Cleveland Dance Fest 2026

Professional Concert Series
Shows 1-4

ARTIST PORTAL

  • BEFORE NOVEMBER 11TH

    FESTIVAL WEEKEND (STARTING NOVEMBER 11TH)

    • Text or Call (Assistant Stage Manager) - Coming Soon

    • Please do not email, phone only during festival weekend. Thank you!

  • SEPTEMBER 1ST - Program Info/Production Notes Form

    SEPTEMBER 1ST - Submit Sound File

    • Option 1: Email

      • Send your sound file(s) to cdf@themovementproject.org

      • Subject Line: CDF Sound File - Show # (Example: Show 1)

        • In the email, include:

          • Company/Artist

          • Show performing in

          • Title of work

        • Please label all sound files clearly. If submitting multiple tracks, indicate which is Track 1, Track 2, etc.

      • If you have no sound or have live music, please indicate this on your program & production form.

    • Option 2: WeTransfer

      • If your sound files are too large to email, please upload them using WeTransfer.

        • When completing the transfer:

          • Email to: cdf@themovementproject.org

          • Your email: Your email address

          • Title: Company/Artist

          • Message: Include your show number and the title of your piece

            • Click the button to upload your files to WeTransfer and send your submission.

    OCTOBER 1ST- Participation Waiver (Required by all lead artists & cast members)

    • Please pass the waiver link to all cast members. Completion of this form by each participating artist is required (a waiver must be filled out by each person and submitted).

    • The waiver form includes master class selections (all classes are free!), contact information, and merch orders (optional).

    OCTOBER 19TH - Rehearsal Footage of Full Piece (with full cast)

    • Please submit full rehearsal footage of your final piece, performed by the cast appearing at Cleveland Dance Fest.

      • Option 1: Email (Preferred)

        • Send your footage to cdf@themovementproject.org.

        • We prefer a Vimeo or YouTube link rather than a video file.

          • If your video is password protected, include the password.

          • Please make sure the video is set so anyone with the link can view it, as it will be shared with our lighting and sound designers.

        • Subject Line:
          CDF Footage – Show # (Example: SHOW 1)

          • Email Body:

            • Company/Artist

            • Video link

            • Password (if applicable)

      • Option 2: WeTransfer

        • If you are unable to provide a Vimeo or YouTube link, you may send the video file using WeTransfer.

  • AUGUST 1ST- Book Rehearsal Hours

    • See instructions below under “Commissioned Artist”

    OCTOBER 1ST - Program Info/Production Notes Form Due

    OCTOBER 1ST- Participation Waiver (Required by all lead artists & cast members)

    • Please pass the waiver link to all cast members. Completion of this form by each participating artist is required (a waiver must be filled out by each person and submitted).

    • The waiver form includes master class selections (all classes are free!), contact information, and merch orders (optional).

    OCTOBER 1ST- Submit Sound File

    • Option 1: Email

      • Send your sound file(s) to cdf@themovementproject.org

        • Subject Line: CDF Sound File - Show # (Example: Show 1)

          • In the email, include:

            • Company/Artist

            • Show performing in

            • Title of work

          • Please label all sound files clearly. If submitting multiple tracks, indicate which is Track 1, Track 2, etc.

        • If you have no sound or have live music, please indicate this on your program & production form.

    • Option 2: WeTransfer

      • If your sound files are too large to email, please upload them using WeTransfer.

        • When completing the transfer:

          • Email to: cdf@themovementproject.org

          • Your email: Your email address

          • Title: Company/Artist

          • Message: Include your show number and the title of your piece

            • Click the button to upload your files to WeTransfer and send your submission.

    NOVEMBER 2ND- Rehearsal Footage of Full Piece (with full cast) Due

    • Please submit full rehearsal footage of your final piece, performed by the cast appearing at Cleveland Dance Fest.

      • Option 1: Email (Preferred)

        • Send your footage to cdf@themovementproject.org.

        • We prefer a Vimeo or YouTube link rather than a video file.

          • If your video is password protected, include the password.

          • Please make sure the video is set so anyone with the link can view it, as it will be shared with our lighting and sound designers.

        • Subject Line:
          CDF Footage – Show # (Example: SHOW 1)

          • Email Body:

            • Company/Artist

            • Video link

            • Password (if applicable)

      • Option 2: WeTransfer

        • If you are unable to provide a Vimeo or YouTube link, you may send the video file using WeTransfer.

  • LOCATION

    Main Entrance for Guests & Artists: Playhouse Square, 1375 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44115

    • How to Enter (Main Entrance): Idea Center at Playhouse Square (Front entrance off of Euclid Ave., under the chandelier)

    Additional Entrance for TMP Staff & CDF Artists ONLY: 1410 Dodge Ct, Cleveland, Ohio 44114

    • How to Enter (Additional Entrance): Back entrance to the Idea Center (closer option for those parking in the back of the building (artists only)

    PERFORMANCES

    • Idea Center in the Westfield Studio Theatre

    MASTER CLASSES

    • Idea Center in the Gund Dance Studio

    PARKING

    • Lot & Garage Parking (As we get closer to CDF, TMP will provide detailed information on public parking options.)

  • TMP has put together a list of local airbnb’s, hotels, food, coffee shops for artists. Please let us know if you have any questions.

    Are you a visiting artist who is looking for a place to stay with a fellow CDF artist? Or are you a Cleveland artist who is able to offer a place for a fellow CDF artist to stay?

    • Submit this FORM by August 1st so we can help connect artists with each other.

  • Click links below:

  • CHECK-IN

    • Once you enter the Idea Center at Playhouse Square (1375 Euclid Ave, Cleveland Ohio 44115) make your way to the Gund Dance Studio.

      • Main Entrance (Guests & Artists): If entering from here, the studio can be seen from the street (right under the chandelier). 1375 Euclid Ave, Cleveland Ohio 44115

      • CDF Artists & Staff Entrance: If entering from the back of the building, you will enter through the door next to a security booth. Let them know you are an artists with Cleveland Dance Fest. They will buzz you in. Walk down the entire hall (alongside NPR/PBS studios). When you get to the end take a right and go up 1 floor either using elevator or stairs.

    • TMP will have a table located right outside the studio for check-in.

    MASTER CLASS LOCATION

    • Gund Dance Studio - located on the 1st floor of the Idea Center at Playhouse Square

    SOUND

    • Bluetooth & aux hookup (adapter will be provided for iphone hook up)

    • You must provide your own device for playing sound for your class (we recommend bringing needed adaptors just in case)

    CLASS SIZE & SPACE

    • Large Studio with plenty of space. (mirrors, windows, ballet barres)

    • Pro: Can expect 20 - 40 dancers.

    • Youth: Can expect around 65 dancers each class (Please be sure to accommodate the large number of students. Multiple groups, spacing…)

    DANCERS EXITING & ENTERING

    • Please note that tech rehearsals will be taking place during master classes. We have let artists know that once they have completed their tech time on stage, they may head over to take master classes. Teaching artists, be mindful that CDF artists may be entering classes late. Please welcome dancers in when they arrive. Thank you!

    MASTER CLASS SCHEDULES

    FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13TH

    • PROFESSIONAL MASTER CLASSES

      • Finding your center (of mass)

        • 11:30 am - 12:45 pm

        • Teaching Artist: Elliot Reza Emadian

      • Rock Solid - Weight Sharing and Balance

        • 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm

        • Teaching Artist: Joel K. Linebach & Bird Thurman

      • Chinese-Contemporary Moves

        • 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

        • Teaching Artist: Zihao Yuan

    SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8TH

    • PROFESSIONAL MASTER CLASSES

      • Contemporary Improvisation

        • 9:00 am - 10:15 am

        • Teaching Artist: Miranda Nichols Braseth

      • Modern & Contemporary Dance Forms

        • 10:30 am - 11:45 am

        • Teaching Artist: Lucy Vurusic Riner with RE|dance group

    SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH

    • YOUTH MASTER CLASSES (1:00 - 3:00 pm & 3:00 - 5:00 pm)

      • Group A

        • House

        • 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

        • Teaching Artist: Madison Burris

      • Group A

        • Contemporary

        • 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

        • Teaching Artist: Melissa Ajayi

      • Group B

        • Contemporary

        • 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

        • Teaching Artist: Melissa Ajayi

      • Group B

        • House

        • 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

        • Teaching Artist: Madison Burris

  • FREE REHEARSAL HOURS & TMP CHOREOGRAPHIC MENTORSHIP

    • 20 FREE rehearsal hours at TMP Studio

      • Commissioned artists are required to schedule their 20 free rehearsal hours with their cast by the August 1st, 2026.

        • Hours may be booked from August 1st - November 8th, 2026

    • TMP Choreographic Mentorship

      • A TMP choreographic mentor will be assigned to each commissioned artist/group.

      • The TMP mentor will connect with each commissioned artist to select rehearsals to attend throughout your process.

      • Commissioned artists can expect a TMP mentor to attend 3-6 rehearsals and more if needed to help support commissioned artists throughout their residency.

    SELECT DATES & TIMES ON OUR BOOKING SITE

    1. Visit our booking site HERE and select the “Staff Bookings” tab at the top.

    2. Request your dates. You have up to 20 hours to use between now and November 8. You’re welcome to book everything at once or schedule as you go.

    3. Once your dates are confirmed, TMP will reach out with the dates that your choreographic mentor will be attending your rehearsals to help provide any needed support or feedback. Your mentor is here as a sounding board to help throughout your creative process. Please feel free to ask any questions, feedback, or direction you feel you need. We are here to support you and your work in any way we can!

    4. TMP will send artists a text with door code and logistical information for accessing and using the space.

    • All artist compensation will be mailed via check & postmarked to CDF artists no later than Monday November 16th.

    • Please note that TMP will reach out on November 2nd to confirm mailing address and payment information for each artist.

    • Ticket sales go live at the top of September (Specific date & details coming soon.)

    • Cleveland Dance Fest website page & CDF Artist Line-up will be announced September 4th.

    COMMUNITY INVESTMENT GOAL

    • As an artist-led and community-centered festival, we believe in the power of collective support. This year, we’re inviting each artist/group to help us build the audience and energy behind the work we present.

    • This isn’t a hard requirement, but a shared goal to help us foster deeper community engagement. Every ticket sold brings someone into the space to connect with your work and celebrate local artistry.

    • Your community investment goal is listed on your offer email and contract.

    • Artist perks:

      • Tickets sold for any performance on Friday & Saturday will count toward your goal.

      • All CDF lead artists and cast members may attend other shows using their discounted rate of $10/ticket (these also count toward your goal).

      • Choreographers not performing in their work will receive 1 complimentary ticket to view their piece.

  • Connect to our social media pages

    • FACEBOOK

    • INSTAGRAM

    Share posts, tag each other, invite people to the CDF event pages.

    Use CDF hastage #cdf26 #ClevelandDanceFest

    Share all CDF posts to your pages. Help promote each other’s artist highlights.

    Print materials can be requested (email Madison or Kailey at cdf@themovementproject.org)

    MARKETING & MEDIA KIT - COMING SOON

  • FREE TICKET FOR CHOREOGRAPHERS

    • Choreographers not performing in their work will receive a free ticket for your concert (complete via program & production form above in due dates)

    FREE MASTER CLASSES

    • We’re excited to offer 5 free master classes to both CDF artists and the public! Classes will be taught by CDF artists and held in the beautiful Gund Dance Studio at Playhouse Square (Friday–Saturday). We encourage your cast to attend at least one!

    • Master Class Sign-up’s for cast members can be completed via the WAIVER FORM. (see form above in due dates)

    DISCOUNTED ARTIST TICKETS

    • All CDF lead artists and their performing casts can purchase tickets at $10/ticket to attend Shows 1-4.

      • 1 ticket for each show you are not performing in.

    • Instructions for reserving discounted tickets will be communicated toward the end of August.

    ARTIST PANEL

    • Saturday, November 14th (1:00 - 2:00 pm) in the Gund Dance Studio.

    • Join Cleveland Dance Fest artists for a free public panel discussion exploring timely topics, current issues, and ideas shaping today's dance field. Designed to foster conversation, connection, and professional exchange, this session offers audiences and artists the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of festival artists and hear perspectives from across the dance community.

      The panel is free and open to the public. Topic and participating panelists will be announced by the end of August.

    GUND DANCE STUDIO SCHEDULE

    • Below you will find the schedule for the Gund Dance Studio, including open studio times where artists can access the studio for warming-up prior to shows and rehearsing.

    • Schedule will be posted on the studio door.

    • Note for Open Studio Time: This is a shared space. Please be mindful of fellow artists.

      • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH

        • 9:00 - 11:00 am

        • 2:45 - 3:45 pm

        • 5:30 - 9:30 pm

      • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH

        • 2:00 - 9:30 pm

    PROFESSIONAL FOOTAGE

    • Digital footage & photos of your piece will be emailed to you by mid-January 2027. PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST TO RECEIVE FOOTAGE BEFORE THAT TIME. There are a large number of works at CDF and it takes our videographer a few months to edit all the footage, put in credit info, and finalize each video.

    DISPLAY MARKETING MATERIALS AT CDF

    • A table in the lobby will be designated for CDF artists who would like to display marketing materials.

    NEED REHEARSAL SPACE LEADING UP TO CDF?

    • If you need rehearsal space leading up to CDF, TMP offers affordable space bookings for artists.

    • Visit our website HERE to book our space.

    • Note: TMP’s studio is not available for booking during the week/weekend of CDF.

    PRE-ORDER YOUR CDF MERCH!

    • Don't miss your chance to secure your Cleveland Dance Fest merchandise before the festival! Pre-ordering is the best way to guarantee availability and take advantage of exclusive CDF Artist pre-order pricing. This year's collection includes our official CDF tank, CDF tote bag, and a limited quantity of 10th Anniversary CDF pins while supplies last. We'll also be offering exclusive merch bundles for even greater savings. Order ahead, save, and show your CDF pride all festival weekend!

    • $20 - CDF Tank (Regularly $25)

    • $10 - CDF Canvas Tote Bag (Regularly $12)

    • $5 - Limited Edition 10th Anniversary CDF Pin (While supplies last!)

    • $30 - CDF Merch Bundle(Tank + Tote + Pin --- Save $12!)

    Reserve your CDF merch today!

    Visit our online store HERE to pre-order. Artist pre-orders will be ready for pickup at tech rehearsal check-in.

Photo Credit:
Master Class Images - Elliot Reza Emadian | Rezalution Photography
Performance Images - Evan Prunty | Black Valve Media