Thank you for your interest in the Fort Wayne Dance Collective's 2026 Choreographer's Lab!

The Choreographer's Lab is a program where both emerging and seasoned dance choreographers are presented with tools to help them create an original dance work to be presented during a live showcase.

The lab provides opportunites for growth no matter where you are at in your choreographic journey! This intensive allows experienced choreographers the freedom to try something new or to take their talents to the next level. For those just starting out in choreography, the lab offers guidance from experienced choreographers including key concepts in dance and improvisation.

Choreographers should plan to attend the Lab sessions at Fort Wayne Dance Collective on Saturdays: February 14, February 28, March 14, and March 28, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. While we understand that conflicts can arise, attending as many sessions as possible is strongly recommended, as these meetings are essential to fully participating in the lab experience. Participants will be expected to work outside of lab hours to both set choreography and clean their pieces. Lab hours provide minimal rehearsal time, but will allow choreographers to share their works in progress and get feedback from other lab participants. Key concepts and tools for creation will be given during these lab hours. Participants will also receive digital folders with additional learning materials that can be accessed at any time. Choreographers may ask for as much guidance as they would like throughout the intensive.

Dancers may be provided for choreographers if requested.

Lab tech/dress and performance dates. These are mandatory to attend.

• Lighting intake: Sunday, April 19 • 1:00PM - 6:00PM
• Tech: Sunday, April 26 • 1:00PM - 6:00PM
• Dress (Cast A): Tuesday, April 28 • 5:00PM - 9:00PM
• Dress (Cast B): Wednesday, April 29 • 5:00PM - 9:00PM
• Performances: (call 75 minutes to show)

• Thursday, April 30 • 7PM (Cast A)

• Friday, May 1 • 7PM (Cast B)

• Saturday, May 2 • 2PM & 7PM (Cast A)

• Sunday, May 3 • 2PM & 6PM (Cast B, Strike follows)

Please help us to create an exciting showcase of new works by filling out this application! This application is due by January 23, 2026.

*Artists who are currently involved in FWDC programming, have a clear vision for their piece, and are able to come to the four lab dates will receive higher priority for acceptance into the lab.

**Must be 13+ to apply.

***Adding a collaborating choreographer, a musician, a visual artist, spoken word, and other mediums of art will elevate your work to a new level!

1. Please give us your first and last name, phone number, and email address. 

2. How many years of experience do you have in dance or in the arts?

3. Have you ever choreographed a piece for a performance? If so, please give the performance name, place, and year. Please include any links to choreographic works or email sample choreography* to mandie@fwdc.org. 

*If works were produced through FWDC, a link is not needed.

4. Why do you wish to participate in the 2026 Choreographer's Lab?

5. Will you need us to provide you with dancers for your piece? If so, please state how many. We will do our best to meet your needs. Please keep in mind that larger numbers may be difficult to accommodate.

6. To the best of your ability, please describe the concept of your piece.

7. Are you interested in working with another artist? Will you need help identifying an artist in our area?

8. What do you wish to gain from participating in this year's Choreographer's Lab?

It is the expectation of this organization that choreographers and performers will support and respect each other, assist the organization in its mission, and create a safe and friendly environment for all involved.

Thank you for your application!