Frequently Asked Questions for Dancers
What dance genres are eligible for the Queensboro Dance Festival?
What qualifies as a dance work?
A dance work must be a live performance where dance technique/choreography is the core driving component (i.e. Not a film, a play, musical etc. These types of elements are welcome but should not be the main element of a dance work). A dance work can also be a live performance that is equally shared with a music component.
What if I am still working on my piece in time for the shows and don’t have all the information yet for the application?
We understand! However, we need to visualize and understand your work as much as possible. Fill out as much info as you can even if it’s a working title, or if your music is still being created, etc. Please make sure to submit a full VIDEO of the actual proposed work, even if it’s rehearsal footage of a draft, and describe your dance piece in detail. Your information also helps program a diverse and balanced show. If your work is selected, there will be an opportunity to send in final updates to program information before your performances.
How are dance proposals selected?
There is a different panel each year comprised of experienced individuals from various dance, cultural, and production industries, who also represent a range of ethnic diversity. The panel makes recommendations based on clarity of the dance proposal, strength of dance technique, alignment with the festival’s mission, and ensuring there is a diverse range of cultures and dance styles represented overall. Tip: describe your dance work as though you are explaining it to a complete stranger who has never seen your work or your dance genre before. Those reading your proposal should be able to envision your dance work and understand your concept clearly. Make sure your narrative and video work sample make sense together.
What is the QDF vibe?
Our growing community of Queens dance companies are people who want to engage and contribute to the neighborhoods they live and work in. We share a pride for being Queens artists, and share a keen interest in learning about one another’s work and heritages. We support each other, have fun, think outside the box, and are bold, generous performers on tour! We have a more meaningful impact together as a community, and our vibrancy is because of the dancers who are part of it.
QDF is a living, breathing festival. We adapt to public space, we embrace the many magical moments that spontaneously happen during live performance. There’s a positive, teamwork vibe onsite. Every show is a different line-up of our season’s participants, so you’ll meet different dance companies throughout your tour, in various neighborhoods with various audiences.
How does the tour work?
What are the performance spaces and flooring like?
How does scheduling work?
Can I submit more than one dance work?
Yes! However, you must submit a separate application for each dance work proposal. If more than one of your works is accepted, they will have different tour schedules and not be in the same shows, but will total 5-6 shows all together across the works accepted. A medley performance (one on-going performance consisting of several different dances) no longer than the 12-minute total maximum can be considered in one application, but videos of each dance or a video of the proposed final medley is required, as well as descriptions of each included dance.
Will my work still be considered if it’s not a Queens or World Premiere?
What type of work is best for outdoor performance?
Can I change my dance piece during the tour?
How are QDF events accessible for audiences and dancers with disabilities?
As our events take place in public space, all of our locations welcome audiences who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices and are ADA accessible. ASL and captioning will be provided at some of our performances and we hope to raise more money to provide these services at all events.
For dancers who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices, portable ramps will be available when needed onto any raised stage we may be performing on (not all locations will have a raised stage). Tech time length needs will be accommodated. For more specific accessibility needs for dancers, please contact us queensborodancefestival@gmail.com or (929) 282-0620.
How can dance schools or cultural community centers participate in QDF?
We want to raise awareness of local dance education programs, particularly for lesser-known dance technique training. Dance schools that have any cultural or contemporary training programs with a professional-level company or performing faculty are welcome to submit a dance proposal. Pre-professional or competition students are allowed to perform if at a professional level and/or be included with professional company members throughout the proposed dance piece. Community centers with an established cultural dance program or regular practice at a professional or presentational level are also welcome to submit a dance proposal. All dance proposals from schools or community centers have the same requirements as choreographers and other professional dance companies.
For youth dance students from a dance school or cultural center, you are not eligible to submit a proposal, but we offer a community partnership opportunity instead. The youth dance students may be allowed to perform a pre-show demonstration as a way to bring awareness to the school or cultural center’s program for local enrollment. We consider these partnerships in select show locations only. Studios and cultural centers are responsible for all liability of their participants under the age of 18 and must obtain and prove signed guardian consent to any participation dates offered. If you are a youth dance school interested in a community partnership with us, please email us at queensborodancefestival@gmail.com. Please note not all inquiries will result in a partnership.