Photos: Broadway Dance Lab Hosts 2018 Gala

Broadway Dance Lab (BDL), a non-profit choreography incubator supporting new works of dance-driven theatre, commemorated its five year anniversary with a Gala celebration on Monday April 2 at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. The evening included cocktails and dinner, along with a performance of new works-in-process by Robert Fairchild, Brooke Wendle, Paul McGill, and artistic director Josh Prince. Broadway veteran and host of TLC's Trading Spaces, Paige Davis, served as master of ceremonies.

BDL used the event to introduce the public to its new mentorship initiative, BDL Connect, which matches exceptionally talented, rising choreographers with master Broadway choreographers. Choreographer Paul McGill was chosen to create a new work on the students of Pace University in March, under Prince's mentorship. The Pace students performed McGill's work as part of the Gala presentation.

the company also announced its plans to launch the Broadway Dance Lab Choreography Intensive later this summer. The program will give young, aspiring choreographers (ages 18-23) unparalleled access to training from Broadway professionals. Students will study and create choreography in various styles, attend a Broadway show, and participate in artist talkbacks. Applications for the program are due April 20, and can be accessed on the company's website, www.broadwaydancelab.org.