Houston Met Selects Steven Vaughn For 2014 Emerging Choreographer Commission

HOUSTON, March 20, 2014 – The Houston Metropolitan Dance Company (MET Dance), Houston’s leading dance company known for its invigorating jazz and contemporary repertoire, continues on its groundbreaking expansion as the company celebrates another notable milestone with the announcement of its 2014 Emerging Choreographer. Chosen from 30 prospective choreographers, Steven Vaughn has been selected to create a new work to be added to MET’s diverse and acclaimed repertory.  Arriving for a one week intensive rehearsal process with the MET Dancers beginning May 12, the new work is set to premiere in June during the Sizzling Summer Dance Concert, an outdoor festival presented annually at the Miller Outdoor Theater in Houston.

In keeping true to its goals of offering educational and creative opportunities for artists in a professional and nurturing environment, MET Dance informally launched the emerging choreographer competition three years ago – 2014 marks the first year that the program is realizing its fullest potential. In it’s first nation wide search through a detailed application processes, MET artistic staff received over 30 submission packages, with exciting footage of work, impressive biographies and thoughtful proposals of how these hopeful emerging choreographers might optimize their experiences, if selected. Steven Vaughn, the winner, given a commission to create a new 10-minute work, will also experience a professional and artistic mentorship in an accomplished and faced-paced setting. Other semi-finalists chosen from the pool of applicants were Christian Denice of California, Joshua Manculich of Illinois, Robert Priore from Washington DC and Emily Shoen of New York City.

“Met Dance has always wanted to support emerging artists and young choreographers and this program now serves as the vehicle to make it happen.,” explains Marlana Doyle, Artistic Director of MET. “ It is important to give artists a place to create and the resources they need to explore the elements that inspire them. Our diverse and versatile dancers also serve as wonderful tools for any choreographer, as it erases the limitations they may experience working in a company that is focused in a single discipline.”

“The chance to meet a company like MET, with dancers coming from different dance backgrounds and cities is one of the reasons I have always strived to be a choreographer” remarksVaughn. As dancers and artists we all bring our training, our experiences and our cultures into the studio with us. In using dance as the connective tissue between regions and individuals, we will find the movement that resonates and inspires.”

Additionally, Vaughn will have the opportunity to teach the students of MET Center with a master class on May 15. The Center has enjoyed a steady and strong increase in attendance since moving into the organization’s new home at 2808 Caroline Street.

About MET Dance
Founded in 1995, Houston Metropolitan Dance Center Inc. strives to educate and revitalize a passion for dance through the finest instruction and performance. With professional and youth dance companies, as well as a strong community outreach program, MET Dance continues to be a leader in the vitality and diversity of Houston’s dance community. MET Dance Company has performed throughout the United States in dozen’s of theaters receiving high acclaim. The organization’s new state-of-the-art facility, located in midtown, offers comprehensive dance training for all ages and interests. The youth dance company and free educational outreach programs have reached the lives of hundreds in the Houston community.