Artist Application

Artist Application

‭Greetings from Dance Chicago.

This is our 25th Season

The deadline for the submission of your application with links to view your work is October 21.

The development of new choreography of the highest artistic quality remains a major focus of the festival.

Dance Chicago 2019-20

25th Anniversary Season

‌Athenaeum Main Stage Shows
2936 N. Southport, Chicago
Nov. 2 Dance Slam
Nov. 9 Future Stars
Nov. 16 Dance Chicago 25th Anniversary Party
Feb. 15 2020 Dances from the Heart

Athenaeum Studio 2 Shows
2936 N. Southport, Chicago
Nov. 11-17 Stories of Dance (see details below)

Music Institute of Chicago
Nichols Concert Hall, Evanston
Dec. 7 Duke it Out!

This application will apply to all shows, including Dance Slam.

A $25 application fee must accompany the application. We will review up to 5 works.

Works viewed should be labeled: Company, Choreographer, Title, Length, number of dancers.

I will be curating each work on each program, via video links – performance or latest rehearsal footage.  I must see your proposed work.  Deadline to view work is October 21. I do not view works on DVD’s. A short texted rehearsal video will also work.

We are interested in seeing quality work from anyone, but the dances must fit into our programming structure and stages. We are designing programs for the Athenaeum mainstage (985 seats), Studio 2 (82 seats) and Nichols Concert Hall (500 seats) in Evanston.

If you wish to create dances for more than one program remember that the perfection of one dance is more important than the creation of two or more average ones. In addition, shorter dances are more versatile and can often be used on multiple programs. Dances longer than 6 minutes have to be exceptional to hold up to audiences and critics. The optimum time for a dance is 3 to 6 minutes. The most successful works (i.e. good reviews, audience appeal, etc.) are generally in this time range.

You organization, dancers and their families must promote the shows you are appearing on. We will issue you discounts for dancers, families and your entire data base. We require that you promote this show as you would your own production. Dance Chicago’s audience is built by all companies doing their part.

Dance Slam is the oldest dance competition in Chicago. Unlike other competitions, the entire audience votes in three categories: Choreography, Production, Technique which are then totaled. This is valuable audience input from over 900 viewers.  Works cannot exceed 5 minutes under any circumstances. There will be as many as 24 companies/acts, so it is critical to keep your time less than 5 minutes so that all will have an opportunity to perform. Online voting will premiere this year.

Studio 2 Shows
NEW: Nov. 11-17 Stories of Dance 

This program will feature established seasoned Chicago dance artists who are creating new works or simply have something to share about their work or career.  From showcases to full-length performances, to sit down talks, from cutting edge to traditional expositions in all dance forms. Literally anything goes. 
 

Stories of Dance includes two options:

1. Traditional application process in which your works will be curated and showcased with other companies/acts. 
$25 application fee.
 
2. Open Access Option for companies wishing to produce their own evening. 
Guaranteed spot: $200 Production Fee 
This fee covers a maximum of 1 hour performance time in Studio 2 black box theater at the Athenaeum Theatre (date/time TBD), a 2 hour tech rehearsal, one tech staff member (lights/sound), marketing support and a sprung dance floor – default is marley, with wood option available for percussive dance.  The theater is approx 24’x24′ with a fixed general light plot.  Go to Apply Open Access in the menu.

You can submit application electronically with PayPal or send a printed application, flash drive with works, and your $25 application fee (payable to Emergence Dance Theatre) to:

John Schmitz
Dance Chicago
5851 North Kenmore, 3S
Chicago, IL 60660

Note: Please send all packages by regular United States Postal Service, do not send Express Mail, UPS or Fed Ex.

BEGIN ARTIST APPLICATION BELOW