The Office of Academic Affairs awarded $20,000 to support Chair Anderson’s proposal to continue the HATCH (Holistic Approaches to Transformative Choreography) incubator program, an ambitious choreographic initiative that launched in summer of 2024 with Sidra Bell in residence with the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. For spring and summer 2025, the department will host acclaimed choreographer Doug Varone. 

"The HATCH residency with Doug Varone and Dancers was deeply inspired by my profound admiration for the artistry and contributions of Eddie Taketa, whose work with Doug Varone in the 1990s continues to resonate as a benchmark of excellence in contemporary dance,” says Anderson. “Eddie’s embodiment of Varone’s choreography not only exemplifies technical mastery but also captures the emotional depth and humanity that define Varone’s aesthetic. This residency is a unique opportunity to honor that legacy while introducing our students and the Columbus dance community to the transformative power of this artistic lineage."

The recipient of 11 Bessie Awards, the Doug Varone Dance Company has toured to more than 125 cities in 45 states across the US and in Europe, Asia, Canada, and South America. Stages include The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York City Center, San Francisco Performances, London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, Toronto’s Harbourfront, Moscow’s Stanislavsky Theatre, Buenos Aires’ Teatro San Martin, the Venice Biennale, and the Tokyo, Bates, Jacob’s Pillow and American Dance Festivals. In opera and theatre, the Company regularly collaborates on the many Varone directed or choreographed productions that have been produced around the world. Varone is a highly influential choreographer, celebrated for his dynamic and emotionally resonant work that transcends the boundaries of modern dance, theater, opera, and film. His creative voice has garnered critical acclaim for its depth, range, and ability to connect deeply with audiences, making him one of the most sought-after choreographers in the contemporary dance world.

In spring 2025 Doug Varone will be commissioned to set his work “Double Octet” from his repertory on 16 Ohio State dancers (under the direction of Assistant Professor of Practice Edward Taketa, a former principal dancer with Doug Varone who won a New York Dance and Performance aka Bessie Award for his work with the company). During this residency, the Department of Dance will host a community conversation with Varone. Following the spring 2025 repertory residency, Doug Varone and 4 of his dancers will return to be the choreographer in residence during the HATCH summer incubator July 5-17, 2025.

The HATCH program is not a one-off initiative but a bold reimagining of how dance education, professional training and community engagement can intersect. Doug Varone’s residency is a cornerstone of this vision, setting the stage for future collaborations with world-class artists and institutions. The partnerships forged with local organizations will serve as a blueprint for sustained growth and innovation within the Department of Dance. By embedding this residency within the HATCH program, Ohio State is creating a model for how universities can leverage their resources to foster transformative artistic experiences that benefit students, faculty and the broader community.

Doug Varone’s residency represents a transformative moment for Ohio State’s Department of Dance. By combining artistic excellence, professional training, community engagement and a commitment to equity, this residency not only elevates the university’s reputation but also sets a new standard for what dance education can achieve in the 21st century. This residency and incubator program not only align with the university’s mission but also establishes a model for sustainable and impactful partnerships that will resonate for years to come.

Photo of Doug Varone by Patrick MacLeod