NEXT: The Emerging Choreographer Commissioning Program (DEADLINE: APRIL 19)
Company:
Accent Dance NYC
Applications for the next cycle of
NEXT: The Emerging Choreographer Commissioning Program
now open through April 19, 2024
This comissioning program underscores Accent Dance NYC’s commitment to nurturing the artistry of early-career choreographers who bring fresh voices and innovative ideas to the forefront of the dance world. Dedicated to spotlighting the next voice, the next collaboration, and the next idea that ignites thought-provoking discussions or explores significant themes, NEXT empowers choreographers to create impactful works that resonate deeply with audiences of all ages. Launched in 2023, the NEXT program commissions a new piece by a professional, early-career choreographer, covering all creative expenses including choreographer and dancer compensation, rehearsal space, and the work’s premiere. Additionally, the commissioned choreographer receives invaluable professional mentorship and audience feedback through open rehearsals and in-process showings, and gains access to Accent Dance’s extensive network and opportunities to showcase the work to a wide range of audiences in educational, community, and concert settings.
To be considered, choreographers must:
- Be based in the NYC-metro area (rehearsals will take place in NYC)
- Not be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program
- Consider themselves emerging or early career artists with at least 2-5 years of professional choreographic experience
Choreographers should feel comfortable creating a 10-15 minute work in a 4-8 week time period. Works should be suitable for both youth and adult audiences and we are particularly interested in works with themes of social justice, identity, equity, inclusion. We invite a wide array of genres; contemporary, ballet, hip hop, tap, jazz, traditional cultural forms, multidisciplinary, and other forms are all welcome.
BIPOC and immigrant artists are especially encouraged to apply, though all are welcome.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send the following to andrea@accent.dance by April 19, 2024:
- Resume
- Short bio
- 2-3 video samples of your past work
- Letter of recommendation
- Brief (approximately 1 page) proposal of the work you would like to create. We understand that your ideas might not be fully developed, but please provide any information that can give us an idea of the work’s scope.
Helpful things to include in your proposal:
- Ideas for music/accompaniment
- Approximate number of dancers
- Possible production needs
- Style of dance
- Influences or sources of inspiration
- Possible themes (we are particularly interested in works with themes of multiculturalism, social justice, identity, equity, inclusion)
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The selected choreographer will be asked to create a new work for the Accent Dance NYC Company. The choreographer will have the opportunity to select some or all of the Accent Dance artists with whom they would like to work through an audition or masterclass/workshop. Accent Dance will also consider including dancers that the choreographer has worked with previously. If needed, Accent Dance will support the choreographer by holding open auditions to find new dancers for the project.
The creative process will likely begin in spring/summer 2024. The exact schedule and frequency of rehearsals will be determined based on choreographer and dancer availability.
The commissioned work will be featured in our arts education programming as well as community events, galas, and concert performances.
Accent Dance NYC will provide:
- Compensation: $3,000 to $5,000 depending on length and complexity of work/experience of choreographer, etc.
- Rehearsal space
- Dancer fees
- Audition space and support (if needed)
- Scheduling support
- A premiere of the work
- Marketing to promote the work’s premiere and any subsequent performances of the work
