CHOREOGRAPHIC PROGRAMS

CHOREOGRAPHIC PROGRAMS

EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHER PROGRAM
RESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHER PROGRAM
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHER PROGRAM

EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHERS

A platform for fresh choreographic voices to create, collaborate, and connect with international artists.

2026 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

The Emerging Choreographer Program provides early to mid-career creators with a 27-hour residency during Springboard’s 3-week summer project. During this residency, they generate a new work on Springboard dancers, which is presented through a works-in-progress showing alongside the repertory and creations of our Resident Choreographers and Principal Companies. We also provide 35 hours of additional studio space for independent creative research.

Springboard aims to showcase the diverse perspectives that comprise our ecosystem. In its selection of dance makers, Springboard does not discriminate based on sex, gender, race, sexual orientation, color, national origin, socioeconomic background, age, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all voices to apply.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Our selection panel is composed of five highly respected artists from diverse experiences who identify widely across gender, race, and sexual orientation. Each panelist looks at every application before convening to discuss and assess the work of each choreographer. The evaluation process focuses on the quality and presentation of the artists’ work and their choreographic history.

Applicants are not limited to a specific geographic location, however, international artists are responsible for their visa expenses and procurement. All artists are responsible for travel, living, and housing expenses and arrangements.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

The panel looks carefully at the artist’s resume, artistic statement, written or verbal proposal, and the supporting video materials. Strong importance is placed on the clear and compelling articulation of one’s ideas, in both the choreographic and written or verbal form. The panel considers the artist’s experience working with large groups, the suitability of the proposed work for Springboard Danse’s performance venue, and the compatibility of the work with our dancers’ interests and the overall curation of Springboard Danse| Pittsburgh.

PROGRAM PERKS

  • $1,000 flat fee

  • $300 travel reimbursement

  • Access to affordable housing through Point Park University dormitories located across the street from the George Rowland White Dance Complex (2025 Prices: Single bedroom - $850 for 3 weeks, Shared bedroom - $530/person for 3 weeks)

  • 15 dancers in your cast (selected through an audition process)

  • 27 hours of rehearsal with your Springboard cast

  • 35+ hours of studio residency time for individual research

  • Rehearse and generate work in state-of-the-art studios

  • Present previously created work or work in progress (6 minutes) at a black box theater through the PLATFORM showing

  • Present work in process (6-minute proscenium work) at the Pittsburgh Playhouse and alongside world-renowned Principal Companies through our Final Showing

  • Meet and work with an incomparable network of choreographers, stagers, directors, and dancers

  • Be witnessed by our global Springboard network, as well as invited directors, agents, and producers

  • Be considered for future, paid commissions by Point Park University’s School of Dance

    • Point Park University’s School of Dance may engage Springboard choreographers to return during the academic year to create a work for the undergraduate dancers. Selected choreographers will be paid a commission fee of $4,000 to $6,000. Travel, housing, and per diem will be provided.

  • Ability to host a weekend audition for upcoming projects

  • Access to free morning class (Weeks 1-3) and to afternoon workshops with Principal Companies (Week 1 only)

  • Observe Principal Company rehearsals (Weeks 2 & 3) 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for the 2026 Emerging Choreographer Program are now closed. Selected artists will be invited to join our three-week Summer Project in Pittsburgh.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 SEASON ARE NOW CLOSED

Notifications for Emerging Choreographers will be sent by January 10, 2026.

PREVIOUS EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHERS

RESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHER PROGRAM

RESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHER PROGRAM

SBDP_2025_Resident Choreographer_Laja Field_photo ©Drew Graham

The Resident Choreographer Program was developed in 2018, in partnership with Place des Arts and Agora de la Danse, to recognize and support mid-career dance makers. Resident Choreographers are curated by Springboard each year, and represent the forefront of the international choreographic scene; their work is captivating and boundless, and has been previously commissioned for national and/or international productions. Springboard provides Resident Choreographers with creative residency support, including the awe-inspiring dancers selected to participate in the Springboard Danse, studio space for both independent research and collaborative rehearsal, and informal showing opportunities for their work during Springboard Danse | Pittsburgh.

SBDP 2025_ Resident Choreographer_slowdanger_Photo ©Ethan Stoner

Former Resident Choreographers include Jasmine Ellis, Michael Getman, La Tresse, Kate Hilliard, Chuck Wilt/UNA Productions, and most recently, Laja Field and slowdanger.

All of our Residents have been commissioned internationally and have employed Springboard dancers as collaborators.

OUR 2026 RESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHERS

2026 Resident Choreographers to be announced soon!

PREVIOUS RESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHERS

  • Laja Field (New York, USA)

    slowdanger (Pittsburgh, USA)

  • Chuck Wilt / UNA Productions (New York, USA)

    Artistic Director Chuck Wilt

    Resident Choreographer 2022 | Emerging Choreographer 2017

  • These editions were cancelled due to COVID-19

    Chuck Wilt / UNA Productions (New York, USA)

    Resident Choreographer 2020 + 2021 | Emerging Choreographer 2017

    Kyra Jean Green / Trip the Light Fantastic (Montréal, CA)

    Resident Choreographer 2020 + 2021 | Emerging Choreographer 2009

  • La Tresse (Montréal, CA)

    Resident Choreographers 2019 | Emerging Choreographers 2017

    Kate Hilliard (Toronto, CA)

    Resident Choreographer 2019 | Emerging Choreographer 2007

  • Jasmine Ellis (Munich, Germany)

    Resident Choreographer 2018 | Emerging Choreographer 2017

    Michael Getman(Tel Aviv, Israël)

    Resident Choreographer 2018 | Emerging Choreographer 2017

SPRINGBOARD FELLOWSHIP

Our Fellowship program is designed to provide equitable support to choreographers.

On PAUSE for 2026

The Springboard Fellowship is currently on pause as we seek funding to expand this year-long mentorship program.

THE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Amidst the 2020 cancellations, we devoted our season to identifying critical areas throughout our infrastructure and practices where we could do more to support our community. Leading with integrity, creativity, equity, diversity, inclusion, and mentorship, the Fellowship Program is just one of the many steps we have committed to taking to move contemporary dance forward.

Springboard’s Fellowship Program is designed to provide support, residency, mentoring, and networking resources within our global network of choreographers. The program supports the artists’ practices as part of the Springboard Emerging Choreographers Program and strives to uplift the Fellows' artistic endeavors throughout their Fellowship year and beyond.