2024 Summer Program
Farm to Tendu; where dance meets sustainability
July 8 ~ 20
+ Performance Project from July 21-28
Week 01
July 8~13
Monday-Saturday
Ballet & rep with
Charmaine Butcher
POST:BALLET
Week 02
July 14~19
Sunday~Friday
Countertechnique & rep with
Lillian Barbeito & Joseph Kudra
BALLARE CARMEL
Week 03
July 21~28
Sunday-Sunday
Dance Theater
Performance Project with Ballare Carmel &
KELLY ASHTON TODD
ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
ABOUT CDF's 2nd ANNUAL SUMMER PROGRAM
We are thrilled to announce Carmel Dance Festival's Summer Program on the stunning Monterey Peninsula. In 2024, we are offering something truly extraordinary—an immersive 1, 2, or 3~week experience that combines contemporary dance technique, the creation and performance of a new work, and a dive into sustainable farming. Yes, we are merging the worlds of farming and dancing!
TECHNIQUE & CHOREOGRPAHY
Dancers will engage in daily technique classes under the guidance of distinguished guest teachers, fostering the development of their skills and artistry. The creation of new work will be overseen by the brilliant and visionary choreographer, KELLY ASHTON TODD. Drawing from a profound understanding of our planet and its critical need for protection, Todd's choreography will intertwine scientific insights, evoking a powerful connection to the audience's hearts. Prepare to be captivated by a dance experience that merges artistry and the urgency of environmental preservation.
SUSTAINALBE FARMING SESSIONS
But that's not all! Each week, participants will engage in captivating sessions centered around farming. They will plant, harvest, and learn about innovative farming practices that promote environmental preservation and reduce ecological impact. It's a unique opportunity to explore the vital connection between sustainable agriculture and the arts.
AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE
This program is meticulously designed to provide an extraordinary experience within a safe, supportive, and challenging environment. It aims to foster lasting breakthroughs and forge life-long connections among dancers. Through progressive ballet, contemporary, partnering, improvisation, movement generation, repertory, and performance skills, participants will enhance their technique, artistry, and community-building abilities, creating a solid foundation for future opportunities.
CULMINATING PERFORMANCES
Each week will culminate in a public, site-specific performance where dancers will showcase their artistic growth and the culmination of their transformative journey.
Join us on this remarkable adventure that intertwines sustainability and dance, forging a path towards a brighter and greener future! Up to 24 dancers will be selected for Weeks 1 & 2 and up to 8 dancers will be selected for Week 3.
ABOUT OUR RESIDENT COMPANY; BALLARE CARMEL
Ballare Carmel is the resident company of the Carmel Dance Festival. It was founded in 2021 by Artistic Director Lillian Barbeito
(a graduate of The Juilliard School, former Co-Artistic Director of BODYTRAFFIC, and founder of HAVEN Global Sanctuary for Dance) to tell Monterey County stories, myths, and bold feats, through contemporary dance. The project-based ensemble's repertoire by established and emerging choreographers includes works by Jennifer Archibald, James Gregg, Noelle Kayser, Alex Ketley, Javon Ja'Moon Jones, Ihsan Rustem, and Skye Schmidt. Lillian will direct the site-specific performances throughout the Summer Program. @ballarecarmel
WHY OUR SUMMER PROGRAM IS UNIQUE
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it includes actual farming!
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located in a BREATHTAKING region with stunning beaches, bucolic farms, and hiking
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offering 90-minute+ sessions
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INTIMATE SETTING that allows for individualized coaching
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DEEP DIVE into one movement methodology per week
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EMPOWERING and nurturing environment where each dancer is seen, heard and valued
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cell-phone-free environment that creates a deeply bonded community and LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIPS
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assigned an ACKNOWLEDGEMENT partner for the week
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each week culminates in a site-specific public PERFORMANCE
SAMPLE SCHEDULE (listed in Pacific Time and subject to change)
Orientation Days: Monday, July 8th & Sunday, July 14th
2:00-4:00 Check-In
4:00-5:15 Yoga
5:30-6:30 Dinner
6:30-8:00 Orientation
Typical Days
7:30-8:30 Breakfast
9-10:30 Technique
10:30-12:30 Repertory
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-4:00 Creation with KELLY ASHTON TODD
4:00-5:30 Observe Ballare Carmel rehearsal or hike or ... something else wonderful
5:30-6:30 Dinner
6:30-8:00 Evening Activities (screening, photoshoot, costume fitting, seminar)
Field Research Days July 11th & 17th
7:30-12:30 Site visit/field research
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-4:00 Creation
5:30-6:30 Dinner
6:30-8:00 Evening Activities (photoshoot, costume fitting, seminar, dinner with friends)
Final Day
10-11:30 Community Class
12-1:30 Rehearsal at performance site
1:30-2:30 Lunch
2:30-4:30 Tech/Dress rehearsal
4:30-5:00 Snack break
5:00-6:00 Prepare for show
6:00 Public site-specific performance
(The schedule subject to change depending on the venue's availability. Tech/Dress rehearsals may need to be Thurs/Fri night(s) so please keep those evenings open.)
ELIGIBILITY
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16+ (dancers aged 16 & 17 must have a legal guardian sign a waiver)
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Excellent technique in any dance genre of dance
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Partnering experience and/or desire and commitment to enhance partnering skills
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Improvisation experience and/or desire and commitment to enhance improvisation skills
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Performance experience and/or desire and commitment to enhance performance skills
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Desire to adapt, create, connect, and contribute
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Proof of vaccination (To those who are not able to be vaccinated or choose not to vaccinate, we hope to dance with you in the future!)
Last Year's Summer Program
APPLICATION PROCESS
Step One: Request a Goggle Form Application Lillian@carmeldancefestival.org
Step Two: Fill out and submit the application form. You will need the following:
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Link to Video Statement of Interest (talk to camera about yourself and why you are interested in participating in Carmel Dance Festival's Summer Program)
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Links to Dance Video(s)
Step Three: Email the following materials to Lillian@carmeldancefestival.org.
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Headshot (does not need to be a professional image)
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Full body shot (does not need to be a professional image and can be in any stance/position)
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Resume with contact information
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Include video links (again)
VIDEO GUIDELINES
Please include the following in your dance video(s):
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2 minutes of unedited improvisation/one take
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2 + minutes of performance or rehearsal footage of choreographed material (any setting acceptable)
Please upload your Video Statement of Interest and Application Videos to Dropbox, Vimeo, or Youtube. Kindly provide links and include passwords if needed. Videos that need to be downloaded will NOT be considered. IMPORTANT: include your video link in both the Google form and your introduction email.
DEADLINE: Admissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program reaches capacity. Once applications are closed, we will notify applicants via our website. Priority will be given to applications received on or before Sunday, April 21st, 2024.
Participants from Last Year's Summer Program
Piper Northburg, now an apprentice with Ballare Carmel
Ru Ferguson, Media Intern
Nicole Bui, now an apprentice with Ballare Carmel
COST
$750 ~ One Week
$1400 ~ Two Weeks
$1650 ~ Three Weeks
SECURITY DEPOSIT
Accepted dancers can secure their space by subitting a non-refundable deposit.
$200 ~ One Week
$400 ~ Two Weeks
$500 ~ Three Weeks
REMAINING BALANCE
The remaining tuition is due on or before June 1st, 2024.
FINANCIAL AID ~ SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE ~ Sunday, April 28th, 2024 by 5:00 pm Pacific Time
Partial and full scholarships are available for tuition. Once accepted into the program, send the following materials to
Lillian @carmeldancefestival.org.
1) personal statement (written or video) outlining financial need, why you are deserving of an award, and how you hope this program will impact you
2) two recommendation letters
3) three additional references with contact information
INTERNSHIPS
MEDIA INTERN (s)
The Media Intern will take daily photos and videos, photoshop 3 weekly social media posts with graphics, edit 1 highlight video per week, and create 1 recap video of the entire program that includes interviews with the participants and guest artists. The ideal candidate owns an excellent camera, has some photoshop and video editing skills, and enjoys telling stories through photos and videos. The Media Intern(s) will participate in the Summer Program tuition free.
PRODUCTION INTERN(s)
The Production Intern will ensure the cleanliness of the space, transport guest artists, help set up sound for performances, run errands, and manage costumes, including weekly laundry or dry cleaning assignments. This position requires a clean vehicle with trunk space, a driver's licensce, plus up-to-date car insurance and registration. The Production Intern(s) will participate in the Summer Program tuition free.
To express your interest in and/or learn more about our internship opportunities, please email Lillian@carmeldancefestival.org.
ROOM & BOARD
Week ONE: Check in will be on Monday, July 8th between 12-3:30 pm and check out will be on Sunday, July 14th by 10am.
Week TWO: Checkin will be on Sunday, July 14th between 12-3:30 pm and check out will be on Saturday, July 20th by 10am.
ONE WEEK (either Week 1 or Week 2)
Waddell Center
Double room ~ $800
Single room ~ $925
Lubow Lodge (New Building)
Double room ~ $925
Single room ~ $1050
TWO WEEKS (Checkin on Monday, July 8th and checkout on Saturday, July 20th)
Waddell Center
Double room ~ $1500
Single room ~ $1750
Lubow Lodge (New Building)
Double room ~ $1750
Single room ~ $2000
LOCATION
In this stunning area, you'll find rugged hiking, tucked-away inns, championship golf courses, vineyards, award-winning restaurants, quaint shopping, horseback riding, every sort of ocean & beach activity, and jaw-dropping natural beauty.
ABOUT THE GUEST ARTISTS
Kelly Ashton Todd
Choreographer
Hi my name is Kelly Todd - I started adding in my middle name because that was almost my first name and there are a million Kelly Todd’s in the world. I blush extremely easily and this trait got me made fun of a lot when I was a teenager and this trait still embarrasses me so please do not be that person that once I start blushing blurts out “OMG YOU’RE BLUSHING”. I feel the safest and most at ease when I’m surrounded by nature - being swallowed by waves, strolling in the woods, exploring mountains, or marveling at the desert. I’m pretty shy upon first meeting and sometimes look like I’m drifting off when I’m intensely listening. I moved to LA for a man once and though the relationship didn’t work, it was one hell of an adventure. I always said I would never live in New York City, yet here I am going on 7 years.
My gut is my guide for everything - collaborations, food, loves, packing. I tend to flee my “home” every two years for a big adventure that reminds me that my home is where my community is and that the planet is truly a big beautiful gift. I cry at pretty much everything and could spend weeks watching great films. I have a deep obsession with surrealism and I’ve recently become enamored with native plants and dried bouquets. My alter ego dream is being in a roller derby.
I miss my grandfather deeply. I sometimes wonder if I’m on the right path and am reminded by my therapist that the present is always the right path. I love the magic of childhood movies and am craving live performance that shakes me to my core.
Kelly's Other Bio
The bio the applications and magazines want
Kelly Ashton Todd is a director, choreographer, performing artist, and environmental activist who makes work for both live theater and film. She currently lives in Brooklyn, NY. She is originally from Lake Jackson, TX, where she began her passion for the environment from being surrounded by live oak trees, the beloved creek, and blue crabs along the jetties. Her work explores land and human exploitation, environmental politics, and surrealism.
She received a BFA in Modern Dance from Texas Christian University and a Double Minor in Biology and Environmental Science (2011) along with a Master’s in Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University (2021). Kelly performed with the award winning off-broadway show Sleep No More from 2015-2022. Along with performing, she also teaches Mindfulness, Environmental Science, Health and Wellness, and Sex Ed at Waterfront Montessori in Jersey City, NJ.
Todd’s choreography has been showcased globally. She has presented work at Kaufman Hall at the 92nd st Y, Dixon Place, NOoSPHERE Arts, ‘T’ Space Rhinebeck, Usine C, and Meow Wolf Santa Fe. She has been awarded the Brooklyn Arts Council Grant (2019, 2020, and 2022), Jerome Hill Foundation Finalist, F21 NYSCA in Media Grant, Puffin Foundation Grant, Walmart E-commerce, LEIMAY Fellowship, Human Impacts Institute Environmental Health Fellowship, NYFA Fellowship in Choreography, and Emerging Choreographer for Springboard Danse Montreal 2022. Her award winning environmental dance film series, Under Review, has attended over 20 film festivals nationally and internationally. Most recently, Under Review: Katahdin was awarded the New Vision award from the International Wildlife Film Festival.
*Kelly has been awarded the LEIMAY Fellowship in Brooklyn, NY which provides fully subsidized rehearsal space along with a public New York Garden Showing for the creation of Under Review: Katahdin and Riding Red. To read her interview and learn more about the fellowship click here*
Lillian Barbeito
Summer Program Director
LILLIAN BARBEITO brings more than 35 years of dance experience as an artist, producer, director, and educator to her role as Artistic Director of Ballare Carmel. During the course of her career, she has been a performer with contemporary dance companies, the co-founder of a world-renowned non-profit organization, the founder of an innovative corporation, and an internationally recognized, certified teacher of Countertechnique.
Barbeito grew up in the desert under the blues skies of Santa Fe, New Mexico where she trained with the Santa Fe Dance Foundation and worked with The Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, Southwest Ballet, and the Santa Fe Opera. She earned her BFA from The Juilliard School where she studied on a 4 year, full-tuition scholarship awarded by Tomorrow’s Leaders of America for her essay about the world dancing together in harmony. Barbeito had an extensive performance career that took her to Europe, New York, and then finally to Los Angeles, where she founded BODYTRAFFIC with Tina Berkett. Under her co-direction, the ensemble received critical acclaim and toured to the most prestigious dance venues across the globe. She has choreographed over 50 works for high schools, universities, competitions, regional ballet companies, and professional modern dance companies throughout the US and Canada. During the pandemic, Barbeito launched HAVEN Global Sanctuary for Dance, a platform dedicated to shaping an equitable, diverse, and inclusive future of dance.
Barbeito is married to filmmaker and environmentalist Grant Barbeito. They relocated their two sons, Oliver who is 13, and Forest who is 8, two bearded dragons, and an Irish doodle named Harvey to Carmel Valley to launch the Carmel Dance Festival and Ballare Carmel.
Charmaine Butcher
Guest Artist Week One
CHARMAINE BUTCHER
Charmaine is a dance artist based out of San Francisco. They received training from Alonzo King LINES Ballet's Training Program in San Francisco. Charmaine has worked with Coriolis Dance, Post:ballet, the Seattle Opera, Sharp & Fine, and Verlaine & McCann’s Burlesque Nutcracker. In addition to dancing and teaching movement, Charmaine is a visual artist working in the mediums of floral, paint, and clay.
Joseph Kudra
Guest Artist Week Two
Joseph was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1991. He has worked internationally as a dancer with River North Chicago Dance Company, DanceWorks Chicago, Luna Negra Dance Theatre, BODYTRAFFIC, Aszure Barton & Artists, and most recently with Eastman-Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, and Opera Ballet Vlaanderen.
Joseph has performed works by choreographers such as Aszure Barton, Sidra Bell, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Alexander Ekman, Andonis Foniadakias, Emanuel Gat, Johan Inger, Jiri Kylian, Anton Lachky, Arthur Pita, Crystal Pite, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, Hofesh Shechter, Richard Siegel, and Jo Stromgren. Joseph has also worked as a choreographic assistant and stager for Cherkaoui.
Joseph joined Kamea Dance Company as a soloist in 2021 and became a full time company member of Rambert in 2022. In 2023, he reconnected with Carmel Dance Festival’s Co-Founder, Lillian Barbeito, and was a guest artist at CDF’s 2023 Summer Program. In January of this year, Joseph performed a duet Back to Bach, with none other than Natalia Osipova during the show "Force of Nature" at Teatre Coliseum in Barcelona, Spain. Most recently, Joseph performed in Dubai, a trio choreographed by Sidi Larbi for Joseph, Natalia Osipova, and Jason Kittelberger. He is excited to perform in China and at the Olympics in Paris this summer, as well as guest perform with Ballare Carmel this season.
Career Highlight: Travelling the world…While dancing with BODYTRAFFIC under the Co-Artistic Direction of Lillian Barbeito, Joseph served as a Cultural Ambassador of the United States to Israel and Jordan via the US Department of State’s diplomacy through the arts program, DanceMotion USA. It was one of the most unforgettable and fulfilling moments in his career thus far.
Not able to join us for Farm To Tendu? Perhaps our
3rd Annual Dance & Choreography Fellowship Program
would be of interest...