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Creating New Choreography

The Mark Ryder Original Choreography Grant Program recognizes individual creative expression and provides financial assistance to choreographers to create new original work.

Application Currently Closed

Flight choreographed by Susan Mann (photo courtesy of choreographer)
Dancer posing with on stage against black background

About Mark Ryder

Mark Ryder was an established dancer, choreographer, and leader in the dance community. He danced alongside Martha Graham in the 1940s until founding the Dance Drama Duo, later called the Dance Drama Company, with Emily Frankel. Mr. Ryder went on to teach dance in the 1960s at Goddard College in Vermont before becoming chairman of the dance department for two years at University of Maryland, College Park in 1974, and retired from teaching in 1988. After moving to Howard County in 1975, Mr. Ryder also became very involved in choreographing local productions in his community. He passed away in July 2006 and is survived by his wife and family who wish to honor his legacy by offering an annual competitive grant award in the minimum amount of $500 to choreographers through the Howard County Arts Council. Mr. Ryder believed individual expression is the most important part of the creative process for both choreographer and dancer and that more is learned through being a part of the process and actively participating in it than by simply being taught the movements or viewing the final product.

Mark Ryder Choreography Award Application Calendar

Mark Ryder Choreography Award Guidelines – FY2025

Questions?

Email grantsandprojects@hocoarts.org or contact us by phone Monday-Friday from 9:30am-4:30pm at  (410) 313-2787.