Mare Nostrum Elements (MNE) is celebrating its 25th birthday in 2026!

To celebrate this milestone, we are launching a dynamic, year-long series of events and activities that will honor the organization's legacy while propelling its artistic community into the future. Under the umbrella of our signature Emerging Choreographers Series (ECS) program, these diverse offerings will be provide paid opportunities to 16 different choreographers as follows:

ECS Alumni Festival
At the heart of the festivities is a reimagined ECS Festival—a multi-night event that will revive 12 iconic pieces created and premiered during past ECS shows. We have sponsorships from Flushing Town Hall & LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, supporting this aspect of our programming in Queens, NY.

Supported choreographers: Mikaela Morisato, Rohan Bhargava, Garrett Parker, Lavy Cavaliere, Makayla Peterson, Laura Peralta, Tomislav Nevistic, Heather Dutton, Edward Lathan, Ameeya Singh, Isaac Iskra, and Grace Tong.

ECS Work-in-Progress Residencies & Professional Development Workshops
Keeping our commitment to develop new work, MNE will provide choreographic residencies to support 4 ECS alumni, culminating in a work-in-progress showing. Professional development workshops and 1:1 mentorship will help these choreographers take the next step in their careers.

Supported choreographers: Heather Dutton, Emory Ferra Campbell, Maria Angela Talavera Tejeda, and Isaac Iskra.

ECS Masterclass Series & Co-Working Sessions
MNE will host a 6-week masterclass series, taught by alumni choreographers. All teaching artists will receive a masterclass fee, and class will be open to the NYC dance community. Lastly, we will host alumni-led work-sessions - a designated meet-up for artists to work together and barter information on topics such as press kits, grants, tech riders, etc.

Supported choreographers: Caroline Brethenoux, Peter Cheng, Isaac Iskra, Rohan Bhargava, and Lavy Cavaliere.

Support ECS 2026 & MNE's 25th Anniversary

Your donation will help us bring ECS 2026 to life—please consider making a fully tax deductible donation to ensure that our community continues to be a thriving hub for innovation and artistic expression. Your ongoing support is pivotal in fostering emerging talent.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a direct impact on our ability to create inspiring and unforgettable experiences. We are expanding our offerings in 2026, supporting a larger number of artists, and are committed to paying them for their valuable work.

Donate today to be part of this special celebration and mission!

Examples of what your donation will support:
For every $25 = dancer pay (1 hr)
For every $50 = studio rental (5 hrs)
For every $150 = fees for Q&A moderators and professional development consultants (1 hr)
For every $300 = performance pay for dancers / collaborators (1 artist)
For every $500 = mentorship fees (2 mentors)
For every $1,200 = choreographer stipend (2 choreographers)
For every $1,500 = stage manager fee (1 production)

About Mare Nostrum Elements (MNE) & Emerging Choreographer Series (ECS)

Mare Nostrum Elements (MNE) is a Woodside-based dance and theater non-profit dedicated to the expression of human experiences through dance, theater, and movement. In addition to creating original works, Mare Nostrum Elements serves as a production company for artists whose vision fits MNE's mission, and a training outlet to nurture and strengthen the performing arts community. Mare Nostrum Elements, Inc. is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Emerging Choreographer Series (ECS) was established in 2013 to address the lack of financial and community support for up-and-coming young choreographers. It is a participatory mentoring program that provides new and aspiring choreographers the tools to create, develop, and premiere a new work. Choreographers in the program receive a modest stipend, all dancers are paid hourly for rehearsals plus a performance fee, each choreographer receives up to 45 hours of free rehearsal space, peer support, artistic feedback from established choreographers, production and logistical consultations, as well as the opportunity to present their work in two evening performances at CUNY’s LaGuardia Performing Arts Center in Long Island City. In 2015, MNE’s commitment to emerging artists through the ECS received the Artistic Excellence Recognition Award from Queens Council on the Arts Junior Board. Since 2024, MNE has been evolving its ECS programming to support alumni choreographers and usher them into the next phase of their careers. Our 2026 activities will continue to bolster this vital mission!

Photo Credits:
Group photoshoot of ECS 2026 choreographers by Brian Brennfleck
Performance photo from ECS 2025, featuring work by Jiemin Yang, by Garrett Parker

MNE's 25th Anniversary & ECS 2026 Fundraiser