(R)Evolution Artist Program

What is the (R)Evolution Artist Program?

DISCO RIOT’s (R)Evolution Artist Program is a cohort-style immersive educational paid internship program focused on offering substantial and sustained support for San Diego-based emerging/rising dance artists. We provide a small group of Rising Artists (ages 20-26) a specially curated immersive experience in DISCO RIOT inner workings for a full programming season (January-October 2025). Within the program, Rising Artists will focus their efforts in one of two immersive dance-based educational tracks – dance pedagogy or performance production. To supplement their focused tracks, the program will include free DISCO RIOT dance classes, monthly professional development workshops and cohort meetings, a monthly check-in with a uniquely designated DISCO RIOT mentor, opportunities to immerse themselves in performance and event production, apprenticeship opportunities with Malashock Dance Company, and a 10-week S P A C E residency as part of a culminating artistic project.

Over the course of the season, Rising Artists will develop an understanding of the local performing arts ecosystem, engage with an extended network of dance professionals, local studio spaces and performance venues, and build relationships with fellow artists. Rising Artists will develop transferable skills essential for a successful career in the arts, including but not limited to speaking and writing about their creative processes, arts marketing and promotion, grant analysis and writing, collaborative problem solving, project documentation, artistic leadership, developing competitive applications, and performance production. Together we will build critical skills for a healthy, autonomous, successful career in the field of dance. We believe the next phase of building a truly sustainable dance ecosystem in San Diego hinges on the integration of young artist voices.

Past (R)Evolution Interns 2024

Karina Wilson (she/her)

Karina Wilson is a San Diego-based mover with roots in LA. Trained in Balanchine and drawn to contemporary movement, she has explored her artistic style studying at Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Alonzo King LINES Ballet. Karina aspires to engage in diverse capacities, collaborating with others to play and innovate.

Patrick Li (he/him)

Patrick Li envisions uniting people from diverse backgrounds through the universal language of dance. Growing up and training abroad, Patrick embraces dance as a potent art form for expressing individuality while exploring common ground. His current movement practice integrates digital innovation with movement to transcend traditional performance boundaries.

Giovanna Francisco (she/her)

Giovanna Francisco is a San Diego-based movement artist. She graduated from UCSD with her BA in both dance and sociology with a minor in education studies. Giovanna has performed and created work in San Diego as both an independent artist and community dancer. Her movement practice centers dance asa tool for exploration and connection.

Briele Melahn (she/her)

Briele Melahn is a newly relocated San Diego artist. After receiving her BFA through the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College she has performed and presented original works in NYC. Melahn works with dance, improvisation, and collaboration to explore the intersection of original movement and intuitive humanness.

Emily Sutherland (she/they)

Emily Sutherland is a queer San Diego based artist who recently graduated from San Diego State with their Bachelors in Dance. They are a visual artist/ choreographer who uses various art mediums to transform spaces and elevate dance performance.

Jenna Wu-Cardona (they/them/she)

Jenna Wu-Cardona is a queer and multiracial dancer and artist with roots in Los Angeles and San Diego. They studied education and dance at Scripps College and have since worked with Blue 13 Dance Company, DISCO RIOT’s 2024 Queer Mvmnt Fest, and Dance the Yard.