American Dance Institute Announces Commissioned Artist Program

ROCKVILLE, Md., April 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Dance Institute (ADI) today announced Minneapolis-based artist Chris Schlichting as the first artist selected for its new Commissioned Artist program. With the goal of supporting the work of American choreographers as they gain prominence on the national contemporary dance scene, this new program furthers ADI's already strong commitment to advancing artistic excellence and supporting the development of new works. ADI's Commissioned Artist program will provide Schlichting with $10,000 in commissioning funds, fee-free fiscal sponsorship for the commissioned year, strategic marketing and development support, and a presentation of the commissioned work during ADI's 15/16 season.

"The recognition from ADI and the panel was an incredible gift and honor. As artists we are all too familiar with experiences of rejection, so to be acknowledged for work when you are least expecting
it is staggering and unbelievable. I feel a deep sense of relief, like someone has my back on this next project I'll be creating" said Schlichting.

ADI's Artistic Advisory Board comprised of leading American artists and choreographers selected Schlichting for the Commissioned Artist program. The current board includes Brian Brooks, Jane Comfort, David Dorfman, Doug Elkins, Dan Hurlin (Chair), Jodi Melnick, and David Neumann.

Following the January 2014 meeting where the advisory board selected Schlichting, Board Chair Dan Hurlin commented, "Board members were impressed by the strength of Chris' recent work and look forward to seeing where this commission will take him."

ADI's Executive Director Adrienne Willis added, "ADI is thrilled to support Chris' work at this point in his career, and we are excited to introduce him to DC area audiences during our 15/16 season."

American Dance Institute (ADI) advances artistic excellence through dance education, performance and a strong commitment the development of new works. Since launching a presenting series and residency program for cutting-edge contemporary dance companies in 2011, ADI has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most progressive dance presenters in the metropolitan DC area, prompting The Washington Post to call it "the region's leading edge of edge." Home to a black box theater as well as a dance school, ADI is one of the most exciting venues in the DC area to see contemporary dance by artists such as Crystal Pite, Yvonne Rainer, Tere O'Connor, and Reggie Wilson.

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SOURCE American Dance Institute