MOBBALLET SYMPOSIUM 2025 PATHWAYS TO PERFORMANCE CHOREOGRAPHIC PROGRAM APPLICATION

In keeping with MoBBallet's 360˚ approach to transforming the field of ballet, the Pathways to Performance Choreographic Program (PTP) cultivates and mentors Black choreographers (and those of color) who specifically work in the ballet idiom. Additionally, PTP supports Black contemporary choreographers (and those of color) who are interested in exploring the ballet idiom, while also assisting established but overlooked creators in breaking through the glass ceilings that have hindered their advancement in the dance world. PTP provides them with concrete opportunities to create and present their work on prominent stages. The lack of Black ballet choreographers mirrors the lack of Black professional ballet dancers. This shortage is reflected in other roles within the field, such as rehearsal directors, choreographers, artistic directors, and production directors/backstage crew. Consequently, it is reasonable to expect that as the ballet world begins to embrace and commission Black choreographers, they may primarily seek talent from the "low hanging fruit" of the modern and contemporary genres, resulting in an overexploited pool. This leads to the oversight of exceptional talents working in all genres due to the insular culture of the dance world. MoBBallet's Pathways to Performance aims to break through this exclusive bubble by nurturing Black ballet choreographic talent and elevating established but under-recognized artists. It supports them in advancing their careers by showcasing their work on high-profile platforms. Our mission is to ensure that the ballet field does not pigeonhole Black choreographers into subcategories like "modern" and "contemporary." Therefore, PTP is specifically designed to nurture and develop choreographers whose primary language is ballet and who create work en pointe.