The body-space-time (bst) Residency at the University of Washington Department of Dance application is open!
For local independent dance artists and companies.
Residency Date Choices (select 1):
- December 17 – 23, 2022 (Winter)
- March 18-25, 2023 (Spring)
- Ten days between August 19 and September 7, 2023 (Summer)
Submit the application with the subject line: “bst Residency” to Jennifer Salk at jsalk@uw.edu. Artists' applications are read and ranked by a panel of three members of the Seattle dance community.
Deadline: Friday, September 2, 2022
Direct questions to Jennifer Salk at jsalk@uw.edu
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 Department of Dance has large, beautiful studios, including one where shoes can be worn, and tap is permitted. It is preferred that artists use their own Bluetooth sound system but we can provide a sound system if necessary. The Department of Dance seeks to support dance artists in the making of new work and in the exploration of original ideas that may or may not culminate in a performance or methodology. The department supports innovative ideas while nurturing the vibrant Seattle dance community. Artists at all stages of their careers may apply. Two applicants will be selected for winter, two for spring and one for summer.
Studios will be available from 9:00AM – 9:00PM. The department will ask chosen artists to develop a set schedule of their studio usage in order to monitor access to the space and the building. For the artists' safety and building security, they will be asked to comply with the standard security precautions and maintenance procedures.
The department 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 Process for bst Residency
- Briefly describe how you anticipate utilizing this opportunity (350 word maximum).
Why would this intensive experience be especially beneficial to you at this time? Be concise and clear as you describe your proposed bst Residency time. Understandably, your specific methods and goals may change. We’re 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. 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.
- Please attach your résumé to your application and include a link or links to samples of your work.
- Save and attach your application as "lastnamebstresidency," in an email with the subject line: “bst Residency” to Jennifer Salk at jsalk@uw.edu.
Deadline: Friday, September 2, 2022
Our 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.
Application Review Process:
A panel consisting of artists/arts administrators/advocates in the Seattle community read and score the applications based on set criteria. Faculty review their decisions and look at the corresponding needs of the applicants to create our final recipients.