Attention all ‘up and coming’ dance choreographers ages 18 – 25 wanting a chance to showcase their work while learning from New York’s dance elite: The “Young Choreographer’s Festival" has just announced an extension of their applicant deadline to February 15th, giving hopefuls additional time to apply for a spot in the June 15th show at the Peter Norton Symphony Space in New York.
YCF’s mission is to educate, foster, and support the cultivation of young artists through the presentation of works by the most promising young choreographers of all dance genres. Based in New York City, YCF began 5 years ago by then 19 year old Emily Bufferd herself a young choreographer and teacher who wanted to provide a professional venue for new choreographers to showcase their talents. Now in its 4th year, Buffered as Festival Producer, has amassed an impressionable advisory board (including Artistic Director of Synthesis Dance Project, Tracie Stanfield pictured above) comprised of those in the dance community willing to provide resources and support to make the festival a unique event instrumental in progressing young careers.
According to Bufferd: “10 choreographers are selected from a large pool of candidates submitting from all over the world. Contemporary Jazz and Modern are definitely the most popular styles with tap, hip hop and street jazz represented as well. It would be wonderful to have more ballet, theater, ballroom, and Latin styles such as Flamenco, Salsa, etc.”
Applicants submit work samples via private YouTube link in any dance style, 3-5 minutes in length. Submissions may be of rehearsal or performance footage, since choreographers will only be judged on the quality of their work not on video quality.
Chosen participants receive exposure, along with professional photos and video of their work leaving them better equipped to pursue further opportunities. Past YCF choreographers have had their work commissioned through such companies as the The Joffrey Ballet and The Ailey School, and some have even secured agent representation as a result YCF participation. Many have gone on to teach at prestigious studios such as: Broadway Dance Center, Peridance Capezio Center, Steps on Broadway, and The Joffrey School, as well as featured in Dance Spirit Magazine, Dance Magazine, Dance Studio Life, and Dance Informa
Other benefits to selected choreographers include: private workshops in the week prior to the show, talk back panel discussions wherein participants receive real world advice from a variety of dance professionals. Last year’s panel included: a dance producer, dance agent, a Joyce Theater Program Associate, and artists Camille A. Brown and Sidra Bell.
Added for the first time this year, each participant will receive a mentor through YCF that will work with them from the selection in March through the festival in June.
The June 15th festival at the Symphony Space will include works from the selected choreographers as well as an impressionable list of guest artists and companies. Past guests have included Dana Foglia who has toured and performed with top artists including Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Rihanna; noted choreographer/performer for tv, film, stage, commercials, music videos Derek Mitchell; world renowned Peridance Contemporary Dance Company to just name a few.
Application details on-line at: Young Choreographer’s Festival Application Information: Contact Emily Bufferd, Festival Producer: Email /Phone: 917-675-7311
Young Choreographer’s Festival, June 15th, 2013 8pm, Peter Norton Symphony Space. New York, New York. To attend the show click: Tickets
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