Project  }  About

July 28 to August 16 / 2008

The Northwest Professional Dance Project conducts a unique dance Project offering professional and pre-professional dancers ages 16 to 25 the opportunity to study and work with leading dance makers on innovative choreography. The Project's aim is to give rising dancers 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, from July 28 to August 2, 2008, dancers start the day with focused technique classes and then proceed to workshops with directors and/or 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.

From August 4 to August 16, 2008, choreographers work with dancers on original choreography. Dancers start the day with technique class and then proceed to a creative period with their respective choreographer and/or company director.

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 will be available.

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

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

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

2008 Project Fee: $1385.00