Mark Morris Shadow Program
Mark Morris Shadow Program
"Being a shadow gives you the opportunity to be able to look through a very clear window of how the company works. Taking company class, watching rehearsals, and being present during the dress runs have only prepared me for having this job now. Being able to partake in the summer intensives taught me some of Mark's repertory- which made sure that I liked to do it. Although being in the shadow program definitely helped it did not guarantee me being in the company. I still had to and have to continue to work the hardest in my life for what I love. That being the most important part, make sure what ever you do it is because you have a huge amount of love for it."
-Nick Wagner (BFA '09), former Mark Morris Shadow and current Apprentice with MMDG
- Stephanie Azzaretto, former Mark Morris Shadow
2013
The Program
The Mark Morris Shadow Program, sponsored jointly by the Mark Morris Dance Group, the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, and Dance at Illinois, provides unique opportunities for students to interact with the company. During their Krannert residency, students take company classes, attend rehearsals, join company members in outreach activities, watch performances, and hang out with company members on a more informal basis. During the summer, Shadows are invited to attend the Mark Morris Summer Intensive.
Once selected, the students continue as Shadows throughout their time as students in the dance department. Free tuition for the summer intensive is offered for all Shadows, and Krannert Center is able to support three of the Shadows with transportation, housing, and per diem for their stay in New York. Graduating seniors are not eligible for the full funding. Returning Shadows who are not seniors are eligible, as well as a number of the new Shadows (to be determined).
Community Outreach
One of the fellowships is designated for someone who is interested in and has experience in teaching and community outreach. In addition to taking classes and attending rehearsals, this student will be invited to assist the company members in their outreach/educational programs while they are in residence. If you are interested in this position, please indicate it on your application.
Eligibility
These fellowships are open to sophomore and junior dance majors in good standing. A faculty committee: Rebecca Nettl-Fiol (chair), Linda Lehovec, and John Dayger, will make the fellowship selections.
Selection Criteria:
- maturity, ability to work on a deep level in class
- technical and artistic ability
- proven responsibility to classes and rehearsals
- quality of application narrative and relevance of the program to future goals
APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 13, 2013 by 4pm
Submit your application online here.
2011 MARK MORRIS SHADOWS RELATE THEIR EXPERIENCES!!
"As a Mark Morris Shadow, we were given the opportunity to experience a professional dance company from multiple points of view. As a dancer, we took company technique classes surrounded by dance professionals while Mark Morris instructed the class. By taking class with the MMDG, we experienced how company members interacted with each other, as well as, Mark's relationship with his company members. There was a sense of welcoming into their community that could only be received by physically moving with the other dancers. As a choreographer, watching the spacing rehearsals in a professional theater was an amazing experience to understand how a show is produced. We were able to interact with all members of the company including the stage directors, lighting designers and costume crew members. All of whom answered questions about the production of the show and logistics of taking a professional dance company on tour. Many functional elements of the tour, from booking the hotel to keeping the company fed during long rehearsal days, were revealed throughout this Shadow Program. As a dance teacher, we had the opportunity to interact with the MMDG outreach programs in the neighboring communities. The fantastic encounter between the children and company members revealed a different aspect of the company from their performance position. Finally, as a public viewer, we were able to attend the company's performance that tied all of the viewpoints together. From class to the performance, we participated in every moment as if we were member on the tour. The knowledge gained from interacting with each member and engaging in every event is of immeasurable proportion. The MMDG Shadow program gave me a real-life understanding of becoming a professional dancer." - Katherine Roarty
"I found the MMDG Summer Intensive to be both inviting and challenging, as well as vigorous in working my mind and body. The faculty and company members created an environment that welcomed the exploration of technique, choreography, somatic work, etc. As someone who has had little experience with summer programs, I greatly appreciated the intimate size of classes and the opportunities that that provided. Not only do I feel as though I became a stronger technician, but I now have resources and connections to build upon within the dance community. The relationship between MMDG and that of our department is incredible and unique, and I highly advise any and everyone to take advantage!"
- Alison Rhoades
"The Mark Morris Shadow program was a wonderful opportunity to gain insight into the interactions between an established institution and individual dancers within the context of a professional setting. The attention to detail at the intensive, both somatically and artistically, has provided me with a window into dancing at the most genuine level. The Mark Morris Shadow Program was a once and a lifetime opportunity that I was extremely privileged to take part in. Being able to explore New York City and make connections with other artists across the country was a treasure in and of itself. Being able to communicate, collaborate, live and dance with other artists was an amazing gift, and the Mark Morris Shadow Program provided the ideal venue."
-Anna Clarke
"This summer I attended the Mark Morris Summer Intenside at their Dance Center in Brooklyn, NY. This was the second year I went to the intensive and I enjoyed it more the second time around. The days are full of dancing and there are meetings during the lunch break where former and current company members talk about different experiences they've had inthe professional dance world. It's a fairly small intensive, about 80 students, and that gives it a nice, intimate feel and also really gives you a change to get to know the teachers and have them get to know you. The center is beautiful and very easy to get to."
-Annie Flaherty
"Being a part of the Mark Morris Shadow Program exposed me to a variety of experiences that I otherwise wouldn't have had the opportunity to do. Taking company class from Mark Morris himself and observing rehearsals provided me with a great insight into company life. I was able to talk with company members on a personal level, asking about their training background, how they got started with the company, among other things. Through the scholarship I received, I was also able to take my first trip to New York, which was an incredible experience in itself. The intensive was full of different and interesting classes taught by former Mark Morris dancers. It was also great to learn the repertoire from the people who had danced it themselves."
-Kathryn Williams
