By CAROLINE FERMIN

"Ten premieres in 10 days!" Lawrence Rhodes exclaims. "Isn't that exciting?" Rhodes, the director of Juilliard's Dance Division, is sitting in his office on the third floor, explaining the new twist on December's upcoming dance concerts. For the first time, two of the most popular dance concerts of the year—Composers and Choreographers Plus and New Dances at Juilliard: Edition 2006—will be presented one after the other in a kind of December dance festival at Juilliard, a two-week stretch of new choreography and music comprising both professional and student work.

First are the three performances of "ChoreoComp Plus" (as it's known informally), which was expanded just last year from an annual one-hour program on the School's Wednesdays at One series to a full evening in the Peter Jay Sharp Theater. Six third-year choreographers will premiere new pieces they have created in collaboration with Juilliard composers, using a cast of first- and second-year dancers and live music by Juilliard musicians. The resulting performance is a unique blend of cross-disciplinary creativity. (The "Plus" in the program is the addition of some of the best student choreographic work from the fall semester.)

Above: Matthew Neenan, choreographing for the second-year class for New Dances at Juilliard 2006. Below: David Parker, who takes on the freshmen.(Photos by Rosalie O'Connor )

For the show's choreographers and composers, it is a beautiful exercise in compromise, communication, and imagination. For the dancers, the opportunities for collaboration are limitless. Being involved in this type of creative process is of utmost importance, according to Rhodes. "It's the greatest thing; there is the potential that anything can happen, and that you can envision what will come next."

Chanel DaSilva, one of the choreographers for this year's show, has realized that immense creative potential. She lights up when talking about her relationship with her composer, Cristina Spinei. The two share a good work ethic and great communication, and DaSilva says there were "hardly any challenges" when it came to creating their piece. "Basically," she says, "I gave Cristina a movement phrase I had worked on, and she came up with a little bit of music. I listened to it, loved it, and then was off!"

DaSilva and the other five choreographers have been working with their composers for more than two months to create their pieces. They meet once a week with faculty advisors who guide them through their process, and hold rehearsals with their dancers two or three times a week. Though this collaboration may be a challenge at times, the students find nothing more exhilarating. Says DaSilva, "It's about being as patient, willing, and open as possible. Working with Cristina, it inspired me."

If audiences have not gotten their fill of awe-inspiring dance after seeing ChoreoComp Plus, they can still look forward to this year's edition of New Dances at Juilliard, which will take place the following week. The major dance event of the first semester, it is a chance for every student in the Dance Division—yes, all 91 of them!—to perform onstage.

This may seem overwhelming, but the concept is quite simple: take four established choreographers, assign one per class, and then let them create a new dance using all the students in that class. Rhodes says that he considers the strengths and needs of each class individually before assigning them a choreographer. This year, the four he has chosen are David Parker (first year), Matthew Neenan (second year), Doug Varone (third year), and Aszure Barton (fourth year).

Above: Doug Varone, at work with the third-year dancers. Below: Aszure Barton, working with the fourth-year dancers.(Photos by Rosalie O'Connor )

David Parker is taking this year's freshman class on an exciting new ride. As the choreographer for his own company, the Bang Group, he has established a unique style of movement—very musical, rhythmic, and at times, humorous. Parker's choreography for this work has the dancers creating their own sound score, using their bodies as musical instruments. First-year student Emi Hirota says his work is "challenging," adding, "We have never done anything like this before. It is a totally new experience that is constantly pushing us."

This kind of intensity also characterizes the experience of the second-years, who are working with Matthew Neenan. A choreographer who has created works for the Pennsylvania Ballet, Neenan infuses classical ballet with an edgy physicality, creating a signature style that has won numerous awards and critical acclaim. The dancers who are working on his piece are also experiencing New Dances for the first time, as the concert did not take place last year due to a revised schedule for Juilliard's centennial. Says second-year dancer Brandon Cournay, "It's been really great to work on this piece together. As a class we've danced together before, but this is something that has been made specifically for us. It's just been a great bonding experience."

For the third-year class—with one New Dances experience already under their belts—acclaimed choreographer Doug Varone will be taking command. His company, Doug Varone and Dancers, was created in 1986 and has been generating new works and garnering plenty of praise ever since. So far, his process with the third-year students has been fairly private. Working in a very specific way, Varone has impressed many of the students with his clarity and efficiency. "The physicality of Doug's work is very organic and kinetic," says Buddy Valdez, a third-year dancer. "I think audiences will be amazed by the unique physicality of the piece."

Choreographers and Composers Plus Friday, Dec. 8-Saturday, Dec. 9 Peter Jay Sharp Theater Please see the Calendar of Events for more information. New Dances at Juilliard Thursday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 17 Peter Jay Sharp Theater Please see the Calendar of Events for more information.

A strong physicality is something shared by the fourth-year class, whose members are working with choreographer Aszure Barton. Barton is artistic director of ASzURe & Artists and has caught the attention of audiences and critics alike. People praise her impeccable structure, witty musicality, and emotional intensity. Her piece for the seniors will close the show, marking the end of what will surely be an exceptional concert.

When asked what she thought about Juilliard dancers, Aszure said: "I am just so lucky to be working with some of the most beautiful and talented dancers in the whole world!" With praise like that, audiences can expect the dance concerts this December to be thrilling. Ten dance premieres, with six new scores and 91 phenomenal dancers? I agree with Mr. Rhodes—this is an exciting time at Juilliard, and you won't want to miss it!

Caroline Fermin is a fourth-year dancer.