Applicants for the MMDF2021 open call are determined through a formal juried selection process led by JCAL Interim Artistic Director Courtney Ffrench. The jury will also be comprised of cultural leaders who represent the full diversity of New York City’s dance and performing arts communities. The MMDF2021 jury will base its choices on the clarity of choreographic vision presented in each submission, and each artist’s ability to demonstrate their commitment to purpose, aesthetic and technique.
 
All choreographers, dance artists and companies—including, but not limited to, such genres and styles as modern/contemporary, African, ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, folk, ballroom and social dance influence (e.g. , vogue, house, waacking)—are invited to apply.
 
To further celebrate all that is dance, MMDF2021 will feature dance-inspired digital and, if possible, in-person conversations, workshops and community engagement programs throughout September 2021.

MMDF2021 offers three opportunities for choreographers and dance companies at JPAC:  

Major Commission: Two choreographers will be commissioned to create a 30- to 45-minute work to be presented on the outdoor stage at JPAC on Sept. 17 and 18, 2021. Commissioned choreographers will receive a $2,500 stipend to create the work, including compensation for dancers and the providing of costumes, lighting and props, and up to 80 hours of free rehearsal space. 

Emerging Artists: Up to three emerging and/or underrepresented professional choreographers and groups will receive a $1,000 stipend to present a 15- to 25-minute work on the outdoor stage at JPAC on Sept. 17 and/or Sept. 18. Choreographers and/or groups must demonstrate a track record of public performances, commit time to the choreographic process, and highlight their creative concepts. 

Early-Career Artists: Up to four early-career professional choreographers and/or groups will receive a $500 stipend to present a 15- to 25-minute work on the outdoor stage at JPAC on Sept. 17 or 18 (presentation of existing work is encouraged). Choreographers and/or groups must demonstrate sufficient record of performances, commit time to the choreographic process, and highlight their creative concepts.  

Each applicant may request consideration in more than one category; selected artists will only be awarded a slot in one of them. COVID-permitting, all selected artists and groups will be provided with up to six hours of rehearsal space during the week prior to MMDF2021, and will have access to the outdoor stage at JPAC for one dress and one tech rehearsal prior to the day of the event.
 
Program Timeline: The application portal for MMDF2021 will open on Wed., Feb. 24, 2021; the application deadline is Fri., Apr. 16, 2021. The jury will meet in May 2021 and selected artists will be notified in early June 2021. Phone calls regarding application status will not be returned. 

Eligibility: MMDF2021 welcomes emerging and underrepresented New York City-based choreographers and companies with bold ideas and a progressive/contemporary nature. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must have presented work previously in a public format. Applicants must be New York City residents as of the application deadline or can demonstrate a significant, documented track record of artistic activity in New York City. Queens residents receive preference for all opportunities. 

Selection Criteria: Applicants will be chosen based on the strength of their submitted work; quality samples are important. MMDF2021 jurors and JCAL's Interim Artistic Director will base their choices on the clarity of choreographic vision presented in each submission, and each artist’s ability to demonstrate their commitment to purpose, aesthetic and technique. 

​​​​​​​Making Moves Dance Festival 2021: To Life! is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Mertz Gilmore Foundation and Harkness Foundation for Dance; additional general operating support for JCAL is provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the Howard Gilman Foundation.