Professional Artist

Guidelines, FAQs, and Application

Festival Dates:

March 22-24, 2024

Submission Deadline:

December 1, 2023

Notification:

January 1, 2024

Professional Showcases:

March 23, 2024, 5pm and 8pm.

Location:

Rollins Studio Theater at The Long Center

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BEFORE APPLYING

Length of dances:

Approximately 4-12 minutes. 18 min max.

Footwear:

Only bare feet or socks are allowed on the dance floor.

Other:

No helium balloons, confetti, glitter.

Techs:

Prior to arriving at the festival, all companies will complete an online questionnaire about lighting and music cues. Dances that rely heavily on specific and/or extensive lighting and sound cues will need to be simplified. Please note that we cannot project video as part of your dance performance. We cannot accommodate large or numerous set pieces that require a lengthy set up or breakdown. Techs for local artists will occur Wednesday and Thursday evenings, March 20-21.

Apply:

Read the APPLICATION FAQS below. Prepare a vimeo or YouTube link to a video of the work you want to perform at the festival as well as a 50 word or less description of you, your work in general, and/or the specific piece you are submitting. Now you are ready to complete the Google Form application. The link is in the FAQs. To complete the submission process, pay your $40 application fee via PayPal or Venmo to Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company, the festival’s producing organization.

APPLICATION FAQS

How do you select the works?

A diverse group of choreographers, educators, and dance writers from across the country will review artist submissions and make recommendations based upon factors such as creativity and innovation, development of ideas, choreographic structure, execution, diversity, and historical, social, and cultural perspectives. The Executive Director will use the recommendations to curate showcases that highlight superior work in the broad field of modern dance, that demonstrate equitable representation, and that showcase a variety of local, regional, and national work. We also consider time/space parameters, number of dancers, and tone when making final programming decisions. Our goal is to curate a festival of dance that is diverse, compelling, entertaining, and of the highest possible artistic quality. Even so, we will end up having to eliminate many wonderful dances. If you are not selected, please consider applying again.

Can I submit more than one piece?

Yes, you may submit two pieces, but because your applications will go to different panelists, you must repeat the entire application process for the additional dance. Two dances? Two applications and two payments.

What type of work are you looking for?

Austin Dance Festival presents modern, post-modern, contemporary, and improvisational dance.

Can I specifically request to perform at a particular show?

No. We do not accommodate special requests for rehearsal or performance times. By applying to the festival, you agree to perform in either show and to attend a spacing rehearsal and a production meeting prior to your performance. Please read the information under TECHS above.

Can my video submission be a rehearsal video? Does it have to be of the dance I will be performing?

Please submit a performance or rehearsal video of the dance you want to perform at the festival. See the PRO TIPS near the bottom of the FAQs for more information on your video submission.

How will I know if I’ve been selected?

All applicants will receive an email notification about the status of your submission(s). Please check your spam folders! If you are selected, you will be asked to promptly accept our invitation and send a professional photo for ADF marketing materials. If you do not meet our acceptance deadline, we will give your spot to another artist. Artists who are not selected this year are strongly encouraged to apply again next year.

Why wasn’t I selected?

Not being selected is not a commentary on the value of your work. It is unfortunate that space and time prevent us from accepting every submission. When making programming decisions, we consider a variety of factors including the tone of the dance, the length of the dance, the number of dancers, and even where the company is based. We also work within a very precise and limited amount of time and space, so it’s like working a puzzle as we try to “fit” dances together for a concert. We do not provide feedback to applicants who are not selected. If you are not selected this year, please consider applying again and give us another opportunity to show your work.

Do participants receive a stipend?

Local dance companies receive a $150 stipend. Texas-based companies traveling more than 60 miles receive a $200 stipend. Companies from out-of-state receive a $300 stipend. Companies should be prepared to cover costs to attend the festival, including, but not limited to, food, parking, lodging, and transportation.

I’ve read through the guidelines and still have a question!

No problem. Contact Natasha at adfnatasha@gmail.com

Where is the application?

PRO APPLICATIONS FOR 2024 ARE CLOSED

In addition to submitting your application

Pay your $40 application fee to Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company (the producer of Austin Dance Festival) via PayPal or Venmo.

Paypal

Venmo @kdhdance

PRO TIPS:

• Your video submission should be a complete video, from beginning to end, of the work as you plan to perform it. Video samples of previous work will not be considered. Unfinished works will not be considered.
• Send a clear, unobstructed, unedited video (or the best you can!).
• Make sure your video is public and that we have permission to view it. If it is password protected, include the password in your application.
• Send your video link to two people and make sure they can open and view it before you include it in your application.
• Remember to pay your application fee through PayPal and to include the title of your dance on the payment form.

Checklist:

• Fill out the submission form.
• Pay your $40 application fee.

Merde!