Important information & application overview
Direct all questions & inquires to cdf@themovementproject.org
Applicant Guidelines
WHO CAN APPLY: This application is for youth dance ensembles ages 12 -18 years old. All dancers performing must be between 12 - 18 years old, no exceptions.
If at time of submission a dancer is a senior in high school and will be a freshman in college at the time of performance, they qualify to perform at CDF in the Youth Showcase
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Cleveland Dance Fest is looking for concert dance pieces in the following styles/forms: modern/contemporary dance, ballet, pointe, Indian dance, African dance, or other cultural dance forms.
HOW WE SELECT WORKS: Applications are reviewed by the Cleveland Dance Fest Advisory Board, which includes members of The Movement Project and prominent dance artists in the NE Ohio dance community. TMP is dedicated to providing an adjudication process that focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. The individuals of our board represent a wide range of communities, demographics and cultures.
WHEN SELECTIONS ARE MADE: Artists will be notified by September 15th on their application status.
IMPORTANT DATES & TIMES
September 12th, 2025 (due by 11:00 pm)
APPLICATION DUE
September 15th, 2025
Notification of Application Status
September 28th, 2025 (10:00 am - 11:00 am EST)
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE CALL (MANDATORY)
one person from your group must attend this meeting, no exceptions.
October 1st, 2025
CAST LIST DUE
October 26th, 2025
FINAL FOOTAGE IS DUE
November 7th, 8th, 9th, 2025
CLEVELAND DANCE FEST 2025
November 9th, 2025 (Sunday)
YOUTH MASTER CLASSES (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Lunch Break (12:00 - 12:45 pm)
YOUTH SHOWCASE MANDATORY TECH REHEARSAL
Sunday, November 9th
Tech rehearsal (1:00 - 4:00 pm)
all students are required to attend the entire tech rehearsal.
Students will have the opportunity to watch tech so they can see each other’s pieces!
Groups will be assigned a specific tech time during the mandatory virtual conference call.
YOUTH SHOWCASE at 5:30 pm
*specific times above subject to change. Note: Additional due dates will be indicated in your contracts for program info, marketing materials (short social media video promoting your piece), ticket sales, ect…)
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Cleveland Dance Fest is looking for concert dance pieces in the following styles/forms: modern/contemporary dance, ballet, pointe, Indian dance, African dance, or other cultural dance forms.
Small Group Piece: 2-5 dancers
Large Group Piece: 6+ dancers
*We are not accepting any solo applications or tap pieces. (If you have a question regarding your piece, please email us at cdf@themovementproject.org)
SUBMISSION CHECKLIST: Submissions for the youth showcase must be made under 1 studio/school name. Each studio/school can submit up to 2 pieces. (If you are a teacher or student looking to submit, please check with your studio to see if they are submitting an application. If so, you will need to submit under their name to ensure that no more than 2 applications are submitted per studio/school)
At time of submission, works do not need to be completed.
We will accept 1 of the following Options:
Footage of completed work(s) you would like to perform at CDF. (must not exceed 10 minutes)
Work sample of another work (not the piece you intend to perform, but a work sample of a completed work for our reference.)
If selected to perform at CDF, all participating artists will be required to submit footage of their final piece by October 26th, 2025. Final cast names must be submitted by October 1st, 2025
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
Each cast member must pay a CDF Participation Fee to perform.
$60/dancer
If selected, a full list of cast members names, emails & payment for classes are due by October 1st, 2025.
Each piece selected to perform must have 100% of their cast attend all 3 master classes.
Youth master classes will be taught by selected CDF professional artists performing in the professional concerts. Classes will take place Sunday, November 9th between 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.
If you have any students at your studio/school who are not performing, but would like to attend master classes, they can sign up on our website. (Classes are free & open to the public).
Resources & benefits provided by TMP:
professional video footage of your piece (digital copy)
marketing & promotional support
Free master classes!
designated place to display your marketing material in the lobby
dressing room (large open space with tables and chairs & warm-up space (large dance studio)
marley stage floor, professional lighting wash (set-wash for entire concert) & stage manager
the opportunity to share work with an audience
Application Fees
Applications will not be adjudicated until the application fee is paid and all supplemental materials have been submitted. (Application fee is non refundable)
All applicant’s may submit up to two works (only 1 application is needed to submit 2 works, see application).
Youth Showcase Application Fee
A $35 application fee
Youth showcase Application
COMPLETE APPLICATION BELOW
DUE September 12th, 2025 BY 11:00 PM
1. Fill out the form below (Application Part 1)
2. Email the following support material to cdf@themovementproject.org (Application Part 2)
a. Please provide 2-3 high quality photographs of the proposed work or artist (300 dpi).
Note: Check that all permissions give access to cdf@themovementproject.org.
3. Pay application fee. (Application Part 3)
Application will not be adjudicated until the application fee is paid and all supplemental materials have been submitted. (Application fee is non refundable)
All applicant’s may submit up to two works (only 1 application is needed to submit 2 works, see application).
Youth Showcase Application Fee
A $35 application fee
Artists will be notified by September 15th on their application status.
