Emerging Choreographer Series (ECS) 2026 – Highlights Festival
7PM
As a celebration of Mare Nostrum Elements’ 25th Anniversary in 2026, LaGuardia Performing Arts Center is pleased to present the “Emerging Choreographer Series (ECS) - Highlights Festival,” a unique program that revives iconic works from past ECS productions, honoring the organization’s legacy while propelling its artistic community into the future.
ECS 2026 at LPAC will be featuring the work of the following alumni choreographers:
Rohan Bhargava, Isaac Iskra, Mikaela Morisato, Tomislav Nevistic, Ameeya Singh, Laura Peralta.
About Mare Nostrum Elements & Their 25th Anniversary:
Established in 2001, Mare Nostrum Elements (MNE) is a Woodside-based non-profit dedicated to the expression of human experiences through dance, theater, and movement. Its mission is to both create and support the making of emotionally driven stage productions that utilize dance and theater to enrich local communities.
In 2026, MNE is celebrating its 25th Anniversary through a dynamic, year-long roster of events and opportunities with a focus on its alumni artists. This includes a Masterclass & Professional Development Series in partnership with Gibney Dance, a Work-in-Progress Residency Program in partnership with LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC), and the upcoming ECS Highlights Festival at LPAC & Flushing Town Hall (FTH). Additionally, they are facilitating networking events, informal artist gatherings, satellite events self-produced by ECS alumni, and presentation opportunities in collaboration with mission-aligned organizations such as the International Human Rights Arts Festival (IHRAF).
About the Emerging Choreographer Series (ECS):
Through the years, ECS has been established as a one-of-a-kind mentoring program that has provided over 70 NYC choreographers with the tools and resources to create new works. It is conceived and administered by Mare Nostrum Elements (MNE). ECS provides funding, rehearsal space, fully produced performances, professional photography and videography and logistical support at no cost to the artists. No application fees, production costs, or rental expenses are involved; ECS believes in paying artists! Their commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity guides all aspects of the program. Fair pay is fundamental, ensuring compensation for every artist and staff member involved in ECS, including hourly pay and performance fees for dancers.