[1984] The National Choreography Project

We are diving into our archival materials and excited to share finds from Pentacle’s Legacy project on #WayBackWednesdays.

On this Wednesday, we are sharing Pentacle’s National Choreography Project, which, in 1984, grew out of discussions in the field concerning the need to provide new opportunities for choreographers and to enrich the repertories of America’s dance companies.

The National Choreography Project was funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, Exxon Corporation, and the National Endowment of the Arts, who together contributed $250,000. Pentacle compiled a panel, which awarded the funding to eight repertory companies, including the Dance Theatre of Harlem for a collaboration with David Gordon, Jose Limón Dance Company for a collaboration with Heinz Poll, as well as Pennsylvania Ballet for a collaboration with Merce Cunningham, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

Source Material: Pentacle Newsletter (Fall 1984), The National Choreography Project poster.