Auditions, Jobs, and Certifications
The Toni Pierce-Sands Choreographic Initiative honors the vision and legacy of TU Dance’s late Founder and Artistic Director, Toni Pierce-Sands, by nurturing the next generation of choreographic voices. Designed for emerging to mid‑career artists, the initiative supports choreographers interested in experimentation, research, and the creation of new 10-15 minute ensemble works for the full CULTIVATE, A Trainee Program (between 6-10 dancers), or for TU Dance Company projects.
The choreographer selected for the 2026-27 Season will be creating for CULTIVATE, A Trainee Program in the November/December 2026 schedule.
Selected choreographer(s) receive a comprehensive package of artistic and logistical support, including:
- Rehearsal space and dancers to work with
- A $3,500 artist stipend
- Travel and housing support for out-of-town artists
- A $2,000 budget for costumes and scenic elements
- Archival documentation of the completed work
- An opportunity to showcase their work within a professional dance company
Application process: Applicants must complete a digital application form (here) that includes contact information, demographic details, and the following materials:
- Artist statement (500 words max)
- Resumé (1-2 pages; file upload)
- Project description for the proposed new commission (500 words max)
- Up to three choreographic work samples (3-5 minutes) that best represent their choreographic voice
- Application Deadline: July 30
Ineligible applicants: Current staff, board members, their relatives, and anyone who has previously received this commission.
Next steps: Applications will be reviewed by a panel consisting of artists from TU Dance and/or the field. 2-3 finalists will participate in an in-person or video conference interview with TU Dance leadership and panelists during the first week of August. The awardee will be notified by mid-August. The creation process will take place in mid‑November, with performances scheduled for early December (CULTIVATE Winter Showcase) or during March/April, with performances scheduled for the end of April (Spring Company Project Performances).
2026-27 Timeline:
July 30: Application Deadline
August 1-20: Panel discussions and interviews with finalists
August 21: Selection notification
November 16-25: Rehearsals
November 30-December 6: Tech week with performances December 4-6
Rooted in Toni’s lifelong commitment to mentorship, generosity, and community-centered creation, this initiative ensures that her spirit continues to guide and uplift artists as they shape the future of the field. For questions, please contact TU Dance Administrative Associate Yolanda Pauly at yolanda.pauly@tudance.org or (651) 724-9708.
This initiative has been created by Laurel Keen and Abdo Sayegh Rodriguez in honor of Toni Pierce-Sands with support from TU Dance’s Board of Directors, and made possible by individual donors. This initiative is partially funded through The Toni Pierce-Sands Legacy Fund.