Contemporary

2024 Contemporary Application Deadlines & Notifications

Participation Requirements & Policies

Jan 29 at 11:59pm EST | Priority Deadline | $45 processing fee
Feb 26 at 11:59pm EST | Regular Deadline | $50 processing fee
After Feb 26 at 11:59pm EST | Rolling Basis* | $55 processing fee

Acceptd offers financial assistance to applicants who meet Application Fee Waiver requirements. Application Fee Waivers are subject to approval by the Acceptd Support team and are granted based on proper documentation, when provided in advance of an application submission. Contact Acceptd Support when you set up your portal.

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by Program Directors and School staff; with admittance status sent by email on a rolling basis if spaces are available.

Want free streaming access to a full-length performance from the 2023 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival?
Submit your application by the priority deadline, and you’ll receive free access to stream the Martha Graham Dance Company‘s 2023 performance on Jacob’s Pillow On Demand from January 8 through February 4, 2024.

• Clicking BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION takes you to Acceptd, our application portal where you will upload materials described below.
• Review the Application Guidelines located there in order to submit a complete and competitive application.
• Before submitting, review your work carefully, as only complete applications are considered for acceptance. Scholarship applications, if applicable, must be submitted with you program application. For more information, see below.
• If you need any assistance, contact school@jacobspillow.org.

Required Program Application Materials to Upload

1. Audition Video

Footage must be of clear viewing quality and preferably shot within three months, or as recent as possible, prior to submission. Media-enhanced, highly edited, or promotional type videos are not reviewed. Adjudicators prefer one concise video with a table of contents; multiple videos will be viewed if contents are properly identified. Use one of the following file types to successfully upload your video(s): MP4, M4V, AVI, FLV, MOV, WMV, MPG, MPEG, M2V, MKV, and WEBM.

• Verbal self-introduction, 1 minute maximum
  • Your name and current affiliation
  • Why this program is important for you this year
  • What you are showing on your reel
  • Anything you wish to share about your footage: title/choreographer(s) of performance footage, why footage date not as preferred, etc. Remember, we are looking at who you are as a dancer, not where you are dancing.
• Technique sampler, 5 minute maximum
  • Center floor grand pliés, rond de jambe, extensions, and balances
  • Across-the-floor progressions with turns, jumps, and leaps
• Performance sampler, 6 minute maximum
  • In-studio footage is preferred over performance footage
  • If performance or group footage, identify who is to be viewed
  • Identify names of works and choreographers for
    • 2-3 variations, improvisations, and/or repertory excerpts
  • Excerpts should demonstrate a range of dynamics, levels, tempos, and styles

2. Written Statement 500 words or less

• Influences on your current dance work and artistic goals 
• Career aspirations and experiences desired to reach them
• How you envision this program impacting your vision of yourself as an artist

3. Résumé/C.V.

4. Photos

• Headshot (required)
• Dance Shot (optional)

5. If 17 or younger, a Letter of Recommendation is required.

• You will be asked to list the name, title, phone, and email of a dance teacher or artist who has agreed to write a Letter of Recommendation. On receipt of an email from Acceptd on behalf of Jacob’s Pillow, he/she/they should be prepared to address the following:
  • Technical and performance artistry
  • Stamina to participate in rigorous, professional level classes, rehearsals, performances before the public, and evening responsibilities
  • Ability to interact, and live, responsibly as a professional in a diverse artist community
• Be ready to list the name, title, phone, and email of a second dance artist or teacher who can speak about your work with staff if needed.

BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION

Participation Requirements and Policies

About Scholarships

• Read Program Fees & Scholarships for program fees and all scholarship opportunities.
  • The Scholarship Application is found within the Program Application.
  • If you are a dependent, all financial information provided must be for your parent/guardian(s).
  • U.S. and international dancers are eligible for scholarships.
  • If you need any assistance, contact school@jacobspillow.org.
• Read Participation Requirements & Policies for important eligibility details.

BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION