Music composition student Ryan Batt stood in the bustling room, a short clip of his original song "A Light in the Dark" ready to play. Across from him, a pod of dance choreographers circulated, listening to composers pitch their musical visions. In this unique 蜜桃影像AV event, dubbed "speed dating," students from two distinct programs were about to combine talents, collaborating on an immersive, real-world project.
This innovative pairing of the Wanda L. Bass School of Music鈥檚 Project 21 composition group and the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment鈥檚 choreographers is a hands-on learning experience that mirrors the professional performing arts industry. As one of only two known projects of its kind in the world 鈥� the other at Juilliard in New York 鈥� the Project 21: Fusion Presentation is an opportunity for students not just to create, but to learn important lessons in collaboration, communication and compromise.
"There's a lot of trust required with giving other people freedom to interpret and deliver your music in their own way," Batt said about handing off his work to another artist鈥檚 visual creativity. " As composers, we are saying what we want to say. But then you are putting your work in someone else's hands... There's a lot of trust in that."
The project begins early in the fall semester. Music composers write and record a new song, then trim it down to a 30-second clip for the "speed dating" event. In a lively exchange, composers play their clips and share the feeling and intent behind their work.
Then, the roles reverse. Choreographers, having heard all the music, pitch their own visions for how the pieces could be interpreted through dance. This crucial step teaches students how to articulate their ideas and sell their creative concepts 鈥� a professional skill vital for success.
Following the pitches, the composers meet to deliberate, with faculty and student liaisons from the dance school moderating the discussions. As music professor Clint Williams notes, this competitive process mirrors the realities of show business.
鈥淐omposers must weigh not only creative alignment but also factors like reliability and organization, just as they would in a professional setting,鈥� Williams said.
The final pairings are posted like casting announcements, building anticipation and excitement for the next stage of the project.
Once matched, composers finalize their two-and-a-half-minute recordings and hand them off to their choreographer partners. The choreographers then hire one to three dancers to bring the piece to life. Composers are encouraged to attend rehearsals, experiencing the powerful moment their musical ideas take physical form.
The project culminates in the Project 21: Fusion Presentation, intentionally designed to be a workshop environment rather than a polished show. The focus remains on the purity of the composition and choreography, free from the distraction of elaborate costumes or lighting.
"This is a low-stakes opportunity for creatives to put their heart out there, give it a try and learn in a safe environment,鈥� said Tiffany van der Merwe, artistic director of the Ann Lacy School. "Added elements such as expensive costuming and complex lighting enhances production value but also raises the stakes on a young choreographer."
This unique approach makes the presentation a special experience, showcasing a dozen world premieres on a single night. For the first time this past April, the show was held in the university's historic Kirkpatrick Auditorium, adding another layer of excitement for the students.
"A lot of the talk was about the change of venue from previous years. It was the first year on such a large stage, and that was a huge focus," Batt said.
For Kyra Birkner, a dance performance major who choreographed the piece "Oceans," the project taught her about the importance of collaboration from conceptualization all the way to the final performance.
鈥淏efore I ever met with my dancers, I met with my composer just to clarify what he wanted and what I could do," Birkner says. "And once we got into the theater, then we're collaborating with our tech team to figure out lighting and if the sound is good... It鈥檚 a true collaboration from start to finish."
Beyond the creative process, students also learn to handle the unteachable parts of show business, like navigating logistical challenges and, sometimes, rejection. This "safe little cocoon," as van der Merwe describes it, allows students to build resilience and understand that success isn't always linear.
Ultimately, the Project 21: Fusion Presentation pushes young creatives to expand their minds, validate their processes and embrace growth, preparing them to be exceptional artists and resilient professionals in the dynamic world of arts and entertainment.
As Birkner advises others who take on the challenge: 鈥淲hatever comes out of it, use it and just run with it and have fun because this project is really supposed to be about working together.鈥�
The next Project 21: Fusion Presentation will be held May 1 in the Kirkpatrick Auditorium. Admission is free.
The choreographer for "A Light in the Dark" was Gracesyn Gradyan. 鈥淥ceans鈥� was composed by Antonio Gallegos.
