What is the mission of Barnstorm Dance Fest?
The mission of Barnstorm Dance Fest is tied to the mission of Dance Source Houston – to empower the diverse individuals and organizations working in the field of dance throughout the Greater Houston region by means of advocacy, inclusive community engagement, and support services. The core goal of the festival is showcase to the breadth, depth, and diversity of dance in Greater Houston and beyond.
Who can submit to the festival?
Choreographers and companies working in all dance genres are encouraged to apply. Over the life of the festival a wide range of genres have been featured including Afrodance, ballet, belly dance, Bharatanatyam, contemporary, flamenco, hip hop, jazz, Kathak, modern, performance art, tango, tap, and more.
Artists and organizations that do not reside within the Greater Houston area are eligible to apply. Through featuring a limited number of out-of-town artists each year Dance Source Houston hopes to foster an exchange of ideas between other cities and states that does not happen often enough. The inclusion of non-local artists enriches the experience for local artists and audiences alike.
Can I submit a work in progress?
Yes, works currently in development may be submitted to the festival. To ensure your application is easily understood by the curators, detail the trajectory of your work in progress along with the description of the work. The application allows for two work sample links. One is required and must be of the proposed work. The work sample does not need to be of the completed work but must show that the work has been initiated. The second work sample can be of past work. Describe each work sample in the provided blank and feel free to guide curators to a specific time in the video. Please do not include promotional reels.
Can I submit more than one piece?
Yes, you may submit multiple works to the festival, however, applicants will not have more than one piece selected for inclusion. You must complete a full application for each piece.
Can I submit a dance film?
Yes! The application for dance films will open in October 2023. Selected films are incorporated into Programs A, B & C, and presented alongside live performance works.
Do choreographers whose works are selected receive a stipend?
Yes! Each live performance work presented in Barnstorm 2024 will receive a $300 stipend and dance films will receive a $100 stipend.
How is the festival curated?
Applications are curated by a panel of 3 judges. Previous panels have included Lauren Anderson, Annie Arnoult, Alexa Capareda, Rachel Cook, Matthew Cumbie, Ashley Dehoyos, Marlana Doyle, Xandra Eden, Lindsay Gary, Elijah Gibson, Harrison Guy, Jasmine Hearn, David Lake, Lavanya Rajagopalan, Michelle Ramos, Sue Schroeder, Armando Silva, Jennnifer Sommers, Jenni Rebecca Stephenson, Kalpana Subarrao, Sixto Wagan, Helanius Wilkins, Nancy Wozny, and Janie Yao. After applications are scored by panelists individually, the panel meets with the DSH staff to filter their results through the mission and vision of the festival to ensure an accurate representation of the Houston dance community is presented based on the applications received.
How many works will be selected?
A maximum of 15 live performance works and 9 dance films will be selected for inclusion in the 2024 festival. In addition to these works, Dance Source Houston’s 2023-24 Artists In Residence will each present a new work in Barnstorm.
What is the format of the festival?
Barnstorm features 3 unique programs – A, B and C. The production schedule for May 28-June 1, 2024 has been set and can be found below. Please be aware that all 3 programs require participants to be present for rehearsals and performances at MATCH spanning a minimum of 3 days during the week of the festival. Review the schedule before submitting your application so that you can select which programs you and your cast are available for.
Program A
Local Artists Tech – Monday, May 27 between 1pm and 10pm
Out of Town Artists Tech – Tuesday, May 28 between 9am and 12pm
Dress Rehearsal – Tuesday, May 28 – 1pm Call / 2pm Run (all performers must attend the dress rehearsal)
Performances – Tuesday, May 28 – 5:30pm Call / 7:30pm Curtain and Friday, May 31 – 5:30pm Call / 7:30pm Curtain
Program B
Local Artists Tech – Monday, May 27 between 1pm and 10pm
Out of Town Artists Tech – Wednesday, May 29 between 9am and 12pm
Dress Rehearsal – Wednesday, May 29 – 1pm Call / 2pm Run (all performers must attend the dress rehearsal)
Performances – Wednesday, May 29 – 5:30pm Call / 7:30pm Curtain and Saturday, June 1 – 3:30pm Call / 5:00pm Curtain
Program C
Local Artists Tech – Monday, May 27 between 1p and 10pm
Out of Town Artists Tech – Thursday, May 30 between 9am and 12pm
Dress Rehearsal – Thursday, June 8 – 1pm Call / 2pm Run (all performers must attend the dress rehearsal)
Performances – Thursday, May 30 – 5:30pm Call / 7:30pm Curtain and Saturday, June – 6:00pm Call / 7:30pm Curtain
What is the timeline for the festival if accepted?
- September 7, 2023 – Live performance application portal opens
- October 2, 2023 – Dance film application portal opens
- October 27, 2023 – Live performance applications due
- November 10, 2023 – Dance film applications due
- December 2023 – Live performance applicants are notified of the panel’s decision
- February 2024 – Mandatory virtual participant meeting
- March 2024 – Festival participants are announced
- April 2024 – Video of completed work due to DSH and Barnstorm production staff
- May 27-June 1, 2024 – Barnstorm Dance Fest rehearsals, performances, classes, artist panels and more!
Have additional questions? Contact us at [email protected]!