Collaboration

At Dark Ballet, collaboration is at the core of everything we do.

It fuels our creativity and pushes us to experiment with new forms of expression. Our passion is blending our rock/metal music with diverse movement styles—ballet, modern, martial arts, even aerial and bodybuilding—to tell evocative stories of the human experience. By working with artists, educators, and organizations across the globe, we create immersive, unforgettable performances that push the boundaries of what live art can be.

Past and Current
Collaborators

School of the Albany Berkshire Ballet (2023)

Our first collaboration with a dance company was Jeff’s composition, Christmas Spirits, that was choreographed by the teachers at the Albany School of the Berkshire Ballet and was performed at Finding Christmas 2023, our yearly charity benefit. This was our first collaboration with movement artists, and we were hooked!

Skidmore College Department of Dance (2024)

During our collaboration with Skidmore College’s Department of Dance, we presented two original librettos—Spectres of Solstice and The Queen of the Night—which were choreographed by Professor Jason Ohlberg, MFA. Working closely with Skidmore’s dancers, costume designers, media artists, and sound engineers, we developed a live performance that featured Dark Ballet playing live. The result was a mesmerizing fusion of classical dance and hard rock that enthralled audiences and underscored the transformative power of interdisciplinary art.

    A unique and amazing experience

    Other than an orchestra, this was my first time working with a live band. It was truly a unique and amazing experience. It helped develop my skills as a dancer, as I learned to adapt to live music to be in rhythm with my dancing. It wasn't like anything I have ever done, and I look back on it fondly. Thank you for all of your work, talent, time, passion, and kindness.

    Mollie G., Dancer, Spectres of Solstice

    A pleasure from start to finish

    Working with Dark Ballet has been a pleasure from start to finish on every project we've collaborated on. The idea of combining ballet with a variety of musical numbers - in genres that maybe aren't always the norm in the ballet world - creates an interesting opportunity where expressions of all kinds can shine through. To tie the visuals and music together video form has been a joy, giving me the freedom to express my creativity even further making sure the final visuals projects the right emotions for the viewers!

    Martin W., Video Artist, Sweden

Good Karma Studios (2025, In Progress)

We are currently collaborating with Jessica Lubin and other aerial artists to develop new pieces that blend high-flying choreography with Dark Ballet’s powerful rock sound. This groundbreaking project not only pushes our musicians and aerialists to explore fresh creative territory, but it also promises audiences a truly unforgettable fusion of visual spectacle and dynamic music.

    Fresh and innovative

    As an aerial artist, I’m thrilled about collaborating with Dark Ballet on two pieces, The Flyers and Jingle Bunny Jane. Their stories fuel my imagination, and merging heavy metal with aerial arts is fresh and innovative. The group’s powerful compositions inspire our choreography, and we can’t wait to perform in June 2025. Dark Ballet’s team was professional and creatively open, pushing boundaries that expanded our artistic vision. I highly recommend partnering with them to any company seeking a truly unforgettable performance

    Jessica L., Aerialist

Dark Ballet’s Current &
Past Guest Musicians

Over the years, Dark Ballet has been fortunate to feature incredibly talented guest musicians.

We’re deeply grateful for their contributions, which continue to inspire us and shape the future of Dark Ballet’s musical journey.

Jess Knapp-Laws

Jess Knapp-Laws: Adds depth and versatility to our sound as the guest guitarist on our latest works-in-progress, including The Girl in the Tree and War God. Her strong work ethic and eagerness to push creative boundaries make her an invaluable collaborator.

Chuck VanZandt

Chuck VanZandt joined as a featured musician on several of the group’s most recent works including Spectres of Solstice and Queen of the Night. Chuck infused our playing with his distinctive, driving, palm-muted style enhancing the power of each composition.

Mike Voelker

Mike Voelker brought his unique style and sonic flair to several live shows and recording sessions in the early days of Dark Ballet and is a featured guitarist on many of the group’s compositions between 2018-2020.

Why Collaborate with Dark Ballet?

There are many reasons your group, college/university, studio, or arts organization may want to collaborate with Dark Ballet.

A collaboration with Dark Ballet will be a rich and memorable experience that will increase the skills sets of interdisciplinary collaborators and allow them to be become part of unique, multi-media, story-driven performances that leave a lasting impact on artists and audiences alike.

Collaboration Process

Here is a brief overview of the collaboration process. This process can vary depending on the type of the organization and vision of collaborators.

  1. Initial Contact & Vision

    Reach out to us to discuss your ideas, goals, and possible timelines.

    We brainstorm concepts for the performance, scope out resources, and plan logistics.

  2. Pre-Production

    Dark Ballet writes the librettos with input from partners, composes and records the music.

    Collaborators work on choreography, set design, media elements, music, etc.

    Virtual check-ins ensure a cohesive creative direction.

  3. Residency or Rehearsal Period

    We come together on-site (especially for out-of-town partners) for final rehearsals and tech runs.

    Jeff and Crystal Moore may offer master classes in voice, guitar, and interdisciplinary performance.

  4. Performance & Follow-Up

    Present the collaborative show before a live audience, with potential video capture and merchandise.

    Post-performance, share media and discuss future projects.

Ready to collaborate?

Visit our Booking Page to learn more about specific requirements and needed resources. If you have questions or want to share ideas, Contact Us directly—we can’t wait to hear from you!

Collaborate with us