Germinate Space Residencies

Great ideas need space to grow.

Germinate is Malashock Dance’s residency program designed to support emerging and established choreographers by providing the one resource every artist needs most: time and space to create. Through complimentary studio access and an artistic stipend, artists are given the freedom to experiment, take creative risks, develop new movement, and refine works in progress without the pressure of immediate production.

More than a rehearsal space, Germinate is an investment in the future of contemporary dance. The residency encourages artistic exploration, collaboration, and innovation while fostering connections among San Diego’s vibrant community of dance makers.

Residents may use their time to research new ideas, create original choreography, prepare for performances, or advance commissioned projects. Throughout the residency, artists become part of Malashock Dance’s creative ecosystem by sharing inspiration, building relationships, and contributing to a thriving culture of artistic exchange.

By opening our studios to independent artists, Malashock Dance helps cultivate the next generation of choreographic voices and strengthens the creative landscape of our region. Every residency is an opportunity for new work to take root, evolve, and ultimately reach audiences in meaningful ways.

Because every groundbreaking performance begins with the simple gift of space to create.

2025-2026 Resident Artists

Negative Space Dance Collective

Negative Space Dance Collective (NSDC) is an emerging contemporary dance ensemble based in San Diego, California, committed to pushing the boundaries of movement and performance lead by Alexa Lopez Plush. NSDC is rooted in collaboration and experimentation, the collective crafts immersive, unconventional works that invite audiences into dynamic, and ever-evolving experiences. Centering improvisation as both a creative and performative tool, the collective embraces spontaneity not only in the choreographic process, but also within the final performance itself, allowing each piece to remain alive and responsive in the moment. Collaborating artists participating in Germinate include Ilyana Hughes, Ranier Martinez, and Samara Rodriguez. 

Cecily Holcombe

I discovered my love for dance after stumbling into a modern dance class at UCSD. I graduated with a B.S. in physics and performed with Liss Fain Dance in San Francisco while earning my teaching credential in math and science. I have performed with LITVAKdance and San Diego Dance Theater and have been honored to work with many local San Diego artists including Blythe Barton, Lavina Rich, and Khamla Somphanh, among others. I premiered my first choreographic work at San Diego Dance Theater’s Live Arts Fest in 2022 and have continued to create and present new works in San Diego. I was the recipient of DISCO RIOT’s S P A C E Pro Residency in 2024, commissioned in 2025 to create work for Malashock Dance’s SEED, and recently co-produced an evening-length program at ODC in San Francisco in June 2025.

I am interested in developing contemporary and modern works focused on interdisciplinary collaboration, process, and performance.

Brianna Pilkinton

 
Brianna (sounds like banana) can be described by the following titles: Mom, Wife, Environmental Scientist, Performing Artist, Choreographer, Self-Made Thousandaire, and Epic Multitasker. She earned a BS in General Biology with an emphasis in Marine Biology from San Diego State University in 2003 and works full time in the environmental consulting industry. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Accipiter Dance Company, focused on creating site-specific work in non-traditional settings across San Diego County. In addition to presenting her own work she has been fortunate to have danced as a guest artist with many local dance companies and independent choreographers including; H2O Dance Company, GetDown/PickUp Company, Malashock Dance, Lara Segura, Tamara Saari Dance, Angelica Bell, Ion Theatre,  San Diego Dance Theater, and others.