LILA Dance Festival 2025 Guest Choreographer

Millie Heckler

Millie Heckler (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist and the Founder and Creative Director of puSHErbody – a dance company and community initiative that centers athleticism, intuitive breathwork, and personal narrative through catharsis, voice, and movement. Her work has been funded by organizations across the country, such as New York Live Arts, Cultural Arts Funding Program in Texas, and Vermont Arts Council. She holds an MFA in Dance and Social Justice from UT Austin and a BFA in Dance from CU Boulder. She studied and danced professionally with Street Dance Theater pioneer Rennie Harris and afro-contemporary company Charles O. Anderson/dance theater x. Her stage and studio work explores the usefulness of sensuality, rage, and forgiveness, in and through the body, while blending various methods of movement and vocalization.

About the piece

Through a fusion of contemporary dance, rhythmic footwork, dynamic pedestrian movement, and theatricality, we will embody the idea: “We don’t recognize us anymore.” We will explore a recycling of energies that live within the body through excavation, expulsion, and transformation; a change in perspective; a coming-out at the funeral, so-to-speak. Some guiding questions are: How do we move to interrupt patterns within the body, moving into a new realm of possibility? Is surrendering a requirement to move forward? Participants should anticipate using their voices to accompany and accentuate their dance. *Concept may change as we move through our process of creation.

Auditions

Dancers interested in working with Millie must either attend the live audition or submit a video audition. Dancers 18+ with strong dance training of any kind are invited to apply. A stipend will be offered; however please note that no housing or transportation will be provided. There is no fee to audition.

Those selected will begin rehearsals between June 1–8, 2025, with the creation process continuing August 16-22, 2025. Rehearsals will be held at the LILA Studios in Rochester, NH and scheduled in collaboration with the cast.

The finished piece will premiere in the Mainstage performance at the LILA Dance Festival on August 23, 2025.

Live Auditions

Date & Time: May 24th, 2025, 12:30 PM

Location: LILA Studios, Rochester, NH
(Directions and parking details will be sent in your confirmation email)

What to Expect:
The audition will last approximately 2 hours and will involve movement exploration, improvisation, and learning choreography. Wear comfortable attire suitable for movement. Please arrive by 12:15pm to sign in.

Video Auditions

Dancers unable to attend the live audition are welcome to submit a video audition, although priority will be given to those attending in person. Please submit video auditions by May 23rd, 2025.

Instructions for video submissions are included within the application.

Applications

All dancers, whether auditioning live or via video, will use the same application form. Simply select your audition method within the form, and you’ll be guided through the correct steps.

Master Classes

We’re also offering two master classes before the audition, a great chance to meet Millie and familiarize yourself with her style. These classes are not required, but they are highly encouraged as you’ll work on movement patterns and exercises that will be used in the audition.

Dates & Times:

May 23rd, 2025 6:00pm-8:00pm

May 24th, 2025 10:00am-12:00pm

Cost:

$30 for one class

$50 for both classes

Register