Project  }  About

July 28 to August 16 / 2008

The Northwest Professional Dance Project conducts a unique dance Project offering top dancers 16 to 25 years old the opportunity to study and work with leading dance makers on innovative choreography. The Project's aim is to further each dancer's real-world experiences by providing opportunities to study closely with world-class directors, choreographers, mentors and dance coaches.

Today's foremost choreographers and companies seek dancers with the versatility to perform a wide range of work. The Project is a unique way for dancers to see and be seen while increasing their ability to perform dynamic works of contrasting styles.

Participation in the Project is selective and limited in order to provide each dancer the opportunity to work directly and intimately with the Project's guest artists.

During the first week of the Project, dancers start the day with focused technique classes and then proceed to workshops with artistic directors and choreographers. The workshops allow all participants to experience specific dance techniques and contrasting styles of movement and to explore the established repertoire of various companies.

During the second and third week of the Project, our guest choreographers work with selected dancers on original choreography. Dancers start the day with technique class and then proceed to a creative period with their respective choreographer.

The culmination of the Project includes public performances of the works created during the Project in a theatre setting. An informal discussion with artists and audience follows each performance. DVD copies of the performance are available for our dancers to order.

We are pleased to announce that over 30 dance company contracts have been offered to NWPDP dancers as a direct result of their participation in the Project.

All Project participants must demonstrate advanced ballet technique, be versatile and movement oriented, open to artistic direction and suggestion, and be explorative and highly professional. Acceptance is limited to 30 dancers in order to emphasize individualized instruction, personal mentoring and close collaboration. The Project requires that our dancers have the stamina and commitment to dance intensively up to ten hours per day.

All interested dancers must apply and audition in-person for the Project. Please see the AUDITIONS page for full details and to download the 2008 Project application.

2008 Project Fee: $1385.00