THE COMMISSION FOR DEVELOPING CHOREOGRAPHERS
In a world where commissions are offered behind closed doors, we invite the world to apply.
Information about the 2027 Commission for Developing Choreographers will be released in early 2026. Subscribe to our newsletter to be informed of the next opportunity to apply.
The name for the Commission for Developing Choreographers speaks not to the career stage of choreographers it hopes to engage—both emerging and established professional dance makers are encouraged to apply. Rather, it illuminates both the hope and the lived experience that closely collaborating with artists across disciplines within the framework of The BalletCollective Process will inspire and develop unique artistic growth in participants.
BalletCollective’s central premise is the exploration of how interdisciplinary collaboration can advance the creation of new, dance-driven works that reflect the world we live in. The BalletCollective Process assembles a choreographer, a composer and a “source artist” (a non-performative artist) in a structured, months-long process to produce an original dance-based work and original musical score. Founder and Artistic Director Troy Schumacher created and continually refines the Process, maximizing opportunities for creative growth and presenting unexpected pathways into the art form both for the participating artists and the audiences who receive their work.
ABOUT The Commission for Developing Choreographers
BalletCollective’s Commission for Developing Choreographers is open to any member of the dance community with prior professional choreography experience.
Choreographers will be asked to commission, with BalletCollective’s support and guidance, a composer to create an original score for their piece. These two collaborators will then be tasked to work together to identify a “source artist” (any non-performative creator or thought leader) to create or curate a piece of “source art”—a contemporary work of art in any medium—that will serve as the starting reference point for their work. Past source artists have included photojournalists, board game designers, visual artists, architects, and more. It is through the interpretation, exploration of, and response to the source art that the dance-based work and its score ultimately arise.
The two selected choreographers will each be offered a commission fee ranging from $9,000-$18,000 based on commission length. Additional fees are paid by BalletCollective to the choreographer’s selected composer and source artist. BalletCollective will also provide to the choreographer:
dance studio space during creative residencies in New York, NY and Millbrook, NY
assistance with travel and housing during creative residencies in New York, NY and Millbrook, NY
the chance to work with an ensemble of exceptional dancers and musicians
mentorship, guidance, and support