works-in-progress/wednesdays-in-performance

WIP is a innovative choreography development program created not only to facilitate the development of new works by dance artists but also to establish a dialogue between the dancer, choreographer, and audience. Dancers and choreographers are encouraged to present new works and to take part in an affirming, facilitated discussion based on choreographer Liz Lerman's Critical Response Process.

By programming cloggers, flamenco artists, ballet dancers, and others on one stage during one evening, we hope to make the followers of one discipline familiar with the language, background, and appeal of the other disciplines. This helps increase the size of the audience at dance events around the city. Dance groups are paid an honorarium for their professional performance.    

It all takes place the last Wednesday of each month at 7pm at the Jump-Start theater, 108 Blue Star; which is building B in the Blue Star Arts Complex (corner of South Alamo and Probandt). For more details about this month's WIP, see What's Happening.  Admission is $5 regular and $3 for students and senior citizens.  If you need further information or reservations, please call 227-JUMP.

One of the season's highlights is WIP Crème, which occurs in May, the official Dance Month.  More information on this concert and a short video is available here.

Interested in presenting at WIP? Call  S. T. Shimi at Jump-Start (227-JUMP) or Kristina Kuest Mistry at (210) 573-7676.  There is no age limit for WIP, but the work has to be the artist's own.  In other words, no asking to perform Swan Lake at WIP.  The evening is eclectic so there may be adult content, but we will let people know.  Performers are able to view that night's show for free; however, parents or spouses are expected to pay admission.   There is no audition, but the group's spokesperson should talk to Shimi / Kristina to determine which program they best fit.  Pieces have to be original and movement-based (no spoken word / purely stand-up stuff and no straight up just music).  Performers have ten minutes max, which they do not have to use entirely (average piece length is five minutes).  Upon talking to the coordinators, a letter will be sent to you verifying the booking.  

What does WIP co-coordinator S. T. Shimi have to say about WIP?  Find out here!

Jump-Start Performance Co. is funded in part by grants from The Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs, City of San Antonio, The Texas Commission on the Arts, and The National Endowment of the Arts.