Important information & application overview

Direct all questions & inquires to cdf@themovementproject.org


Applicant Guidelines

WHO CAN APPLY: This application is for youth dance ensembles ages 12 -18 years old. All dancers performing must be between 12 - 18 years old, no exceptions.

  • If at time of submission a dancer is a senior in high school and will be a freshman in college at the time of performance, they qualify to perform at CDF in the Youth Showcase

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Cleveland Dance Fest is looking for concert dance pieces in the following styles/forms: modern/contemporary dance, ballet, pointe, cultural & traditional dance forms (African, Indian…).

HOW WE SELECT WORKS: Applications are reviewed by the Cleveland Dance Fest Advisory Board, which includes members of The Movement Project and prominent dance artists in the northeast Ohio dance community. TMP is dedicated to providing an adjudication process that focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. The individuals of our board represent a wide range of communities, demographics and cultures.

WHEN SELECTIONS ARE MADE: Artists will be notified by September 9th on their application status.


IMPORTANT DATES & TIMES

Download PDF Version

  • September 6th, 2024 (due by 11:00 pm)

    • APPLICATION DUE

  • September 22th, 2024 (10:00 am - 11:00 am EST)

    • VIRTUAL CONFERENCE CALL (MANDATORY)

    • one person from your group must attend this meeting, no exceptions.

  • October 1st, 2024

    • CAST LIST DUE

  • October 28th, 2024

    • FINAL FOOTAGE IS DUE

  • November 22nd - 24th, 2024

    • CLEVELAND DANCE FEST 2024

  • November 24th, 2024 (Sunday)

    • YOUTH MASTER CLASSES (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)

      • Lunch Break (12:00 - 12:45 pm)

      • Group Meeting (12:45 - 1:00 pm)

    • YOUTH SHOWCASE MANDATORY TECH REHEARSAL

      • Sunday, November 24th

      • Tech rehearsal (1:00 - 4:00 pm)

        • all students are required to attend the entire tech rehearsal.

        • Students will have the opportunity to watch tech so they can see each other’s pieces!

        • Groups will be assigned a specific tech time during the mandatory virtual conference call.

      • Pre-Show Meeting (4:00 - 4:15 pm)

    • YOUTH SHOWCASE at 5:00 pm

      • Following the concert there will be a reception in the lobby.

*specific times above subject to change. Note: Additional due dates will be indicated in your contracts for program info, marketing materials (short social media video promoting your piece), ticket sales, ect…)


SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Cleveland Dance Fest is looking for concert dance pieces in the following styles/forms: modern/contemporary dance, ballet, pointe, cultural & traditional dance forms (African, Indian…).

  • Small Group Piece: 2-5 dancers

  • Large Group Piece: 6+ dancers

*We are not accepting any solo applications or tap pieces. (If you have a question regarding your piece, please email us at cdf@themovementproject.org)

SUBMISSION CHECKLIST: Submissions for the youth showcase must be made under 1 studio/school name. Each studio/school can submit up to 2 pieces. (If you are a teacher or student looking to submit, please check with your studio to see if they are submitting an application. If so, you will need to submit under their name to ensure that no more than 2 applications are submitted per studio/school)

At time of submission, works do not need to be completed. We will accept any of the following:

  • footage of completed work (must not exceed 10 minutes)

  • partial footage of the proposed work

  • work sample of another work (not the piece you intend to perform, but a work sample for reference)

  • a brief written description of the proposed work (required by all).

    • keep it simple, just give us a general understanding of your proposed piece

  • If selected to perform at CDF, all participating artists will be required to submit footage of their final piece by October 28th, 2024. Final cast names must be submitted by October 1st, 2024

*If you have no footage of your proposed work or work samples, we will accept your application as long as you provide a brief description of the proposed work.

Frequently Asked Questions


PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Youth master classes will be taught by selected CDF professional artists performing in the professional concerts. Classes will take place Sunday, November 24th between 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.

YOUTH MASTER CLASSES

  • Each piece selected to perform must have 100% of their cast attend all 3 master classes in order to perform.

  • Master Class Pricing:

    • $50 (3 Class Pass) - Note: Each piece selected to perform must have 100% of their cast purchase a 3 class pass.

    • If you have any students at your studio/school who is not performing but would like to attend they can purchase a 3-class pass as well.

    • If selected, a full list of cast members names, emails & payment for classes are due by October 1st.

Resources & benefits provided by TMP:

  • professional video footage of your piece (digital copy)

  • marketing & promotional support

  • affordable master classes for youth

  • designated place to display your marketing material in the lobby

  • dressing room & warm-up space

  • marley stage floor, professional lighting wash (set-wash for entire concert) & stage manager

  • free parking

  • the opportunity to share work with an audience


Application Fees

Applications will not be adjudicated until the application fee is paid and all supplemental materials have been submitted. (Application fee is non refundable)

  • All applicant’s may submit up to two applications.

    • Youth Showcase Application Fee

      • A $30 application fee will apply to your first submission and a $15 application fee will apply to your second submission.


Youth showcase Application

COMPLETE APPLICATION BELOW

DUE September 6th, 2024 BY 11:00 PM 


1. Fill out the form below (Application Part 1)

2. Email the following support material to cdf@themovementproject.org (Application Part 2)

a. Please provide 2-3 high quality photographs of the proposed work or artist (300 dpi).


3. Pay application fee. (Application Part 3)

  • Applications will not be adjudicated until the application fee is paid and all supplemental materials have been submitted. (Application fee is non refundable)

    • All applicant’s may submit up to two applications.

      • Youth Showcase Application Fee

        • A $30 application fee will apply to your first submission and a $15 application fee will apply to your second submission.

Artists will be notified by September 9th on their application status.