PERVIOUS JAFFEE & HALL AWARD WINNERS
2024/25 – Tsai Hsi Hung – TORCH
At Dance Kaleidoscope, we believe the best way to strengthen our future is to build upon our distinguished past. Therefore, we have created the JAFFEE AND HALL EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHER AWARD to honor the outstanding creative leadership of Cherri Jaffee, Artistic Director from 1977 to 1991, and Ginger Hall, Cherri’s Co-Artistic Director from 1985 to 1991.
Cherri and Ginger made it their mission to bring world-class contemporary choreography to Indianapolis audiences. Their ability to identify emerging talent brought Ohad Naharin (Batsheva Dance Company) and Lynne Taylor-Corbett (choreographer for the movie Footloose and the Broadway shows Titanic and Swing!) as well as many other sought-after choreographers to our community.
This year, from over 110 national and international applicants, Dance Kaleidoscope selected Christa Smutek as our 2025/2026 JAFFEE & HALL EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHER. Christa’s world premiere will be presented as part of NOW Volume 2: Arresting Momentum on February 6, 7, and 8, at the Tobias Theater at Newfields.
The creation of the JAFFEE & HALL EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHER AWARD aligns with our vision for the future: a future that seeks to expand our artistic voice by hosting guest choreographers each season.
Cherri Jaffee and Ginger Hall in 1991.
Cherri and Ginger at DK’s 50th Anniversary Reception.
