CALL FOR ENSEMBLE DANCERS

NCDP CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE DANCERS

Francisco Gella, founding artistic director of the New Century Dance Project (NCDP), invites advanced preprofessional dancers ages 16 - 22 who are pursuing careers in dance to audition for thirty-six positions as part of the 2025 Festival Concerts being held between the dates of July 25 - August 3, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

DEADLINE

Submission deadline is March 1, 2025

ELIGIBILITY

Advanced dancers ages 16-22. At least five years of classical ballet training, modern, and contemporary, with cross-training in other styles preferred. Previous experience in performing contemporary concert dance work is strongly preferred. A strong interest in pursuing a professional performance career is required. Curiosity and interest in applying and integrating diverse styles of dance and other art forms desired. Desire to make an impact through the arts on communities and the world at large. College students are strongly encouraged to apply.

GUIDELINES

• Dancers must commit to arriving in Santa Fe on Friday, July 25, and depart on or after Sunday, August 3, 2025.
• Each dancer will be cast in an original work with 10-12 dancers choreographed by one of three guest NCDP choreographic fellows.
• Up to thirty hours of studio space will be provided for afternoon/evening rehearsals at the New Mexico School of the Arts between Saturday, July 26, and Thursday, July 31.
• A tech/dress rehearsal will be run on Thursday or Friday of NCDP Festival Week with the performance on Friday or Saturday (final schedule TBD).
• The original work each dancer will perform will be in the contemporary genre and be 8 to 12 minutes in length.
• Dancers will be lodged together at the Marriott Residence Inn in Santa Fe. A full-time resident director staff member will be living onsite with the participants. Transportation will be provided to shuttle dancers back and forth between the hotel and the studios.
• Dancers chosen as members of the Ensemble will also be enrolled in the NCDP Choreography and Performance Intensive taking morning company classes and choreography workshops each day.

DANCER BENEFITS

Dancers invited to be in the NCDP Contemporary Ensemble can expect a transformative growth experience and a cornerstone to their career preparation.

• Professional performance experience guided by highly talented contemporary concert choreographers.
• Building a new network of mentors and peers - many of whom you will work with again throughout your career.
• Taking company classes and workshops with Zeitgeist Dance Theatre Trainees daily. Zeitgeist Dance Theatre will also be in Santa Fe during the same time for their three-week residency and festival-ending performance.
• The opportunity to be recruited by Artistic Directors Francisco Gella and Yusha-Marie Sorzano for the Zeitgeist Dance Theatre Trainee Company in Summer 2026.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE NINE-DAY EXPERIENCE?

• A daily schedule that will include company classes every morning.
• Learning new choreographic rep in the afternoon/evenings.
• Discussions on career and professional dance topics.
• Mentor relationships with the artistic, educational, and residential directors.
• Experiencing taking a concert dance work from the studio to the stage with the full guidance of the choreographer.
• Performing world-premiere works at the New Century Dance Project (NCDP) Festival which is presented by Zeitgeist Dance Theatre.
• Classes and workshops with choreographers and teaching artists through full participation in the NCDP Choreography and Performance Intensive.
• Acquisition of important technical, artistic, and interpersonal skills.
• An intensive 24/7 living/learning environment requiring a commitment to getting along with people who are different than yourself.
• Making lasting new friendships and renewing old ones.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• A video that includes no more than 90 seconds of a solo and no more than 90 seconds of improv. The videos should be edited into one singular work that includes an introduction of yourself (no more than 30 seconds).
• A letter of recommendation from a choreographer, teacher, or director.
• A one-page dance resume that includes your education, training, and performance background.
• A high-resolution headshot.
• A $25 non-refundable application processing fee.

SUBMISSION TIMELINE

• The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2025.
• All applicants will receive an email regarding decisions no later than April 1.
• Signed commitment agreements and a deposit will be due by April 15.

TUITION & LODGING

• Tuition for 9 days (includes New Century Dance Project Festival fees): $1,395
• Room & Board: TBD

EQUITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

A limited amount of full and partial scholarship assistance will be offered to trainees with the highest amount of demonstrated financial need. Optional application is included in your audition submission. You’ll need a detailed letter outlining your current financial situation with an explanation of why you can’t attend without support. Awards will be made at the same time decision letters are sent.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

Dancers must be initially available and willing to commit to rehearsals and performances in-person from July 25 - August 3. Dancers will be expected to arrive in New Mexico on Friday, July 25, and leave after 1 pm on Sunday, August 3.

SUBMISSION FORM

Please complete the submission form below. Please have all your materials ready before beginning the submission because you CANNOT save* your application in-process and come back to complete and submit.

Please contact us if you have any questions about your submission.