Queens Choreographic Lab was developed around the belief that artistic growth is strengthened through access, experimentation, and exchange.

By offering free professional contemporary dance training and a collaborative creation opportunity to 16 dancers, the project provided an environment in which participants could develop their artistic practices, encounter new approaches to movement, and contribute their individual perspectives to the creation of an original work.

Participant Experience

Throughout and following the LAB, participants voluntarily shared enthusiastic feedback with the artistic directors.

Several dancers described the experience as an exceptionally meaningful and enjoyable week, with some calling it “the best week ever.” Participants also expressed how much they had learned through the training and creative process.

Particularly meaningful was the way participants described the atmosphere of the LAB: warm, welcoming, kind, inclusive, and collaborative, while maintaining a high level of artistic and professional rigor.

These informal conversations suggested that the project succeeded in creating an environment where artistic excellence and a supportive creative community could coexist.

Although no formal participant surveys were conducted, the unsolicited verbal responses provided valuable insight into the participants’ experiences.

Audience & Community Engagement

The culminating performance welcomed 46 paying audience members and additional invited guests, reaching full capacity at Cucala Dance Company.

The audience included friends, family members, and supporters of the participating artists, creating a lively and supportive atmosphere.

The Audience Participatory Live Creation & Improvisation encouraged direct engagement with the choreographic process, allowing audience members to influence movement decisions and experience the spontaneity of live creation.

The audience appeared enthusiastic and engaged throughout the event, particularly during the performances by their friends and family members and the interactive improvisation.

By transforming the same space from an intensive training and creation environment into a public performance venue, the project connected artistic research directly with community presentation.

Broader Artistic Value

Beyond the creation of a new contemporary dance work, Queens Choreographic Lab demonstrated a model in which professional artistic training, collaborative creation, public performance, and community engagement could be integrated into a single intensive program.

The project brought together dancers from Queens and across New York City, providing opportunities for artistic exchange and the development of connections through a shared creative experience.

The combination of high professional standards and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere was a particularly meaningful aspect of the project, as reflected in participants’ informal feedback.

Through this initiative, sarAika movement collective further developed its commitment to artistic exploration, collaborative practice, and expanding opportunities for contemporary dance.