Local Dance Commissioning Project
In Support of Metro DC Dance Community, Artists Commissioned for World Premieres

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Local Dance Commissioning Project will accept project applications for the 2012 Award between October 1, 2011 and January 6, 2012. Applications are due no later than 5PM on Friday, January 6, 2012. Awards will be selected and announced in March 2012. Winning projects will be presented on the Millennium Stage in September/October 2012.

Project Mission

The Millennium Stage Local Dance Commissioning Project (LDCP) supports the local dance community by nurturing the creation of new dance work and presenting that new work to a wide audience via the Millennium Stage, the Kennedy Center’s free daily performance series.

The Millennium Stage aims to:

• Stimulate and transmit the creativity and joy inherent in the performing arts;
• Seek out and present programming of the highest standards that reflects the diverse cultural life of the United States and from around the world;
• Encourage, nurture, and develop the widest possible audience for the performing arts;
• Welcome, value, support, and respect both artists and patrons;
• Honor the hallmarks of quality and diversity.

Award Details

Kennedy Center LDCP awards are given to local (DC, MD, VA) dance choreographers/companies to create a new work or a combination of works to premiere on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage in September/October 2012.

In its complete stage, the proposed work must be at least 20 minutes in length but no longer than 50 minutes. Independent choreographers may submit a joint application with a dance company that wishes to include his/her work in its repertory. Both choreographer and company MUST be local. Applications for work created specifically for the Millennium Stage will be given preference over works already in progress.

The Commission Award includes:

• $7,500 artist fee;
• Center-hosted private showings for choreographers to share work and input;
• Rehearsal space at the Kennedy Center during Summer 2012;
• Technical support prior to the performance day to develop lighting, sound, and/or set concepts for the new work.

A panel consisting of Kennedy Center Dance Programming and Millennium Stage staff will select recipients. Awards will be announced in March 2012. Award recipients will then have time for creative development through August 2012. Exact performance dates are determined by the Kennedy Center after artist selection.

Deadlines & Timeline

Proposals must be received by 5PM on FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2012.

Hand delivered applications will not be accepted; you may NOT drop off materials in person at the Kennedy Center. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. No exceptions!

Each applicant is responsible for the timely delivery of their materials. We strongly recommend that applications are mailed far enough in advance to ensure on time delivery. Post mark dates will NOT be considered.

Applications may be sent to either of the addresses listed below.

Mailing Address for Postal Service Only:
Kennedy Center, Attn: Dance Programming LDCP, PO Box 101510, Arlington, VA 22210
Delivery to this address typically takes one week.

Mailing Address for UPS, FedEx, and Courier Only:
Kennedy Center, Attn: Dance Programming LDCP, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Packages sent to this address via regular mail will be irradiated and ruined. This address is for UPS, FED EX, and COURIER only!

LDCP Required Application Materials

This application is your opportunity to share your creative vision with us. In order to get the clearest idea of your work, we have broken down the application into a series of criteria. All applications MUST address all criteria (Parts A, B, and C). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please list your name on all application materials and be sure to provide complete contact information within the application.

Part A. Complete Applicant Questionnaire on the following page.

Part B. Provide a written statement addressing the following topics in no more than two typed pages:

1. Begin with a brief artistic statement that describes your creative work and your process.
2. Share an idea for a new work that the Millennium Stage Local Dance Commissioning Project would help fund. In your response, please address the issue of how this new work fits artistically, technically, and spatially in the Millennium Stage venue, and in principle with the Millennium Stage mission (please note: stage dimensions of the Millennium are 24 ft. X 24 ft.). Be specific about your ideas for musical accompaniment.
3. The newly commissioned work or combination of works must be at least 20 minutes but not more than 50 minutes start to finish, no intermissions. Within your written statement indicate the projected length of the new work. Keeping in mind that Millennium Stage performances are 50 minutes in length, indicate how you would round out the rest of the program should the new work be less than 50 minutes. Additional programming can come from your existing repertoire. Q&A is NOT an acceptable way to fill programming for LDCP.

Part C. Provide visual representations of your work via recording.

Items 1 & 2 below required. Both video elements may be included on the same tape.
VHS and/or DVD are accepted. DVD’s must be compatible to DVD players (do not rely on computer viewing).

1. Proposed Work: Recording of movement for the new work that you are interested in developing. Professional-quality video and/or editing is NOT required or expected (i.e., feel free to set up a camera in the corner of a rehearsal studio and press record).
2. Existing Repertoire: Recording of existing work that will give the panel a feel for your current choreographic vision, as well as how you would complete the program if necessary.

Part D. Freestyle Representation

It is important for us to get a clear picture of your ideas for a new work. In addition to the video, exactly how you would like to communicate that to us is entirely up to you. We understand that your artistic vision has its own, unique way in which it must be shared. Suggestions are listed below for your convenience. Note, only one Freestyle Representation is required to fulfill this criteria.

• Costume or scenic design sketches;
• Graphic/artistic representation, photographs, or slides of choreographic sketches;
• Music sample;
• Storyboard of your current plans for the work.
• These are only suggestions! Please be as exploratory as you see fit in sharing your creative vision and process.

Application Checklist

Before you mail your application, double check to make sure it is complete. Also, make sure your contact information is listed clearly on your application including Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number, and Email.

• Part A: Applicant Questionnaire
• Part B: Written Statement (Sections 1, 2, and 3)
• Part C: Visual Representation
  • Section 1: New Work
  • Section 2: Existing Work
• Part D: Freestyle Representation
• Select address for mailing. Be sure to note Kennedy Center, Attn: Dance Programming LDCP on all packages.

All questions regarding LDCP should be directed to Michael Ann Mullikin, Dance Programming, 202-416-8044. For more information regarding the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage visit www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/.