Dora Novak, Artistic Director

Dora Novak grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, and is currently based in New York City. She started her love for dance with Iowa Dance Theater as a child and has continued to serve on their board and work as an artistic director. Dora attended SUNY Purchase Dance Conservatory, where she expanded her knowledge and practice through their Composition Concentration program. Dora started her own company in New York, 'The Novomisle Project', and performed at many venues and festivals in the area until moving her company to Des Moines in 2020. She also danced professionally with contemporary and ballet concert dance companies in NYC and LA for over a decade. Dora continued her work as an artist by costuming and designing dance, film, and TV, and joined IATSE 764 in 2016. Most notably, Dora worked for The Metropolitan Opera, Lar Lubovitch Dance, CedarLake Contemporary Ballet, and on films The Irishman, West Side Story and The Gilded Age.

In Ms. Novak’s experience in both film and dance, she found her best work came when she had the support of a team. This inspired her to create Iowa Choreography Festival - a unique festival where choreographers can meet new dancers and get partnered with local musicians, designers, and artists. As these artist applicants collaborate with others to create a piece in different artistic fields, not only are they getting inspired - but they inspire others. The intention of the festival is to create space for Des Moines artists to grow.