The Carnival: Choreographer's Ball Explained

Location:Hollywood, New York, London, Sydney, Tokyo
Years Active:2000–present
Founders:Carey Ysais, Paulette Azizian
Dates:Monthly showcase
Genre:R&B, hip hop, funk, modern, rock

"The Carnival: Choreographer's Ball" show is the longest-running dance show in Southern California, United States, and a popular monthly showcase of the top/elite choreographers in the world (video, music, and film). The show is run in Hollywood, with satellite choreographer's balls in Chicago, New York, Sydney, London, and Tokyo.

The show is considered the dance community's ultimate competitive venue for choreographers to perform or display their work.[1] [2] [3]

Origin

The show was created by Los Angeles choreographers Carey Ysais and Paulette Azizian in 1998 to give working choreographers and dancers a venue where they could have free artistic expression without the constraints of an artist, a director, or a script.[4] Ysais modeled the show after a similar choreographer showcase that had run at Prince's Glam Slam nightclub in Los Angeles in the 1990s. The first venue was the Key Club on the Sunset Strip, and was promoted in partnership with DMK Entertainment.

Shows and performance types

In order to be on the show, choreographers have to submit video tapes of their work in advance and/or audition, with established and elite choreographers given free access.

Performances include street dance, popping, funk, hip hop, tap dancing, modern, ballet, lyrical dance, spoken word, and performance art. Each show has up to 14 choreographers and/or their dancers who are given up to "five minutes of freedom" to work artistically and perform before their peers.

Each performance (i.e., "piece") in the show is similar to a mini-musical, with an overall theme, props, costumes, and dance styles. Virtually any kind of dance music might be played or various music styles combined. However, many pieces are known for being edgy and provocative.

Some choreographers use the show for dance experimentation.

The first show of the year is usually an anniversary show, the latest "The Carnival: Choreographer's Ball 14th Anniversary Show," where the dance community celebrates the year in review. Choreographer awards and/or tributes are presented to their peers, or a person or group is recognized for outstanding achievement in the field of dance or choreography, including Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Success

Talent agents for movie, music, and television productions regularly attend "The Carnival: Choreographer's Ball" shows searching for talent. Many dancers get industry work after performing at the show. It is estimated that up to "30 percent of participating dancers get bookings" as a result of being in a Choreographer Ball show.[5] [6]

The show often includes special guests and appearances by many of the top dancers and choreographers including Paula Abdul, Travis Payne, Kenny Ortega, and Wade Robson. The audience is usually populated with many of the top songwriters and musical acts in the entertainment business.[7] [8]

Regular hosts include:

Anniversary shows and achievement awards

The following gala award shows were celebrated by the dance community where awards and/or tributes were given to their peers for excellence or outstanding achievement in the field of choreography.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Carnival News. https://web.archive.org/web/20080930030623/http://www.thechoreographerscarnival.com/CarnivalHome.htm. dead. September 30, 2008. The Carnival.
  2. Web site: Carey . Paulette . Kimo . DMK. The official Choreographer. https://web.archive.org/web/20111007221335/http://www.thechoreographerscarnival.com/index.html. dead. October 7, 2011. The Carnival.
  3. Web site: West Hollywood, CA – Events, News, Schools and Restaurants: Carnival – Choreographer's Ball. American Towns.
  4. Web site: Carnival Choreographers Ball 2010 – Carey Ysais & Paulette Azizian . Dance Plug. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120325042106/http://www.danceplug.com/insidertips/interviews/carnival-choreographers-ball-2010-carey-ysais-paulette-azizian. March 25, 2012.
  5. Web site: Wanberg. Katrin. Carnival: A Choreographer's Ball. https://web.archive.org/web/20090125051946/http://thechoreographerscarnival.com/Carnival%20News-2.html. dead. January 25, 2009. Carnival News.
  6. Web site: Jones. Jen. Bright Lights, Big Talent. https://web.archive.org/web/20090722112201/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1083/is_3_82/ai_n24386185/. dead. July 22, 2009. CBS.
  7. Web site: The Carnival Choreographer Ball 11th yr anniversary show. https://web.archive.org/web/20120917002311/http://www.ktla.com/news/local/viewerinfo/ktla-allie-carnival-choreographer-ball,0,3589986.story. dead. September 17, 2012. KTLA.
  8. Web site: Los Angeles Events. The Carnival "Choreographer's Ball. Going LA.
  9. Web site: Carey Paulette Kimco. January 2013 14th Yr Anniversary. The Carnival: Choreographers' Ball.
  10. Web site: DeSocio . Jeffrey Thomas . Bust a Move! The Choreographers Ball has come to town. . dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130130161529/http://www.myfoxla.com/story/20706969/bust-a-move-the-choreographers-carnival-has-come-to-town. January 30, 2013.
  11. Web site: Perry. Aliya . February 22, 2012 . Carnival Celebrates Its 13th Anniversary. https://archive.today/20130217010010/http://theindustryvoice.weebly.com/1/post/2012/02/carnival-celebrates-its-13th-anniversary-with-a-sold-out-house-and-show-stopping-performances.html. dead. February 17, 2013 . TIV Awards.
  12. Web site: PacificRimVideoPress. Choreographers Carnival Founder Carey Yasis at the 12 yr Anniversary. YouTube.
  13. Web site: February 1, 2010 . Carnival Choreographer's Ball 11th Anniversary . Dance Bloggers . DancePlug . July 5, 2012 . dead . https://archive.today/20120905024031/http://www.dancebloggers.com/2010/02/carnival-choreographers-ball-11th-anniversary/ . September 5, 2012 .
  14. Web site: February 2, 2009. The Carnival: Getting The "Groove On" For 10 Years. Hollywire.com. July 5, 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120321095025/http://www.hollywire.com/uncategorized/the-carnival-getting-the-groove-on-for-10-years. March 21, 2012.
  15. Web site: February 1, 2008. Segal. Lewis. Dance Review: At least dancers had a 'Ball'. Los Angeles Times. July 5, 2012.

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