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Next Round Workshop Information Flyer

ROCKFORD DANCEMAKERS FESTIVAL
Next Round
Emerging Choreographers Program
 

What is Next Round?

Jenny Vause Choreography Studio Image

The RDMF Next Round Emerging Choreographers Program guides emerging choreographers through the process of developing choreographic ideas, building dances, leading rehearsals, and preparing work for performance. The Next Round process will be supported by Festival choreographers, who will serve as mentors, offering guidance on the creative process, rehearsal structure, and progress toward performance.

Who is Next Round for?

Next Round is for emerging youth and adult choreographers interested in learning about the fundamental building blocks of choreography, developing ideas, creating work, receiving feedback, and presenting choreography to an audience.  Next Round is also for dancers interested in rehearsing and performing new work by emerging choreographers.

Michelle Stolberg Choreography Studio Image

1st Step:  Attend Workshops

RDMF Choreographer Michelle Stolberg will host two Sunday workshops.
Attendance at both workshops is recommended

Movement Choir Dancers Studio Image

​​WORKSHOP CURRICULUM 

  • Developing a Choreographic Concept

  • Finding Intention

  • Structuring a Piece

  • Casting Dancers

  • Creating Movement

  • Building Short Dances

  • Using Space Effectively

  • Scheduling and Leading Rehearsals

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WHEN & WHERE ​​​

  • Workshop #1: Sunday, September 27,  2:00–4:15 PM

  • Workshop #2: Sunday, October 25,  2:00–4:15 PM

  • Location: Rockford Dance Company Studios

  • TO SAVE YOUR SPOT, email RockfordDanceMakersFestival@gmail.com with your name and whether you are registering as a Youth Choreographer or an Adult Choreographer.

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PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS​

  • Youth Choreographers, Ages 13–17
    Attending at least one workshop is required.

  • Adult Choreographers: Ages 18+
    Attending at least one workshop is encouraged.

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WORKSHOP FEES

Choreographers

  • $30 per workshop 

  • Both Workshops: $50 total

Dancers

  • $10 per workshop 

  • Both workshops: $15 

  • To participate, dancers must be at least 13 years old

  • There are no additional fees for dancers cast in a piece.

​​2nd STEP: Submit Choreography Proposal

Choreography Proposal Fee:  $75

Workshop fees paid by choreographers will be credited toward the Proposal Fee. 
Following the workshops, choreographers may submit a piece proposal for the Next Round Emerging Choreographers Showcase.  Choreographers will rehearse their casts over several months.  Each participant will schedule and lead rehearsals, with periodic mentor check-ins to support progress and artistic development.  Mentors will give expert feedback to guide choreographers toward success. 

​​3rd STEP: Next Round Showcase Matinee

All accepted Next Round proposals will be presented in a Showcase during the Festival Weekend!  Location, date, and time to be determined.   At the discretion of the Rockford DanceMakers Festival and Next Round, one or two pieces may be selected for presentation in the main Rockford DanceMakers Festival’s Friday and/or Saturday evening performances!

For more information, please contact the Festival at RockfordDanceMakersFestival@gmail.com

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