In 2006, AXIS Dance Company, comprised of dancers with and without disabilities (physically-integrated), focused on movement and choreographic exploration with four choreographers (Shinichi Iova-Koga, Alex Ketley, Kate Weare and Isabel Croxatto) who had not previously been commissioned by AXIS. This 5 minute video is material from Shinichi’s process.
The research residency at Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography (MANCC) at Florida State University culminated with a day-long symposium on repertory development in the U.S. The primary goal of the program was to encourage artistic exploration in a supportive environment void of the usual time and financial constraints surrounding many commissioning structures, providing an opportunity for AXIS to formally explore the best ways to orient new choreographers to the company.
Artistic Director Judith Smith brought three of the four choreographers back to create work on AXIS which has toured across the company.
In 2010, AXIS premiered ODD, a full-length triptych choreographed by Shinichi Iova-Koga in collaboration with AXIS, his company inkBoat, and composer Joan Jeanrenaud.
Shinichi Iova-Koga, Alex Ketley, and Kate Weare each returned to MANCC in subsequent years as Choreographic Fellows.