by Caleigh Carlson
NJDTE catches up with faculty member, resident choreographer and long-time NJDTE friend Elizabeth Koeppen-Kalosieh about her inspiration, artistic process and experience working with our dancers.
NJDTE catches up with faculty member, resident choreographer and long-time NJDTE friend Elizabeth Koeppen-Kalosieh about her inspiration, artistic process and experience working with our dancers.
Photo by Lois Greenfield of Elizabeth Koeppen-Kalosieh and David Parsons. Courtesy of David Parsons Dance Company. A graduate of SUNY Purchase College, Elizabeth Koeppen was noted as a Principal Dancer and Associate Artistic Director with Parsons Dance Company for 26 years. Below, learn more about her choreographic process with NJDTE dancers for i BALLI di PRIMAVERA.
“The exposure that the NJDTE dancers get from amazing choreographers and companies is what sets this school apart from all others! It is these experiences that prepare our students to have great success in the dance world today.”
–Elizabeth Koeppen-Kalosieh
What are your thoughts on NJDTE as a pre-professional dance school and ensemble that prepares dancers for a successful professional career in dance?
I am honored to be a part of NJDTE faculty and contributing to preparing these young dancers to pursue their dreams of dancing professionally. I take my position very seriously and I am very passionate about my goal to help them succeed in all their artistic ventures. I also aim to inspire them to be the best individuals that they can be on and off the stage!
I am honored to be a part of NJDTE faculty and contributing to preparing these young dancers to pursue their dreams of dancing professionally. I take my position very seriously and I am very passionate about my goal to help them succeed in all their artistic ventures. I also aim to inspire them to be the best individuals that they can be on and off the stage!
Tell us about this new work for Level 3 and Diamond dancers!
The New work for Level 3 and Diamond dancers has been a unique experience as it is the first time I have created a work to present such young dancers, ages 8-12, on the stage! This new work is joyous, driving, and fun for the dancers and will be uplifting for the audience.
The New work for Level 3 and Diamond dancers has been a unique experience as it is the first time I have created a work to present such young dancers, ages 8-12, on the stage! This new work is joyous, driving, and fun for the dancers and will be uplifting for the audience.
Photo of Elizabeth Koeppen-Kalosieh dancing with David Parson.
What is your choreographic process? Is it the same for each work?
My process for choreography comes from experimentation with small phrases, strung together to create sections of a work. This work was inspired by the dancers, and the music I selected.
My process for choreography comes from experimentation with small phrases, strung together to create sections of a work. This work was inspired by the dancers, and the music I selected.
Warriors is one of our audience-favorite pieces. What was the inspiration for of the work? How did you choose the title "Warriors" for the piece?
My inspiration for Warriors was the dancers themselves. Every day in class they worked diligently and were hungry for all the movement that we were exploring, while also having fun. Everyone who walked by my class said "you should make this into a performance piece"- so I did just that. I chose the title from the last song in the piece and because the dancers were truly Warriors during the whole process!
My inspiration for Warriors was the dancers themselves. Every day in class they worked diligently and were hungry for all the movement that we were exploring, while also having fun. Everyone who walked by my class said "you should make this into a performance piece"- so I did just that. I chose the title from the last song in the piece and because the dancers were truly Warriors during the whole process!
Level 4 NJDTE Dancers performing "Warriors." Photo by Anthony Johnson
Working with different choreographers and teachers gives dancers the tools they need to be successful in the dance world and beyond – Elizabeth Koeppen-Kalosieh
