East European Performing Arts Platform (EEPAP) supports the
development of contemporary performing arts (dance and theatre)
in 18 countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
Springback Academy (Denmark): Open call for dance writers
From the organisers:
BE PART OF SPRINGBACK ACADEMY 2017
Open call for budding dance writers to review Spring Forward Festival 2017 performances in Aarhus, Denmark 28-30 April.
A project designed to stimulate dialogue about dance and performance whilst striving to improve and promote written criticism online.
The first pilot version of the Springback Academy took place during the Spring Forward festival in Umeå in 2014; a second, extended version was held during Spring Forward in Barcelona in 2015, and a third, in Pilsen in 2016. Once again, in 2017, Springback Academy will offer aspiring dance writers the chance to be mentored in the fundamentals of quality dance criticism in the action-packed environment of Spring Forward, Aerowaves' buzzing annual festival that will take place this year in Aarhus, Denmark from 28-30 April 2017.
Under the guidance of four experienced dance writers, participants have the chance to create, shape and share conversations about dance and hone their critical writing skills for a number of different formats. It's a fast-track way to gain experience and technique in responsible, effective, attractive dance criticism as well as to explore and understand the opportunities that digital publishing has to offer.
If selected for the project, Aerowaves will provide mentorship, accommodation and hospitality. Participants will be required to organise and fund their own return travel to Aarhus. Aerowaves will organise local travel to and from Bilund or Aarhus airports.
Click here to read reviews and opinion pieces from last year's Springback Academy
What Springback Academy 2017 will entail:
We are looking for up to 10 opinionated people with an interest in, or some prior experience of writing about dance. The participants will be mentored in critical writing by our four lead critics: Donald Hutera (The Times, London), Sanjoy Roy (The Guardian, London), Roslyn Sulcas (New York Times, London/New York) and Monna Dithmer (Politiken, Copenhagen)
Oonagh Duckworth, Brussels based editor and dance producer will also be present as Springback Academy coordinator.
The first afternoon/evening of the Academy will be spent making acquaintance with one another and attending an introductory lecture about dance writing followed by an extended Q & A session.
During the Spring Forward festival each participant will:
• Write short reviews in English (140 words) of several of the performances they see over the weekend. They will work to tight deadlines so that their reviews can be published each day on the Aerowaves website
• Generate ultra-short reviews, provocations, opinions and questions to share on Twitter - using #Springback to gather the conversations.
• Participate in a round-table/panel discussion about where dance writing is, or should be, heading.
• Contribute one longer, opinion-style piece for the Aerowaves website in the week after the festival — to allow for greater reflection or to draw themes and bigger ideas together.
The deadline to apply is 27 February. More details and info on how to apply here.
