Opportunity

Dance//Novella invites 10 emerging dance artists to participate in a tuition-free, four-week professional development intensive. The program offers a structured training environment combining mentorship, collaborative creation, and professional development.

The program begins with a three-week, site-responsive creation process at The Polygon Gallery, where participants engage in daily training, ensemble work, and guided artistic development. The final week, held at The Dance Centre, features workshops led by established dance and theatre professionals, offering exposure to diverse practices and direct connections to the field.

Participants will also develop professional portfolio materials, including video documentation, a professional photo shoot, and letters of recommendation.

Who is this for

Early-career dance artists navigating the transition into sustained professional practice. Applicants may have post-secondary dance training or equivalent professional experience. There is no age limit. The program is open to artists based in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. We welcome international applicants; participants are responsible for securing appropriate travel documentation and covering any additional costs not supported by the program.

Program Highlights

• Tuition-free participation, removing financial barriers to professional training

• $500 weekly stipend(pending funding confirmation), supporting full-time engagement

• Travel and accommodation support for participants facing financial barriers, expanding access across regions

• Mentorship from established artists, including one-on-one guidance and group feedback

• Professional portfolio development, including a photo shoot and high-quality video documentation

• Workshops and industry engagement, connecting participants to professional networks and opportunities

• Peer network development, fostering lasting relationships within a national and international cohort

• Proven outcomes, with past participants advancing into professional opportunities, collaborations, and continued work in the sector

Eligibility

Participants must be available for the full duration of the program and commit to all scheduled activities.

Dates and Times (subject to change)

Phase One – The Polygon Gallery
January 5 to 26, 2027 (3 weeks)
Wednesday–Sunday | 9:30am – 3:00pm

Technical Rehearsal & Sharing – The Polygon Gallery
January 26 - 28, 2027

Phase Two – The Dance Centre
Final Week (4th week)
Workshops, professional development sessions with Livona Ellis, Josh Martin, Christina Bucci, Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg.

How to Apply

Once applications open, please submit:

• A letter of interest outlining your artistic background and interest in the program

• Resume

• Two contrasting dance video samples from within the past year

• One letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, collaborator, employer, or community leader familiar with your artistic practice

Deadline & Results

Applications open Fall 2026
Results will be announced by November 15, 2026

Equity Statement

Dance//Novella is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from artists who identify as IBPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and those from communities underrepresented in the dance sector.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to support diverse representation. Each year, over 50% of participants identify as IBPOC. Applications are reviewed by a dedicated selection committee representing a range of lived experiences and artistic perspectives.