ICONS Choreographers’ Collective at the Atlas Pefrorming Arts Center, a prestigious dance-presenting platform, seeks original dance works by Washington, D.C.-based and DMV-area choreographers. The application process opens on December 7, 2025, and closes on February 7, 2026. Please read the conditions carefully and if intersted fillout the Application Form on the bottom of the page. Announcement of results is expected by February 15, 2026.

 

PERFORMANCE DATES AND VENUES:

The 2026 ICONS Choreographers’ Collective performances will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM (matinee) and 7:00 PM (evening performance) at the Atlas Performing Arts Center – Lang Theater in Washington, DC, which features a large proscenium stage and state-of-the-art technical equipment.

 

APPLICABLE DANCE PIECES:

Dance pieces that are still works-in-progress and seeking a venue to premiere or dance pieces created in the past 2 years seeking further choreographic development via mentorship and peer feedback and to be produced professionally OR dance pieces presented that have been presented in the past 2 years in smaller venues and seeking to be presented in a larger venue and further developed with a production team and elaborate visual design.

 

PREFERRED CRITERIA OF THE DANCE WORK WE ACCEPT:

(Some exceptions in special cases might be considered.)

Length of dance: No less than 4:30 minutes, and no longer than 9:30 minutes, proportionally with the cast size.

Dance cast size: Minimum of 4 dancers and maximum of 16 dancers.

Genres: Contemporary dance, contemporary ballet, dance theater, movement and physical theater, folklore, ethnic and indigenous dance traditions fused with modern interpretation, as well as any innovative movement forms in concert format.

 

PREFERRED QUALITIES OF THE DANCE CREATIONS AND CREATORS:  

Originality: We seek creations displaying a unique artistic perspective, orginal content, and authentic movement expression.

Openness: We seek creators eager to experiment, engage, and test new ideas while collaborating with our mentorship and production teams.

Flexibility: We seek creators willing to adapt choreographic work from chamber spaces and small performance venues to a large proscenium stage on a panoramic scale.

Communication: We seek creators who respond promptly in both digital and live channels and clearly articulate goals, needs, and challenges.

 

 WE OFFER:

-> One time stipend-honorarium of $450 payable to the choreographer or the performance group after the showcases

-> Stage spacing, full tech, and dress rehearsals during 3 days before the shows  

-> Professional video recording and high-quality photography of the performance

-> Advertising material and publicity to help promote the event

-> Pre-performance warm-up complimentary master classes by distinguished teachers in the DMV area

-> Complimentary choreography mentorship and supportive feedback -- if requested

-> Complimentary copy of a book on choreography by Vladimir Angelov -- if requested

 

  WE DO NOT OFFER:

-> Rehearsal space leading to the performance date, except during tech week

-> Music copyright clearance, which is the responsibility of the choreographer

-> Additional compensation and coverage of production costs related to the dance

 

  TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION, PLEASE PREPARE THE FOLLOWING:

-> Program information on the dance piece, including title, music, dancers’ names, and a description of up to 36 words

-> Biographical information -- up to 75 words

-> YouTube, Vimeo, or a Google Drive link of the dance work -- please provide the necessary access code if needed for viewing by our panel.

We look forward to seeing your work! Click here to apply!