| Years active | 2000 to present |
|---|---|
| Founded by | Carey Ysais, Paulette Azizian |
| Date(s) | Monthly Showcase |
| Genre | R&B, Hip Hop, Funk, Modern, Rock |
| Website | The Carnival: Choreographer’s Ball |
The Carnival: Choreographer’s Ball show is the longest running dance show in Southern California, and a popular monthly showcase of the top/elite choreographers in the world (video, music, and film). The show is run in Hollywood, with satellite choreographer’s balls in New York, Paris, London, and Tokyo.
The show is considered the dance community's ultimate competitive venue for choreographers to perform or display their work.[1]
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The show was created by Los Angeles choreographers' Carey Ysais and Paulette Azizian in 2000 to give working choreographers and dancers a venue where they could have free artistic expression without the constraints of an artist, a director, or a script.[2] Ysais modeled the show after a similar choreographer showcase that had run at Prince's Glam Slam nightclub in Los Angeles in the 1990s.
In order to be on the show, choreographers have to submit video tapes of their work in advance and/or audition, with established and elite choreographers given free access.
Performances include funk, hip hop, tap dancing, modern, ballet, lyrical dance, spoken word, and performance art. Each show has up to 14 choreographers and/or their dancers who are given "five minutes of freedom" to work artistically and perform before their peers.
Each performance (i.e., "piece") in the show is similar to a mini-musical, with an overall theme, props, costumes, and dance styles. Virtually any kind of dance music might be played or various music styles combined. However, many pieces are known for being edgy and provocative.
Some choreographers use the show for dance experimentation.
Talent agents for movie, music, and television productions regularly attend The Carnival: Choreographer's Ball shows searching for talent. Many dancers get industry work after performing at the show. It is estimated that up to "30 percent of participating dancers get bookings" as a result of of being in a Choreographer Ball show.[3]
The show often includes special guests and appearances by many of the top dancers and choreographers including luminaries such as Paula Abdul, Travis Payne, Kenny Ortega, and Wade Robson. The audience is usually populated with many of the top song writers and musical acts in the entertainment business.[4]
Regular hosts include:
Various choreographer awards are generally given at the anniversary shows including Lifetime Achievement Awards.
11th Anniversary Show
On January 2, 2010, The Carnival: Choreographer's Ball celebrated their 11th anniversary. At the show, choreography agent Julie McDonald was honored for being a pioneer of dance representation and a friend, helper, and agent to many choreographers for over 25 years. The award was presented to her by one of her first clients, Paula Abdul.[5]
10th Anniversary Show
On February 4, 2009, The Carnival: Choreographer's Ball celebrated their 10th anniversary. At the show, Debbie Allen was honored for her innumerable contributions to the art of dance and was given a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Nia Peeples.[6]
9th Anniversary Show
On January 30, 2008, The Carnival: Choreographer's Ball celebrated their 9th anniversary. At the show, director-choreographer Adam Shankman was given an affectionate tribute and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Kenny Ortega.[7]