Business Details
26 Years
experience
Chamber Dance Project: Live Ballet Performances
Founded in 2000 by award-winning choreographer Diane Coburn Bruning, Chamber Dance Project is a Washington D.C.-based contemporary ballet company that has redefined the intersection of dance and live music. Our unique approach emphasizes collaboration between dancers, musicians, and designers to create works with contemporary relevance. We commission new pieces from both emerging and established choreographers and composers while providing employment opportunities for dancers during off-season periods. Our commitment to community engagement is demonstrated through ticket donations to social service agencies, ensuring diverse audiences access to professional dance. With over two decades of experience, we perform in intimate venues that heighten the connection between performers and audiences while exploring innovative programming that includes pre-performance chats, open rehearsals, and educational workshops.Our team includes nationally recognized dancers from companies like San Francisco Ballet and The Washington Ballet, alongside distinguished musicians performing with organizations such as the National Symphony Orchestra. We maintain our founder's vision of artistic collaboration originally established in New York while expanding our impact in the nation's capital. Our Federal Tax ID is 13-4109515, and we operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with support from The D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
Services
Contemporary Ballet
Live Music Performances
Commissioned Works
Film Productions
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We perform exclusively with live musicians, creating unique energy in performances
- Our artists come from nationally-recognized companies like San Francisco Ballet
- We commission new works from emerging and established choreographers annually
- Our Federal Tax ID 13-4109515 ensures transparent nonprofit operations
- Our educational programs provide behind-the-scenes access to creative processes
Services
Contemporary Ballet
Chamber Dance Project presents innovative contemporary ballet performances featuring collaborations between professional dancers and live musicians. Our productions emphasize artistic expression and technical excellence while exploring modern themes and narratives. Each performance showcases commissioned works and existing repertoire that push boundaries in dance.
Live Music Performances
We uniquely combine ballet with live music featuring our string quartet and guest musicians. Our performances include collaborations with diverse artists ranging from jazz trios to bluegrass bands, creating dynamic auditory and visual experiences that enhance the dance performances through musical synergy.
Commissioned Works
The company commissions new contemporary ballet works from emerging and established choreographers and composers. This program supports artistic innovation while expanding our repertoire with fresh perspectives. Recent commissions include collaborations with composers and choreographers from diverse cultural traditions and artistic backgrounds.
Film Productions
We create cinematic interpretations of ballet works shot in unique locations. These films adapt dance for the screen while maintaining artistic integrity. Productions like 'A Single Light' demonstrate our commitment to exploring new mediums for contemporary ballet expression through digital platforms.
Community Outreach
Our community engagement initiatives include ticket donations for underserved audiences and interactive programming. We offer educational workshops, artist chats, and backstage access to deepen understanding of ballet. These programs aim to make professional dance accessible to diverse communities throughout Washington D.C.
People
Diane Coburn Bruning
Artistic Director
Founder of Chamber Dance Project with multiple national awards including a Guggenheim Fellowship. She has worked with major ballet companies across the U.S. and internationally, creating innovative contemporary ballet works that combine choreography with live music.
Sally McLain
Principal Musician
Leading violinist and principal musician for the company, performing with The National Symphony Orchestra and other prominent ensembles. She brings extensive experience collaborating with dance companies to create dynamic musical accompaniments for ballet performances.
Questions
What makes Chamber Dance Project unique?
We distinguish ourselves through live music collaborations, intimate venue performances, and our commitment to commissioning new works from diverse choreographers and composers.
How does the company engage with the community?
We donate 100 tickets to social service agencies for Saturday matinees and offer a Bring a Child for Free program with educational workshops for attendees of all ages.
What types of performances can audiences expect?
Our repertoire includes contemporary ballet works like Red Angels and Prufrock, featuring collaborations with diverse artists such as slam poets and bluegrass bands.
How is the organization funded?
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with Federal Tax ID 13-4109515, we receive support from donations, ticket sales, and grants like The D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
Can the company be booked for special events?
Yes, we offer booking opportunities for performances, including our signature program of contemporary ballet with live music that can be tailored to various venues.
Videos