Matthew Bourne Announces Second New Adventures Choreographer Award

By: Jul. 16, 2013
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Matthew Bourne announced today the second New Adventures Choreographer Award (NACA). Open to emerging choreographers of all ages the award follows the success of the inaugural award in 2012 that launched the career of James Cousins, now an internationally regarded choreographic talent.

Bourne will lead a world-class team of judges who will assess applications and choose either one or a number of winners to create a showcase of new work in 2014. Joining Bourne on the judging panel are two new distinguished judges: Emma Rice (Artistic Director, Kneehigh Theatre Company) and Edward Watson (Principal Dancer, Royal Ballet). Judges returning to assist Bourne in his decision making are Scott Ambler (Associate Artist, New Adventures), Lez Brotherston (Designer and Associate Artist, New Adventures), Nina Goldman (Principal Dancer, New Adventures), Christopher Hampson (Artistic Director, Scottish Ballet), Etta Murfitt (Associate Artist, New Adventures) and Sharon Watson (Artistic Director, Phoenix Dance Theatre).

NACA has established itself as one of the sector's most hotly sought after platforms for new choreographic talent. The award was originally established by colleagues and friends in celebration of Matthew Bourne's 50th birthday in 2010, and to also honour both the work and achievements of Matthew and his company New Adventures within dance and musical theatre.

All winners will be mentored by Matthew Bourne and other judges will provide work opportunities, mentoring and support over the twelve months leading up to a showcase of new work. The award is run by the charitable arm of New Adventures, Re:Bourne who provide mentoring support on budgeting, management, contracting and fundraising. Over £40,000 is available to the winner/s.

Matthew Bourne says:

"I am delighted to be announcing the second New Adventures Choreographer Award. None of us at the company anticipated the huge appetite for an award of this kind the first time around. James Cousins has gone on to establish an enviable career as an international choreographer of contemporary dance and I am very much looking forward to finding our next winner."

Following the sold-out 2012 showcase at Sadler's Wells James Cousins has presented his duet, There We Have Been, commissioned as part of the inaugural NACA, in Italy, Belgium, Germany and Brazil. He has also been commissioned to create a new piece for Scottish Ballet and has recently returned from Chile where he created a new work for the National Ballet.

James Cousins says:

"The award is so much more than a choreography award, it has taught me everything from creating a budget to managing a production and running a company and given me opportunities I'd only ever dreamed of having. Matthew is such a knowledgeable and generous mentor and has really helped me to discover and shape my style and Re:Bourne supported me with all aspects of producing the showcase. Winning the inaugural New Adventures Choreographer Award has opened so many doors for me; I would recommend it to anyone."

Applications for the second award are invited through www.ideastap.com where applicants can find out everything they need to know about how to apply. The deadline for applicants is 17:00 on Friday 23 August 2013.



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