Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) is pleased to open its application portal for the 15th annual Making Moves Dance Festival (MMDF). To create more performance opportunities, we have expanded to a three-day event at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC).   

Submit Here

MMDF2024 will present commissions by, and performances from, up to nine choreographers on Fri., Sept 20, 2024, Sat., Sept 21, 2024. Sun., Sept 22, 2024. All choreographers, dance artists, and companies working in any genre—including, but not limited to, modern, contemporary, African, ballet, ballroom, folk, hip hop, jazz, and social-dance influence (e.g., vogue, house, waacking)—are encouraged to apply; bold ideas are especially welcome. Early submission is encouraged; the submission deadline is 6 pm Friday, May 24, 2024.

MMDF2024 offers opportunities for choreographers and dance companies. 

 ● Major Commission: Two professional choreographers will each receive a $3000 commission to create a new, 30-minute work and present it at JPAC. Artists will be selected through an in-person audition/interview after a video submission. Commissioned choreographers will receive up to 80 hours of free rehearsal space at JCAL (space permitting). Commissioned choreographers will provide dancers, costumes, props, etc., out of commissioned funds (no solos or duets).

 ● Emerging Artists: As many as three professional choreographers and/or groups that are emerging and/or identify as underrepresented will receive a $1250 stipend to present a 15-minute piece at JPAC. Applicants must provide a record of accomplishment of public performances, commit time to the choreographic process, and highlight their creative concepts in their submissions.  

 ● Early-Career Artists: As many as four professional choreographers and/or groups will receive a $750 stipend to present a 10-minute piece at JPAC; pre-existing work is preferred. Applicants must provide a record of accomplishment of public performances, commit time to the choreographic process, and highlight their creative concepts in their submissions.

 MMDF2024 applicants will be selected by a jury of cultural leaders representing the diversity of NYC’s dance community; the jury will be chaired by JCAL Artistic Director Courtney Ffrench.

Applicants will be selected based on the strength of submitted work samples; clarity of choreographic vision; ability to communicate their commitment to purpose, aesthetic, and technique; an artist statement; evidence of training pertinent to the work; and a documented track record of artistic activity in NYC. Calls of inquiry regarding the status of an application will not be returned.=

MMDF2024 applicants may be considered for multiple opportunities but can only be awarded in one category. Selected artists may request up to six hours of rehearsal space at JCAL/JPAC the week before MMDF2024, plus one dress and one tech rehearsal directly on the JPAC stage.

MMDF2024 applicants must be at least 18 years old, residents of NYC as of the application deadline, and have previously presented work in a public setting. Queens residents receive preference for all opportunities.

Scoring will be based on technique, intent, storytelling, and presentation. 

A minimum of 3 minutes of straight video footage per work sample is required. Work samples should be no more than 3 years old. No reels or trailers, no edits, or cuts

If sending a long work sample, please timestamp length for viewing, 3 minutes max (your best 3 minutes) 

Maximum 3 work samples. 

Submit work samples as online links (YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive) in a PDF. *If samples are password protected and a password is not given, the application will be disqualified. 

Cover letter, Resume, Contact info, and Work proposal required. 

Application Deadline: Friday, May 24, 2024. No exceptions, no extensions.

Selected artists announced to artists: June 10, 2024  

Selected artists announced to the public: Monday, June 24, 2024

For questions about the application please contact: 

David Smith, Program Associate- Dsmith@jcal.org 

MMDF 2023 is supported by the Mellon Foundation, Mertz Gilmore Foundation, and Harkness Foundation for Dance, with additional support from New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and general operating support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.