palm-desert-choreo-festival


OC-based modern dance company Backhausdance at the Choreography Festival. Photo by Jack Hartin.



Dale Merrill, Dean of the College of Performing Arts, served on a panel of judges for the 15
th
Annual Choreography Festival in Palm Desert, CA.  The panel included legendary dancers Donald McKayle, Jodie Gates and Larry Billman and pioneering talent agent Julie McDonald.  The festival highlights new and exciting choreography, offers cash prizes to up and coming choreographers from around the country, and brings the experience of dance to the young people of the Coachella Valley.