
KJARA WURST
CHOREOGRAPHER
01 about
Kjara Wurst is a Slovene-American choreographer who blends the technical precision of ballet with the broken lines of contemporary ballet and the fluidity of contemporary dance.
A classically trained dancer who transitioned into contemporary work, she is a versatile choreographer collaborating with both ballet and contemporary companies. At 29, she was invited to choreograph for the Slovene National Ballet—a turning point that led her to fully embrace choreography and the deep collaborative process it invites.

Photo: Aljoša Rebolj
Her choreography is rooted in storytelling, emotional authenticity, and human connection, with a deep commitment to highlighting each dancer’s individuality. As the founder of KDP, she is equally passionate about mentoring young dancers and guiding them into vulnerable, expressive performers through intentional, process-driven mentoring. She believes the most powerful moments on stage arise when dancers express emotional truth through vulnerability and individuality—leaving a lasting impact on both audience and artist.
02 choreography
Selected choreographic works 2010 – 2025:
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Sibiu Ballet Theatre - FREEDa (work in progress)
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National Ballet Conservatory Ljubljana – Rhapsody for Endings and Beginnings
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Ballet Academy Ljubljana – The Problem of Other Minds
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Slovene National Ballet – Comfort Zone, Urbano balet
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Washington Ballet (Dance For All Festival) – Rush to Nowhere
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Dance Academy Slovenia – Forward
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The Washington School of Ballet – Romeo and Juliet, Be/Longing, As One
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Metropolitan School of the Arts – Ever Onward, Conundrum
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Cowles Choreographer in Residence, University of Minnesota – Komorebi
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Danzante Dance Company & Choreographer in Residence – Off the Leash
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National Ballet Conservatory Ljubljana – Eno, Imaginarium
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Washington Ballet Summer Intensive – Our Summer Symbiosis
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The Dance Gallery Festival NY – Us
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Dissonance Dance Theatre – Be Human
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Choreographic Miniatures Festival Belgrade – How Do We Forgive Our Fathers?
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Triennale di Milano – Umani e vulnerabili
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APT Teater – De-tonacija človeka z bombami, Jungle Book (Full length)
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Slovene Ballet Society Gala Evenings – Strange Fruit, Silvias, Duet for Three Loves...
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Kresnik National Literary Awards - Multiple works performed
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Slovene National commemorations – Multiple works performed
 
Kjara’s works were performed at:
Slovene National Ballet Ljubljana, Cankar Hall Ljubljana, Alvin Ailey City Group Theatre, Gelsey Kirkland Theater, Washington Ballet Theater, Ernst Theater, Serbian National Theater Belgrade, Festival Ljubljana, Festival Lent, Triennale di Milano, National Theater Torino, APT Teater, Tanzfestival Graz, Teatro Ariston, Slovene National Theatre Trieste, Teatro dei Dioscuri.
03 teaching
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The Washington School of Ballet – Faculty
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Sibiu Ballet Theatre - Master classes
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University of Minnesota – Residency and Master Classes
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The Washington Ballet Summer Intensive - Faculty
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George Mason University – Adjunct Professor of Dance
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Maryland Youth Ballet – Faculty
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Metropolitan School of the Arts – Faculty
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Interlochen Conservatory - Guest teacher
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TU Dance – Master Classes
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Dissonance Dance Theatre – Master Class
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Ballet Academy Ljubljana - Guest teacher
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National Ballet Conservatory, Ljubljana - Guest teacher
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Vibra International Workshops, Ljubljana - Faculty
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JSKS Winter Dance Intensives, Maribor
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University of Ljubljana Sports Faculty - Guest teacher
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Contemporary Dance High School, Ljubljana – Faculty
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Movement Institute VV, Ljubljana - Faculty
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KAOS Balletto di Firenze – Company Class
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Baletto di Roma Centro di Danza – Guest Teacher
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Centro Arte Danza – Faculty
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Turin Dance Center – Guest Teacher
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Proballet Summer Intensive - Faculty
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Laban Dance Academy – Guest Teacher
 
04 KDP - kjara’s dance project
KJARA’S DANCE PROJECT
contemporary ballet for young dancers
In 2010 Kjara founded Kjara’s Dance Project, a project based contemporary ballet company for young dancers. Finding enthusiastic young dancers with raw talent and helping them grow into mature artists is her passion and the most meaningful part of her work.


















