The piece that dancer Ira White is developing for Richmond Ballet’s upcoming New Works Festival won’t exactly represent the first time he’s choreographed a performance. He’s done it once before.

“In 2021, during our COVID season, I was able to do a small 4 or 5-minute piece for two people,” he says. “So even though I’ve choreographed before, this is definitely a bigger project.”

Not only will it be bigger, but White’s piece will be produced under the unique restraints of the ballet’s annual festival. Choreographers are invited to town to develop a brand-new, 10-minute long work with just 25 hours of rehearsal time.

As a company dancer, White will have the additional challenge of appearing in another choreographer’s piece as part of the festival. That may seem daunting to an outsider but White is nonplussed.

“I think it’s really cool to be in the process of creation and, at the same time, be a part of someone else’s creation,” he says. “Dancers have to be able to memorize a lot, so having another thing on my mind isn’t going to overcrowd it.”

White has been developing the skills he needs for this moment for decades. He discovered his love of dance in 4th grade through Richmond Ballet’s Minds in Motion (MiM) program. MiM has leveraged the power of coordinated movement to develop confidence, perseverance, and creativity in local elementary school students for more than 25 years.

After his initial exposure, White continued at Richmond Ballet through their Step Up program (now Team XL and Ambassadors), received advanced training at the School of Richmond Ballet, and ultimately joined the company as a professional in 2012.

His hometown status makes White unique among the other choreographers included in the festival who hail from across the country: Emily Adams is a principal dancer for Ballet West in Utah, Ricardo Graziano is resident choreographer for the Sarasota Ballet and Andrea Schermoly is Louisville Ballet’s resident choreographer.

Richmond Ballet’s incoming artistic director Ma Cong says the festival represents a unique opportunity for local dance lovers. “It’s a time where we introduce new choreographers to our audiences, bringing fresh voices to our community,” he says. “There is an exchange of energy and creativity that takes place between the different choreographers that is so special.”

Though he’s had to step outside his position as company member to give direction to fellow dancers, White didn’t feel any tension around the role change. “I had some apprehension towards it because I know what it’s like being on the other side,” he says. “But it’s actually been amazing working with my co-workers and friends in a different creative space.”

“They’ve had great input,” White continues. “Sometimes when you have people coming in from outside, there’s a little trepidation about whether you can suggest things. But since I’m working with friends, it’s way more laid back and just a fun experience from beginning to end.”

As he considered what to include in his piece, White drew on several influences including his love of jazz music and his appreciation for the fashion and style of the 1970s. He thought these elements would create a distinctly different vibe for a classical ballet performance.

He also reflected on the impact his grandfather has had on his life.

“My grandpa, Johnny Houston, has been a big part of the Richmond community so I had an affinity toward jazz at an early age,” White says. Though now retired, saxophone player Houston was a regular performer at local jazz clubs and festivals as the leader of the band Johnny Houston and the Legends.

“When I was younger, seeing people dancing to his music and seeing him being such a commanding force on stage, it really gave me a sense of pride,” says White. “So I thought this piece could be a perfect way to honor that and also try something new for the ballet.”

The New Works Festival will be presented as part of Richmond Ballet’s Studio Two performances, March 19-24, at their in-house Studio Theatre, 407 East Canal St. Tickets and information available at https://richmondballet.com/performances/.