Reimagining the Dance Festival: No Fees, More Opportunities, and Artists Taking Ownership
BOOT Dance Project has participated in a dance festival, and before that, our founder, Jessie Ferguson, had the opportunity to take part in and observe several others. Through these experiences, one thing became clear—while festivals can be great for showcasing work, they don’t always create lasting opportunities for artists beyond the performance itself.
We’ve seen firsthand how choreographers put in months of work preparing for a festival, only to leave with little more than performance footage and a great experience. While that has value, we believe a festival should offer more—more direct opportunities, more career-building moments, and more ways for artists to take ownership of their work and the event itself.
That’s why we created Break-In Dance Fest.
This festival is built around accessibility, artist ownership, and meaningful connections—not just a performance slot. We want choreographers to feel seen, valued, and supported in ways that extend beyond the festival itself. Here’s how we’re making that happen.
Every Choreographer Speaks Before Their Work
Most festivals focus on the final product—the performance. But what about the artist behind the work?
At Break-In Dance Fest, every choreographer has the chance to introduce themselves and their work before their piece begins. This gives audiences a direct connection to the person behind the movement, allowing them to understand the artist’s perspective and approach.
We don’t want artists to just show up, perform, and leave. We want them to have a moment to own their work, their process, and their voice—so audiences walk away knowing not just what they saw, but who created it.
We’re Bringing in Industry Leaders, Writers, and Critics
A festival should be more than just an opportunity to perform—it should be an opportunity to be seen by the right people.
We are inviting industry professionals, dance writers, and critics to attend Break-In Dance Fest, creating real visibility for choreographers beyond just the festival audience. Too often, artists feel like they perform in a vacuum, without the chance to connect with those who could help elevate their careers.
By ensuring choreographers have the opportunity to present their work to the people who can amplify it, we are making sure this festival has a lasting impact.
Paid Teaching Opportunities Through BOOT Camp
Before the festival, choreographers will have the opportunity to teach at our BOOT Camp, August 1 - 3, where they’ll work with pre-professional and professional dancers who are looking to grow their artistry and technique.
For choreographers, this means:
Expanding their teaching experience
Connecting with the next generation of artists
Building relationships that can continue beyond the festival
For young dancers, it’s a chance to learn from active, working choreographers—not just through watching performances, but through direct interaction in the studio.
This isn’t just about presenting work—it’s about building community and sharing knowledge in a way that benefits both artists and students.
It’s Not Just a Performance - It’s a Networking Event
One of the biggest frustrations we’ve seen with festivals is that as soon as the show is over, everything just ends. No space for connection, no opportunity for artists to interact beyond the stage.
That’s why we’re hosting an informal networking event after the performance, where choreographers, dancers, industry professionals, and audience members can meet, talk, and start conversations that could lead to new collaborations.
We want choreographers to leave this festival with more than just a performance credit—we want them to leave with new connections and opportunities.
Artist Contact Information in the Program
Most festivals showcase artists, but they don’t make it easy for people to follow up with them.
At Break-In Dance Fest, every choreographer will have their contact information, website, and social media in the program—so audience members, potential collaborators, and industry professionals can easily find them after the show.
This means that if someone is inspired by a piece, they can immediately connect with the choreographer—whether it’s a fellow artist who wants to collaborate, a writer who wants to feature their work, or a producer looking for new voices in dance.
Festivals should not just provide exposure—they should provide real career-building opportunities. This is one simple way we’re making sure those connections happen.
Artists Receive a Stipend for their Work
At BOOT Dance Project, we believe dance is valuable work, and choreographers deserve to be paid for their contributions. That’s why every participating choreographer will receive a stipend to recognize the time, effort, and artistry they bring to the festival.
Artists put in hours of rehearsal, pay for space, and dedicate themselves to creating something meaningful. We believe they should walk away from this festival with more than just an experience—they should be compensated for their work.
This isn’t just about rethinking a festival. It’s about rethinking how we support dance artists.
What Happens When Artists Take Ownership?
We want choreographers to be actively engaged in shaping the event—from promoting their work to connecting with audiences and fellow artists.
Choreographers will:
Help spread the word about the festival and their own work
Be part of conversations before, during, and after the event
Take an active role in how their work is presented and received
We believe that when artists take ownership of a space, they create something bigger than just a single performance. That’s what Break-In Dance Fest is all about.
What Happens When Artists Take Ownership?
We’ve made the decision not to charge an application fee because we want to remove unnecessary financial barriers for artists.
Many festivals require artists to pay just to be considered, often without offering real resources or career-building opportunities in return. Break-In Dance Fest is about uplifting artists.
Instead of putting up barriers, we are focusing on creating opportunities—from teaching to networking to direct industry connections.
Ready to Be Part of It? Apply Now.
If you’re a choreographer looking for a space to present your work, connect with other artists, and take real ownership of your performance experience, this is it.
Applications are open now.
📅 Apply by April 4, 2025 (11:59PM CST)
Ready to Support BOOT Dance Project?
Every contribution—no matter the size—makes a difference in building a festival that truly serves its artists.
