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 & 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. Dance Kaleidoscope premiered Christa’s Takbuhan as part of NOW Volume 2: Arresting Momentum in February 2026, 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.
PREVIOUS JAFFEE & HALL AWARD WINNERS
2024/25 – Tsai Hsi Hung – Torch
2025/26 – Christa Smutek – Takbuhan
Cherri Jaffee and Ginger Hall in 1991.
Cherri and Ginger at DK’s 50th Anniversary Reception.
