The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, recently announced a national call for artists to submit applications for the Joffrey’s Second Annual Choreographers of Color Award.

This Award is to recognize promising young choreographers of color whose diverse perspective will ignite creativity in the form of original works of dance.  The deadline to apply is October 1, 2011 and the winners will be sent notification by November 1, 2011.

The selected choreographers (3) will be given at least 30 rehearsal hours to set their pieces on the Joffrey Academy Trainees.  They will each also receive a $2,500 stipend and an opportunity to work directly with Artistic Director, Ashley C. Wheater, and Academy Artistic Directors, Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik.  The new works will be performed at various venues throughout the  year.

To apply, interested choreographers must submit the following by mail:  a DVD with a five-minute or less excerpt of their choreography with a brief written description; a letter of intent describing their interest in the competition and the kind of work they will create; a headshot and curriculum vitae with three references; and, a general application, which can be found online at joffrey.org/choreographersofcolor.  Materials can be mailed to:  The Joffrey Ballet, Attn: Choreographers of Color Competition Selection Committee, 10 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL, 60601.

Good luck, and be sure and let us know if you will be entering the competition!