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DANCE NEWS: Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning Announces Open Call for MAKING MOVES DANCE FESTIVAL 2021
The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) invites NYC-based dance companies and choreographers to apply via open call for the 12th Annual Making Moves Dance Festival 2021 ~ TO LIFE! (MMDF2021). Submission deadline is April 17th, 2021; early submission is encouraged.
MMDF2021 offers paid performance opportunities for 9 choreographers on the outdoor stage of the Jamaica Performing Arts Center on Friday, Sept.17th, 2021 and Saturday, Sept.18th, 2021.
Choreographers working in all dance genres are encouraged to apply.
Applicants for the MMDF2021 open call are determined through a formal juried process. Each submission will be viewed by a jury of cultural leaders representing the diversity of NYC, and its dance and performing arts communities. MMDF2021 jurors and JCAL Interim Artistic Director Courtney French will base choices on clarity of choreographic vision and the ability of the artist to share the choreographer's commitment to purpose, aesthetic and technique.
To further celebrate all that is dance, MMDF2021 features a series of dance-inspired conversations, workshops, and community engagement programs throughout September across JCAL's campus.
Major Commission Artist, Rohan Bhargava of Rovaco Dance Company
MMDF2021 offers three opportunities for choreographers and dance companies:
- Major Commission: Two choreographers will be commissioned to create a 30 to 45-minute work to be presented on the outdoor stage on Sept. 17th and 18th. The commissioned choreographers will receive a stipend of $2,500 to create the work and receive up to 80 hours of free rehearsal space at JCAL. The commissioned choreographer will provide dancers, costumes, lighting, props, etc., out of commissioned funds.
- Emerging Artists: Up to three emerging and/or underrepresented professional choreographers and groups will receive a stipend of $1,000 to present a 15 to 25-minute piece on the outdoor stage on Sept. 17th and or 18th. The choreographers and/or groups will be able to demonstrate a track record of public performances, commit time to the choreographic process, and highlight their creative concepts.
- Early-Career Artists: Up to four early-career professional choreographers and/or groups will receive a $500 stipend to present a 15 to 25-minute piece on the outdoor stage on Sept. 17th or 18th(presenting existing work is encouraged). The choreographers and/or groups will be able to demonstrate a track record of public performances, commit time to the choreographic process, and highlight their creative concepts.
All choreographers, dance artists and companies -- including, but not limited to modern/contemporary, african, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, folk, ballroom and social dance influence (vogue, house, waacking) -- are invited to apply. Each group can request to be considered for more than one opportunity, but each selected group will only be awarded one opportunity. Please make sure you select all areas for which you would like to be considered. All groups will be provided with 3 to 6 hours of rehearsal space the week prior to MMDF2021 and access to JPAC stages for one dress rehearsal and one tech rehearsal prior to the day of the event (COVID-19 permitting).
Program Timeline: The open-call application portal will be active as of Feb. 19th; the deadline for applications is April 15, 2021. The jury will meet in May 2021. Selected groups will be notified by early June 2020. Calls of inquiry regarding the status of an application will not be returned.
Eligibility: MMDF2021 is open to emerging and underrepresented NYC-based choreographers and companies with bold ideas and a progressive/contemporary nature. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must have presented work previously in a public format. Applicants must be NYC residents as of the application deadline or can demonstrate a significant, documented track record of artistic activity in NYC. Queens residents receive preference for all opportunities.
Selection Criteria: Applicants will be chosen based on the strength of their submitted work; quality samples are important. MMDF2021 jurors and JCAL's Artistic Director will base choices on the clarity of choreographic vision and artist statement; ability of the artist to demonstrate a commitment to purpose, aesthetic and technique; a performing company of quality that is trained to represent the work of the choreographer.
Making Moves Dance Festival 2021: To Life! is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Mertz Gilmore Foundation and Harkness Foundation for Dance; additional general operating support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
