Hey Everybody,

My name is Lauren Edson and I'm a dancer and choreographer based in Boise, Idaho.  I'm originally from the beautiful city of Boise and over the years have had the privilege to dance for Ballet Idaho, Idaho Dance Theatre, Hubbard Street 2 and most recently Trey McIntyre Project.  I am now pursuing my choreographic career full-time and have been fortunate enough to have been staying busy with commissions from dance companies and artistic residencies at Universities, throughout the nation.

My latest exciting update is that my 2011 work "Two Against One," was chosen to perform and compete at Dance Under the Stars, the 15th Annual Choreography Festival in Palm Desert, California. 

What:

I am one of ten finalists chosen from a pool of over one hundred applicants. Myself and five other dancers will compete in front of a panel of distinguished judges for cash prizes up to $5,000 and a possible paid engagement for me to choreograph.

Who:

The works features myself and five other phenomenal Boise-based dancers including the incomparable Jason Hartley, formerly of Trey McIntyre Project, Phyllis Rothwell Affrunti (Ballet Idaho), Yurek Hansen (Idaho Dance Theatre), Kaelen O'Shea (IDT) and Sayoko Knode (IDT).  We are already beginning our rehearsals and generating some pretty fantastic chemistry.

Where and When:

We will perform and compete at the beautiful McCallum Theatre located in Palm Desert, California. 

Myself and the rest of the dancers will travel down November 9th get some sleep and wake up early for our tech rehearsal the morning of the 10th.  The competition begins at 7:00 pm, November 10th.

Why:

Participating in the McCallum's Choreography Competition will not only be a wonderful growing experience for all six of us, it will also show what incredible talent there is in Boise.  For me as a choreographer, it will be an invaluable opportunity for my work to be produced in a beautiful venue and performed in front of hundreds of people, generating a great deal of exposure for my work.  I would in turn make connections with artistic directors, companies and dancers that would hopefully lead to future commissions and collaborations.  

How: This is where we need some help! 

It is an incredible honor, but also an incredibly expensive endeavor. In order to afford our flights, housing, meals, costumes, studio rental and a little more so I can pay these incredible artists, I'm asking you for some help. Anything you might be willing to donate, would be so greatly appreciated.  

Here's a breakdown of our budget:

Estimated Expenditures: 

Flights: $350 x 6 = $2,100

Housing: $79 per night x 2 nights x 2 rooms = $316

Meals: $40 per day x 2 x 6 = $480

Dancer Compensation: $200 x 5 = $1,000

Costumes: Minimal Costumes for all six of us = Estimated $200

Studio Rental: $15/hr x 35 = $525

Total: $4,621

I cannot thank each of you enough for considering to fund this ambitious adventure.  Thank you!  

"Two Against One" was originally commissioned by Northwest Dance Project and premiered July 2011 in Portland, Oregon.