Great Works commission for WMU dance and DanceWorks Chicago
• Foreground, (premiere), choreographed by Lauren Edson; Carolyn Pavlik, rehearsal director.  (2012)   Great Works commission from the winner of the first Great Works Dance Project National Choreography Competition.
• Koto, choreographed by Alonzo King, staged by Arturo Fernandez; Sharon Garber, rehearsal director.  (2011)
• The Envelope, choreographed by David Parsons, staged by Jason McDole; Carolyn Pavlik, rehearsal director.  (2011)
• Dance Sport, choreographed by Harrison McEldowney, staging and rehearsal direction by Whitney Moncrief.  (2010)
• Birthday Variations, choreographed by Gerald Arpino, staged by Willy Shives; Sharon Garber, rehearsal director.  (2010)
• Lily of the Nile, by Loïe Fuller, reconstructed and staged by Jessica Lindbergh Coxe; Megan Slayter, rehearsal director.  (2009)
• Temporal Trance, choreographed and staged by Frank Chaves; Whitney Moncrief, rehearsal director.  (2009)
• Khamsin, choreographed and staged by Ron De Jesús; Carolyn Pavlik, rehearsal director.  (2009)
• Strict Love, choreographed by Doug Varone, staged by Eddie Taketa; Carolyn Pavlik and Nina Nelson, rehearsal directors.  (2008)
• Dark Elegies, choreographed by Antony Tudor, staged by Willy Shives; Sharon Garber, rehearsal director.  (2008)
• Alleluia, choreographed by Robert Battle, staged by Robert Battle and Jennifer Mabus; Carolyn Pavlik, rehearsal director. (2007)
• Fire Dance, by Loïe Fuller, reconstructed and staged by Jessica Lindberg; Megan Slayter, rehearsal director.  (2006)
• The 40s, choreographed by Lou Conte, staged by Lou Conte and Claire Bataille; Natalie Marrone, rehearsal director.  (2006)
• How Long, Brethren?, by Helen Tamiris, recreated and staged by Dianne McIntyre; Carolyn Pavlik, rehearsal director.  (2006)
• Serenade (complete work), by George Balanchine, staged by Victoria Simon; Sharon Garber, rehearsal director.  (2006)
• Suite Otis, choreographed and staged by George Faison; Derrick Evans, rehearsal director. (2005)
• Steps in the Street, by Martha Graham, staged by Gary Galbraith; Trudy Cobb, rehearsal director (2004)
• Giselle, Act II, by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, staged and directed by Sharon Garber (2003)
• Sing, Sing, Sing, by Gus Giordano, staged by Lizzie Mackenzie; Derrick Evans and Heather Vaughan, rehearsal directors (2003)
• Stars and Stripes, by George Balanchine, staged by Sandra Jennings; Sharon Garber and David Curwen, rehearsal directors.  (2002)
• 3 Epitaphs, by Paul Taylor, staged by Mary Cochran; Nina Nelson, rehearsal director.  (2002)
• Junction, by Paul Taylor, staged by Mary Cochran; Nina Nelson, rehearsal director. (2002)
• Grusin Suite, choreographed and staged by Frank Chaves; Lindsey Thomas, rehearsal director.  (2001)
• Serenade (first three movements), by George Balanchine, staged by Fiona Fuerstner, approved by Victoria Simon; Sharon Garber, rehearsal director.  (2000)
• Released In Their Own Custody, choreographed and staged by Billy Siegenfeld; Lindsey Thomas, rehearsal director.  (1999)
• Rainbow Suite, choreographed and staged by Donald McKayle, staging assistance by Mary Hinkson; Trudy Cobb, rehearsal director.  (1999)

• Swan Lake, Act II, by Lev Ivanov, staged and directed by Sharon Garber. (1998)
• Marimba, by Lar Lubovitch, staged by John Dayger; Nina Nelson, rehearsal director.  (1997)
• Valse-Fantaisie, by George Balanchine, staged by Victoria Simon; Sharon Garber, rehearsal director.  (1997)

3 Epitaphs, Suite Otis and Foreground were invited to be performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.