body - space - time (bst) Residency 2024- 2025
For local independent dance artists & companies.
What is bst?
bst is a residency designed to support local dance artists by offering the gift of space and time during the UW Department of Dance “off” times, when formal classes are not in session. bst offers the opportunity to experiment, make “mistakes”, revise ideas, and remain focused on the creative process without the pressure that accompanies commissioned works or performance deadlines. The UW Department of Dance has large, beautiful studios, including one where shoes can be worn, and tap is permitted. It is preferred for recipients to use their own Bluetooth sound system (the Department is in the process of replacing its system). The residency seeks to support dance artists in the making of new work and the exploration of original ideas that may or may not culminate in a performance or methodology. bst supports innovative ideas while connecting the University to the vibrant Seattle dance community. Artists at all stages of their careers may apply.
Studios will be available from 9:00AM – 9:00PM. For safety reasons, recipients will be asked to develop a set schedule of their studio usage so that the Department can monitor access to the studios and the building. Recipients will also be asked comply with the Department's standard usage guidelines, and security precautions.
See here for a list of past bst recipients.
What bst is Not
The bst Residency is not offering people classroom space or teaching space. The use of the studios should generate no revenue. This is meant for individual artists and companies to develop ideas.
Application
- Submit your application with subject line: “bst Residency” to Jennifer Salk at jsalk@uw.edu.
- Your application attachment should be saved as follows: “lastnamebstresidency”
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Deadline: Friday, November 1, 2024
Rank your preference on Residency Dates (you may select more than one.):
- March 22 – 29, 2025 (One residency available)
- Ten days between August 24 – September 12, 2025 (Three residencies Available)
* Although historically bst included a winter session, The Department of Dance is unable to offer additional residencies during December this year (2024), due to to installation work in the studios.
Briefly describe how you anticipate utilizing this opportunity.
350 word maximum please.
Be concise and clear as you describe your proposed bst Residency time. Understandably, your specific methods and goals may change. The panel is interested in learning about the specific project you have in mind, but also how you hope the experience will advance or deepen your practice as a dance artist. Why would this intensive experience be especially beneficial to you at this time? Keep in mind that panelists may not know your work; clarity and brevity about what distinguishes you as an artist can help your application serve as a compelling introduction.
Resume & Work Sample
Please attach your résumé to your application and include a link or links to two to three samples of your work
(Direct questions to Jennifer Salk at jsalk@uw.edu)
Application Review Process
A panel consisting of artists/arts administrators/advocates in the Seattle community read and score the applications based on set criteria. The UW Department of Dance faculty review the panel's decisions and look at corresponding needs of the applicants to determine the final recipients.
The first bst Residency recipient, Dayna Hanson, offers this advice:
- Allow plenty of time for your proposal; don’t put it together at the last minute.
- Begin your draft with a “brain dump,” listing all the thoughts and ideas you want to include in your application. Highlight the most important ones. Step away for a day or two; when you return to this list, choose your most important ideas and organize your proposal around them.
- Find a reader to review your application before you submit. This may be someone who knows you but isn’t familiar with your dance work, someone who can give you an outside perspective on what you’ve written.