Emerging Choreographer Series - 2025
Event Description
Through the years, ECS has been established as a one-of-a-kind mentoring program that has provided over 70 NYC choreographers with the tools and resources to create new works. It is conceived and administered by Mare Nostrum Elements, a non-profit arts organization based in Queens, NY.
This year we further our support for five ECS alumni by guiding them to self-produce 30-40 minute works in a split-bill format at two distinguished venues - LaGuardia Performing Arts Center and Flushing Town Hall.
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2025 CHOREOGRAPHERS & THEIR WORK
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Below the Bottom by Susanne McHugh
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"Below the Bottom" is a powerful dance work by Susanne (Susie) McHugh, delving into the raw reality of mental illness and the resilience behind recovery. Inspired by Susie’s personal journey and her work in the mental health field, the piece captures the complexity of mental health challenges and the non-linear path of healing.
In the Noodle (Excerpts) by Jiemin Yang
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In the Noodle (working title) delves into the rich traditions of Fuzhounese longevity noodles, exploring food as a symbol of connection and heritage. This excerpt follows a master noodle maker’s process—from flour to dough to noodle—drawing poignant parallels to human relationships and cultural bonds.
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Portraits of the Moon (Excerpts) by Jiemin Yang
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This dance work explores the moon’s deep symbolism in Chinese culture, weaving movement, original music, interview audio, and multimedia to reflect on separation, reunion, and home. Inspired by lunar myths, poetry, and Asian immigrant journeys, it celebrates resilience, longing, and cultural identity.
Le bleu déchirant du ciel / The Tearing Blue of the Sky by Caroline Brethenoux
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Le bleu déchirant du ciel / The Tearing Blue of the Sky examines our complex relationship with the news and its emotional weight. Through The Story of Gaby, the show brings a deeply personal perspective to global events, following a young girl as she navigates the trauma of forced migration—balancing tragedy with the resilience of childhood.
Event Date:
April 25 - 26 from 7:30 pm
April 27 from 3:00 pm
Location:
Mainstage Theater
ECS 2025 Line Up
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Fri, April 25, 7:30pm
Choreographers: Susanne McHugh &
Jiemin Yang
Sat, April 26, 7:30pm
Choreographers: Caroline Brethenoux & Jiemin Yang
Sun, April 27, 3:00pm
Choreographers: Caroline Brethenoux & Susanne McHugh
MORE ABOUT ECS -
ECS provides funding, rehearsal space, feedback sessions, professional photography and videography, and logistical support - at no cost to the artists. No application fees, production costs, or rental expenses are involved; we believe in paying artists!
Our commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity guides all aspects of our program. Fair pay is fundamental, ensuring compensation for every artist and staff member involved in ECS, including hourly pay and performance fees for dancers.
We invite you to watch split-bills by Heather Dutton & Jacqui M Dugal, the other alumni choreographers presenting work as part of ECS 2025 at Flushing Town Hall on April 12 & 13.