Choreographer Call for the 12th annual Porch View Dances
2023 Selection Committee: Sid Ryan Eilers (Co-Curator), Sofi Gudiño (Co-Curator and Artistic Producer), in consultation with Karen Kaeja (Founder/Artistic Director) and Allen Kaeja
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 10, 2023 11:59pm
Online Information Session Feb. 22, 2023 at 4pm EST - Watch Recording Here
FESTIVAL DATES: August 9-13, 2023
Kaeja d’Dance is seeking Expressions of Interest to commission three (3) site-specific, community engaged choreographers for Porch View Dances 2023.
Porch View Dances (PVD) is an outdoor dance festival founded in 2012 by Artistic Director, Karen Kaeja and developed with Allen Kaeja, that activates porches in Seaton Village (Dupont and Bloor, Christie and Bathurst) as the venue. PVD celebrates ‘real people dancing in real spaces’. Dance can happen anywhere at any time for any moment in life.
Choreographers of PVD invite community participants (non-pro’s) from their own circles to participate in and perform the work. A response to the sense of belonging we all long for, PVD brings stories from the hearth of the home, outside into the wider culture. PVD is a walking tour which culminates in a park dance Flock Landing celebration.
Kaeja d’Dance’s PVD is supported by Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and RBC, among others.
Learn more about Porch View Dances here!
Project details:
Porch View Dances takes place in Seaton Village, Toronto, from August 9-13 at 7pm (Sunday 13th is at 2pm). Choreographers and participants are on-site one hour prior
On-site rehearsals are August 5 -6, with technical rehearsal on August 7 and dress rehearsal on August 8
Choreographers create an 8-9 minute site responsive work
20 hours minimum creation rehearsals are arranged by the choreographer with their community performers
Community performers are every day folx of all ages of your choosing (past participants have included everyday families, neighbours, senior groups, soccer teams, etc)
The choreographer attends PVD meetings -
1. Tues April 25 @ 6:30-7:45pm (in person) - pre rehearsal info meeting with all (pizza and snacks provided)
2. Wed July 12 @ 6:30-7:45pm (in person) - tech/performance info meeting
And up to 3 more meetings TBD if needed, which could be online or in person
PLUS closing day party on Aug 13 after 4pm
Costumes and music are the responsibility of the choreographer, often they are sourced from the participants’ wardrobes
Kaeja d’Dance offers:
A commissioning fee of $3,000.00 CND+ HST (includes all rehearsals, performances, meetings, time scheduling, etc)
Honorariums of $250 each for up to four community performers ages 16+
Mentorship or guidance as needed from Karen and Allen Kaeja, and Sofi Gudiño
Basic festival production support (sound, technical personnel, general illumination, etc)
Festival publicity and marketing
We fully welcome and invite applications from People of Global Majority, Trans People, Queer People, Disabled People, Black, Asian, South Asian, Latin, Brown, Indigenous, and all named and unnamed folx who feel compelled.
Read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement here.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Step 1: Join Us at our Online Info Session:
Feb. 22, 2023 live with Q&A period - recorded info session available at www.kaeja.org on the homepage
The recording of the Info Session can be found here.
Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest
By filling out this Google Form
Expressions of Interest must be submitted by March 10, 2023 11:59pm
Step 3:
Applicants whose Expression of Interest resonates will be invited to an informal online coffee date/chat with Co-curators Sid and Sofi. Availability for coffee chats will be filled out along with your submission of interest.
Important details to keep in mind:
We welcome applications for folx from any location however Porch View Dances is unable to incur expenses for out of town artists and guests.
Accessibility Guidelines - what can and cannot be provided:
We will ensure that there is a physically accessible route for PVD.
We will provide ASL Interpretation for one PVD performance.
We will enter conversation with Seaton Village homeowners to do our best to match choreographers and participating performers with a home that meets their needs. (ie ramp leading to the porch, having accessible washrooms nearby, performance start on a porch and then move to flat surface).
We are not able to provide ASL Interpretation for participant rehearsals and performances.
We are not able to provide funding/assistance with transportation.
Send Questions to Sarah Caraher at urban@kaeja.org or to enquire about volunteering or mentorship opportunities for PVD.