April 3-6, 2025
December 1, 2024, 11:59p.m. CST
January 4, 2025
April 5, 2025
Austin Ventures Studio Theater, Ballet Austin
Approximately 3 - 15 minutes
Only bare feet or socks are allowed on the dance floor.
We cannot accommodate projection, harnesses, large set pieces, helium balloons, confetti, or glitter. Please note that if you submit work with these features, you should be prepared to adjust the piece accordingly, if selected. We MAY be able to accommodate live music, however, if you submit a piece with live music, you should also be prepared to present the work with an audio recording.
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. Technical rehearsals will occur Friday, April 4th and Saturday, April 5th.
Read the following Application FAQS, then fill out the Google Form (linked at the end of the FAQs) and pay your $40 application fee via PayPal or Venmo to KDH Dance Company. The application fee is non-refundable, and application fee waivers are not currently available.
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.
Yes, you may submit two pieces. Each submission requires a separate application and application fee.
Austin Dance Festival presents modern, post-modern, contemporary, and improvisational dance.
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 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.
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.
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.
Yes, participating companies will receive a stipend. Companies should be prepared to cover costs to attend the festival, including, but not limited to, food, lodging, parking, and transportation.
No problem. Please contact our administrative team at austindancefestival512@gmail.com.
Pay your $40 application fee to KDH Dance Company (the producer of Austin Dance Festival) via PayPal or Venmo. Please include the company or artist name and title of the piece in the payment description.
Venmo @kdhdance