08/28/2026
Join us for our first info session for the 2027 NYS Choreographers Initiative.
Saturday, August 29 at 9am
More info and registration at the link below:
https://www.danceforce.org/4441-2/
The NYS DanceForce, in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts NYSCA announces the 2027 NY State Choreographers Initiative (NYSCI).
NYSCI - now in its 10th year - is designed to support dance artists in the development of their choreographic skills by providing them with resources that are often unavailable or unaffordable. These resources include a minimum of 20 hours of creative studio time with paid professional dancers/collaborators, the guidance of a mentor of their choice, and a $3,000 stipend. This is an opportunity for artists to try new approaches, engage with a mentor, and experiment freely without the pressure of production deadlines.Â
Eligible regions are Western NY, Central NY, Capitol District/North Country, and Hudson Valley/Long Island.
Â
“NYSCI is truly unique in its investment in the individual artist and their imagination, prioritizing praxis, passion, and ideas over the nuts-and-bolts labor, time, and expectations that can so easily, and frequently, overwhelm production. The opportunity to work with and to have protected, supported time alongside an admired mentor has had tremendous short- and long-term impact.” - Danielle Russo, 2025 NYSCI RecipientÂ
📆 Application portal opens Aug. 17, 2026
📆 Deadline to submit is Dec. 2, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.
Info, guidelines, and application available at www.danceforce.org.
Email [email protected] for more info and to set up a consultation.
The NYS DanceForce is a consortium of 22 dance activists committed to increasing the quantity and quality of dance activity throughout New York State.
NYSCI is a program of the NYS DanceForce in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts NYSCA
📸: – 2026 NYSCI recipient Kaley Pruitt (R) with mentor Monica Bill Barnes (L)
