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History
About ARC Dance Productions
ARC is a non-profit, professional repertory dance company based in Seattle, USA, that presents contemporary ballet in
intimate settings. Since its inception in 1999, under the artistic direction of Marie Chong, ARC has performed works by
nationally-recognized and emerging choreographers in standard theaters with seating capacities of 300 to 2500.
Background
In 1997, ARC founder Marie Chong began the effort to establish a new professional company in Seattle. The Company would perform a minimum
of two mixed repertory programs a season and dancers would rehearse and train on a regular basis. The name, ARC, symbolizes the arching connection
between creation and production, art and experience. ARC's defining difference would include professional production values, technically strong
and versatile dancers, and an eclectic répertoire of dance works that would explore and promote dance as communication that transcends spoken
language.
ARC Dance Productions became a reality in June 1999, when it received its 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status. Its debut performance followed
shortly thereafter in October at Shorecrest Performing Arts Center. ARC has maintained a two-production répertoire season with the yearly addition
of Nutcracker in 2001. Also in 2001, ARC began a relationship with the Seattle Symphony by performing at Benaroya Hall in outreach programs
such as Discover Music. In order for ARC to continue its expanded performance schedule, the board realized that ARC would need a permanent home
base large enough to facilitate multiple rehearsals and a training ground. In 2004, ARC secured a lease in the old Crown Hill School in North
Ballard. The opportunity to establish a dance school that would integrate into the company was thus made possible.
Arc School of Ballet (ASB) opened its doors in 2004 to offer the Seattle community personalized, mentor-guided classical ballet training.
ASB offers programs for all ages and the professional-bound dancer. Pre-professional students in the Mentor-Apprentice program at the School
perform with the Company. Both organizations have a similar name but are separate legal entities.
Structure
Répertoire is usually selected and staged with proscenium arch theaters in mind; however, this may change based on programming that
requires smaller venues. An open audition call for dancers is held annually. Those with a strong classical ballet foundation and broad experience
in contemporary dance make up ARC. Seasonal dancer contracts entail two mixed-repertory programs, the holiday production of Nutcracker, and
possible educational outreach performances.
Répertoire
The diverse répertoire includes works by nationally and locally established choreographers as well as those by emerging choreographers. Please see the list of choreographers under Artistic Staff.
Choreographers interested in submitting works for consideration should Contact ARC