Applications for the Winning Works Choreographic Competition Now Open

July 14, 2015

Dancers in the most recent Winning Works show in March 2015. Photo via Joffrey Academy of Dance.

Starting today, the Joffrey Academy of Dance’s Winning Works Choreography Competition is accepting applications for its annual competition. It’s back for the sixth year in a row, but with a few changes. Here’s what you need to know:

  • There’s more money up for grabs! Despite an arts world full of funding cuts, the stipend of this year’s winning choreographers has doubled. It’s up to $5,000 from last year’s $2,500. The winning works will be presented at the Museum of Contemporary Arts Chicago next March.

  • Last year, the Joffrey Academy gave out the Choreographers of Color Awards to “emerging minority choreographers.” This year, the guidelines specifically state that it’s accepting ALAANA applicants from across the U.S. That means African, Latino(a), Asian, Arab and Native American artists.

  • The winners will set their original piece on dancers of the Joffrey Academy Trainee Program and the Joffrey Studio Company. The prize includes at least 30 hours of studio time, as well as guidance from Joffrey Academy’s artistic directors Anna Reznik and Alexei Kremnev.

  • Last year’s winner’s were Jennifer Archibald, Abdul Latif and Stephanie Martinez whose dance credits include Broadway, modern, urban dance and much more. That means that all applicants needn’t be bunheads.

  • The winning works will be presented at the Museum of Contemporary Arts Chicago next March. Applications are open now until October 1, 2015. Click here for more details and to apply.