What does it mean to generate movement?

For Fort Wayne Dance Collective, it’s about embracing your inner imagination to achieve your perfect vision.

At least, that is the strong philosophy of the company’s highly anticipated Choreographer’s Lab, an annual favorite that is set for March 22-23.

“The Choreographer’s Lab is a unique program to the FWDC,” Artistic Director Mandie Kolkman said. “We offer this program to any artist in the community, and we give them the tools they need to bring their artistic voice to the stage. Free creative opportunities like this, especially outside a collegiate setting, are incredibly rare.”

This year’s program features an impressive group of 23 choreographers — one of the largest FWDC has ever had — ranging from first-time creators to seasoned choreographers. Final pieces will debut at the Fort Wayne Dance Collective’s downtown studio theater, 437 E. Berry St., where audiences will experience the culmination of monthslong exploration.

Unique curriculum

At its core, Choreographer’s Lab aims to encourage risk-taking and help choreographers think outside of the box. Unlike traditional productions, where artists may have to conform to specific styles or themes, this lab grants complete creative freedom.

“The choreographers don’t have to follow any rules,” Kolkman said. “We call it a lab because it truly is trial and error.”

Throughout this workshop series, the choreographers use various choreographic tools, such as manipulating time, space, levels, and body movement. They also receive printouts and unique prompts to help challenge their artistic choices.

“We talk them through everything, and we push them along their journey,” Kolkman said. “For example, once they have a couple of eight counts, we’ll throw a wrench in it and tell them to do it on the floor.”

While a storyline is not required, “inspiration” is another part of the curriculum. Choreographers are encouraged to draw from personal experiences and abstract concepts.

“It is really important for them to have an outlet to talk about different circumstances,” Kolkman said. “Although you’ll see that some of the content is heavy, we allow them to produce it because it’s an integral part of the process.”

As another part of the lab, choreographers receive feedback from artistic staff and their peers to further help inform their pieces.

Multi-sensory performance

This year, Choreographer’s Lab promises more than your average dance show. It will be a varied program featuring styles such as contemporary, hip-hop, tap, jazz, and modern dance.

More than that, the show will be an immersive experience for all. In fact, audiences can expect projection work and professional lighting to enhance the storytelling and mood of each piece.

“Everything is polished and thoughtfully produced to ensure their vision is fully realized,” Kolkman said. “We also allow each choreographer to talk about their pieces right before it takes the stage. This allows them to help set the tone.”

Decadeslong legacy

For more than 30 years, Choreographer’s Lab has been a vital part of Fort Wayne’s dance scene, filling a gap for artists seeking a space to experiment and create.

“Fort Wayne has professional ballet and modern dance, but there was no place where anyone, of any age, could freely explore the movement arts and create without limits,” Kolkman said. “The Choreographer’s Lab is just one of the many distinctive programs we offer, yet it’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity, designed to uplift choreographers and give them the confidence to develop their own artistic voice.”

True to FWDC’s mission, the program is open to all aspiring movers. This year’s participants include professional dancers, youth company members, and community members looking to explore a new avenue.

Witness the magic

An enticing program with an ever-diverse cast of artists, this year’s Choreographer’s Lab is set to be one of the most creative showcases yet.

“This is one of the most exciting performances you’ll see,” Kolkman said. “There’s something for everyone, and there’s no way to leave the show uninspired.”

For all dance fans, loved ones, and newcomers alike, Choreographer’s Lab offers a rare chance to witness choreography at its finest.

Each cast performs on a different day, so be sure to check the performance schedule to see your favorite choreographers or dancers in action.

Don’t miss your chance to see this show. Buy tickets at fwdc.org.