*******PAGE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION **** We are excited to announce that Ankara Rose World Dance now has a performance company and is available for festivals and events! Specializing in high-quality Belly Dance, Folkloric, Celtic Dance and Celtic Fusion / World Dance performances.  Details coming soon!

Looking for New England Area Dancers to join performance company!

Looking for both male and female dancers with a strong dance background to join a new professional dance company under the direction of Kristen Walden that celebrates world dances and music creating one universal voice through performance art. Looking to cast core dancers as well as alternate (understudy) dancers for performances at various festivals, events, and theater shows.

Core Company Dancers: Perform all/majority of scheduled shows, can perform strong solo pieces, attend all rehearsals, work collaboratively to create dance pieces, teach/co-teach workshops, as well as train alternates and understudy dancers.

Alternate/Understudy Dancers: Dance and train with core dancers, attend all rehearsals, work collaboratively to create dance pieces, and perform when ready (and as needed) to sub in for core dancers as well as larger full company shows.

DANCER CRITERIA:

• Proficient in at least ONE of the following dance forms: Belly Dance (all styles), Irish Step, Scottish Highland, Folkloric Styles, Flamenco, Ballet, Contemporary, Modern. (*Other dance forms may be included -and other styles/ experience welcome!- but the above are to be the main backbone of the company. Proficient is subjective – meaning, have studied a length of time to demonstrate in audition a strong solo piece in the style.)
• Must be able to pick up choreography quickly in different dance styles.
• Dancers must have the physical ability (cardio, strength, and mobility) to dance at times higher-impact and high energy dances, to dance long hours in rehearsals, and spend long days performing (sometimes festivals with multiple shows a day).
• Commitment and dedication to train on your own outside of rehearsals (have a strong consistent solo practice routine).
• Must be willing to travel for performances, if required.
• Must dance for the good of the overall team, not just the Self. An open mind, willingness to collaborate and learn (and learn multiple new dance styles),  RESPECT for others (and respect for other cultures/other dances we present), responsibility, RELIABILITY, and passion are more important than just sheer talent or technical ability, but we will be looking for a basis of dance technique as well (of course). Kristen's style is collaborative and highly creative (story-telling), so dancers must be creative and open! 
• Regular attendance at rehearsals is MANDATORY for all dancers (including alternate/understudy dancers). Rehearsals will be Sundays, either every other Sunday (2 Sundays/month) from 10:30 am - 3:30  pm (with a 1 hr lunch break), OR every Sunday 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. This will be decided depending on what works best for all involved, especially dancers who may have to travel a distance to rehearsals. There may be additional rehearsals added if performances take up Sundays/as needed (but this would be discussed with all involved first, and work for the best arrangement for everyone). Rehearsals will be held at the Rise Up! Center, 30 Howard Street, Wilton NH (Southern NH area - approx 1 hr 15 minutes from Boston, 2 hours from Portland ME). Travel to/from rehearsals are the responsibility of each individual dancer. Rehearsals will begin in January 2017.
• Dancers will be paid for performances. Any performance opportunity that is not paid (or promotional) is entirely optional. Dancers will be on a non-exclusive basis, 1099 contractor. There are NO membership "fees" or dues, however,  in the beginning stages, dancers may be expected to purchase their own dance shoes, costumes or props (that they would then keep), though we will be holding fundraisers with the goal of covering those expenses in full (as well as travel for the dancers who come regularly from a distance). Studio rental cost and other expenses covered by the director and the company. Everything will be spelled out in full and made transparent for dancers, before commitment is made.

• Performances are most often on weekends, and at certain times of the year can be frequent. Dancers must be able and willing to perform often (if not all scheduled dates - core dancers must be able to do a large majority. If spending your weekends dancing isn't for you, then this wouldn't be a good fit! ;0)
• Must be willing to sign a company contract (for a specified length of time) which spells out all details stated above at length, the absentee policy, performance notice, etc. as well as the details and copyright of company choreography, logos,property etc. This will be discussed among all involved with the goal of being in the best interest for all, while still showing and agreeing to a professional-level of commitment. (Please note - dancers are NOT required to be exclusive, but if your other commitments may keep you from attending regularly, this would need to be addressed from the start.)

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS of joining the family:
In addition to the fun of dancing as a part of a family with a larger mission of bringing light to this world through art, company members also enjoy:

• Intensive training in a variety of dance styles with knowledgeable quality instructor(s). The opportunity for personal, individualized feedback and growth. Occasional private group lessons with visiting out-of-town quality instructors in a variety of styles.
• A comfortable and supportive environment to experiment, grow, and enhance your art.
•  A larger mission to bring light and joy to others through the sharing diverse global dance forms.

• Paid performances. (*And for alternate/understudy dancers, the ability to work up to paid performance opportunities).

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
*Mandatory

• *Attendance at the 11/27/2016 Celtic Fusion Workshop Event (See HERE for details, event registration, and payment). If you have attended a Celtic Fusion workshop, master class, or private lesson with Ankara Rose in the past 5 months (June 2016 - recent), then the event fee is waived for you. Workshop 1 (Intro) is recommended, even if you have experienced it before or are strong in either of the styles (Irish Step, Scottish Highland, and Belly Dance). Workshop 2 (Audition Choreo) is MANDATORY if auditioning. There will not be a video option for the audition choreography.
• * Attendance at the 12/11/2016 Open Audition part 2 is highly suggested, though if this date does not work for you, please contact [email protected] and you are welcome to send in a video of you performing the 11/27 choreography instead (video must be submitted by 12/11/16).
• * Solo piece under 5 minutes, showcasing your strengths and style. This can be improvisational or choreographed, performed in person at the 12/11/16 audition (in private to just the director and other professional dancer(s) involved for part of the selection process), OR submitted via video by 12/11/16. If sending in video, please make sure you are not too far away so we can see your movements and facial expressions properly.
• CV / dance resume (if applicable) and picture/head shot
• Any additional video links/video of performances that you'd like to share, website, facebook fan page, youtube channel, etc.
• * THE FOLLOWING INFO (Please copy/paste the following into an email to [email protected] to tell us more about yourself!):

Full Name:
Stage Name (if applicable):
Email/Contact info:
Birthdate (mm/dd/year) - members are required to be 18+ years old.
How did you hear about this audition?
Tell us about your previous dance experience and training, as well as accomplishments:
What other skills and talents would you be bringing to the team that might be useful? (e.g. sewing/costume design, graphic design, musical instrument, set design, stage management, marketing skills, etc.)
Why would you like to be a part of this company? What excites you most about it, and what are your future artistic goals?
Is there anything else about yourself you'd like to share?

AUDITION TIPS:

• Pay close attention to the audition Celtic Fusion choreography overall technique, posture, and arm placement.  I am looking for dancers that can capture the style of the various dances presented and can perform all the details of the choreography.
• Make sure you can spot your turns. (Must be comfortable with spins and turns and western-style spotting, as well as have the ability to turn cleanly WITHOUT spotting - as in a performance theatre setting, etc).
• Wear a costume or dance wear that allows us to see your movement execution. (Typical class wear ok - For example: Males: shorts or something similar -no really loose baggy long pants- and a T-shirt, Females: non-baggy yoga pants or capris and sports top/fitted top. If wearing Melodia-style Tribal Fusion flare pants, be sure to tie them at the knee. For footwear: Dance slippers, dance sneakers, modern dance footwear (and any other dance footwear for your solo), or bare feet.
• I am looking for true burning desire and potential. Passion, positive attitude, the drive to work for it and collaborate, musicality, and that "special something"- stage presence- counts for far more than *picture-perfect* technique! (Technique can be improved upon)!

Thank you!  This has been a life-long passion of mine, and I am so excited to meet you and see all the creativity that can be brought to the table!
Please don't hesitate to contact with any questions! Email [email protected].

"My goal through my fusion of Middle Eastern, Celtic, and other world dances is to create a bridge across cultures through the joy of movement that is universal."

www.AnkaraRose.com  -  [email protected]  -  (603) 660-6622
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Belly Dance & Celtic Fusion Classes, Performances & Workshops - New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New England and beyond