ECS 2027

NEW COHORT OF ECS CHOREOGRAPHERS & ECS FORWARD

After four years, ECS applications are reopening for a new cohort of choreographers. In parallel, the new ECS Forward Committee will lead continued opportunities and activities for ECS alumni.

 THE SIGNATURE ECS PROGRAM - AT A GLANCE

The ECS program encompasses five main elements: 

1. SPACE GRANT 

Each choreographer receives up to 35 hours of free rehearsal space through MNE’s partnerships with LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) and other sponsoring venues.

2. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & MENTORSHIP 

Participants receive workshops and hands-on advice from professionals on grant writing, arts administration, budgeting & finance, and more. Once the rehearsal process starts, participants get to work with MNE Leadership who can attend rehearsals and provide 1:1 feedback, dramaturgy support, and logistical guidance. One month before the show, participants present their works-in-progress in front of industry experts, peers, and invited guests to get valuable audience feedback.

3. PRODUCTION BUDGET 

Each choreographer is allotted a modest choreographer fee of $1,000. Performers are paid $18/hr for rehearsals (up to 35 hours) along with an additional stipend of $300 paid for tech, dress, and performances. MNE encourages and is able to host fundraising campaigns through its GiveButter platform to help choreographers collect tax-deductible donations to compensate additional collaborators and cover other production expenses.

4. PERFORMANCE 

The ECS Program culminates in two-fully produced performances at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LaGuardia Community College-CUNY) complete with full dress rehearsal and tech. All pieces will be presented as a world premiere and professional photo and video footage will be captured.

5. NETWORK BUILDING & ECS FORWARD 

The choreographers selected for ECS are brought into the program as a group and are expected to support each other along this choreographic journey. Additionally, ECS brings in panelists to view their work in hopes some may be selected for future opportunities. Choreographers are encouraged to build relationships with the consultants and panelists.

Post-program, all participants are invited to join ECS Forward, a platform for alumni choreographers that facilitates mutual support, choreographic opportunities, and networking beyond the ECS program, ushering ECS alumni into the next stage of their careers. This includes exclusive opportunities for ECS alumni: develop a longer 30-45 minute work with higher funding provided by MNE, serve in a paid leadership role in the ECS Forward Committee overseeing ECS Forward programming, teach a masterclass at Gibney, receive marketing support for self-produced shows by alumni, networking & social events, studio showings, work-in-progress residencies, and more!

ECS BENEFITS:

1. $1,000 choreographic fee for each selected choreographer, paid no later than June 1, 2027.

2. $18-per-hour rehearsal compensation for each dancer, plus a $300 stipend for tech, dress rehearsal, and two performances, paid no later than June 1, 2027.

3. Up to 35 hours of free rehearsal space and stage time at designated venues.

4. One hour of technical rehearsal and a full dress run at LPAC, with a professional crew and lighting.

5. Two fully produced performances in LPAC’s Mainstage Theater.

6. A professional lighting designer and technical crew, including a stage manager, stage runner, ushers, and box office staff.

7. One work-in-progress feedback showing with peers and industry leaders.

8. Three professional-development sessions led by industry professionals.

9. An intimate cohort structure that supports peer brainstorming, feedback, and resource sharing.

10. Guidance and marketing, production, and logistical support throughout the process.

11. At least five high-resolution photographs of the final performance.

12. Unedited professional wide-angle video footage from the performances.

13. One-on-one dramaturgical mentorship from MNE staff.

14. Networking opportunities with leading industry professionals, presenters, and theaters.

15. An invitation to join ECS Forward, MNE’s alumni community, with dedicated opportunities to continue developing work beyond the program.

ECS EXPECTATIONS:

1. Commitment: ECS is an intensive program that requires choreographers to attend professional development and planning meetings as well as mandatory orientations, tech & dress rehearsals, feedback showings, rehearsals, and performances. Choreographers are expected to be available for ALL dates and prioritize ECS. A detailed timeline is provided below.

2. Create a new work, fully ready for stage performance, with duration between 8-12 minutes

3. Announce your participation in the program and advertise the process and performances through social media platforms as well as word-of-mouth & 1:1 outreach

4. Participate in a 3-day takeover on MNE & LPAC’s IG Stories (guidance/support provided)

5. Guarantee at least 20 audience members’ presence at the performances.

6. Collect dancer-availability and share a rehearsal schedule (MNE will assist with booking).

7. Provide weekly dancer timesheet using MNE provided form.

8. Provide requested deliverables on-time such as artist statements, marketing materials, final music tracks, piece descriptions, cast list, dancer bios and headshots, rehearsal schedule, etc.

9. Respond to emails promptly, within 48-hours, and in general no later than 72-hours.

10. Follow space guidelines and rules at all ECS connected venues

11. Arrive at least 10 minutes before scheduled commitments and ECS rehearsals

12. Credit MNE and ECS in all future advertising and program material when performing the piece created during ECS

13. Assume all risks and responsibilities for property and personal wellbeing, as well as that of dancers/personal guests while inside all ECS venues. MNE and the venues are not liable for lost or stolen property, or incurred damage or injury.

14. Be responsible for dancer’s professionalism and behavior during ECS commitments.

15. Limit props & sets to small items that the choreographer is able to transport to each rehearsal & commitment. MNE will not be able to offer storage space during the program.

Guidelines & Eligibility

• Each piece may include a maximum of five performers on stage. The choreographer may choose to be one of the five performers.

• ECS accepts new-work proposals only. Works that are already in development, have been presented publicly—live or virtually—or are scheduled to be performed before April 28, 2027, will not be considered.

• A proposal may be for a new section of a longer work currently in development, provided that the ECS material is entirely new and can stand on its own.

• ECS supports stage-ready work only. Dance film and site-specific projects will not be considered.

• The work developed through ECS must be 8–12 minutes in duration.

• Full participation in all ECS program elements is mandatory. This includes orientations, professional-development sessions, rehearsals, the work-in-progress feedback showing, tech, dress rehearsal, and performances. Applicants who cannot commit to the full program will not be considered.

• Selected participants must have internet access, access to Google Drive, and a laptop or other device that can connect to Zoom meetings.

• Applicants must reside in one of New York City’s five boroughs.

• Applicants may not be enrolled full-time in a college or professional training program while participating in ECS.

 ECS 2027 IMPORTANT DATES 

● September

○ Mon, 21st: Round 1 Choreographer Application Launches

○ Wed, 30th 11am - 12pm EST: Application Q&A #1 with MNE Staff, via Zoom

● October

○ Sat, 3rd 1pm - 2pm EST: Application Q&A #2 with MNE Staff via Zoom

○ Sun, 11th at 11:59pm EST: Round 1 Choreographer Application Deadline

○ Sun, 25th 11am - 7pm at LPAC: In-Person Round 2 Presentation & Interview

● November

○ Fri, 6th: All Applicants Notified of Application Status

○ Sun, 15th 12pm - 2pm EST: Virtual Choreographer Orientation

● December

○ *Sun, 6th 12pm - 5pm at LPAC: In-Person Dancer Auditions/

● January

○ Sun, 10th 1pm - 2pm EST: Virtual Full Cast Orientation (Choreographers & Dancers)

○ Mon, 11th: ECS 2027 Rehearsals Begin

● February

○ Sun, 7th 2pm - 6pm at LPAC: In-Person Professional Development #1

○ Sun, 14th 2pm - 6pm at LPAC: In-Person Professional Development #2

○ Sun, 21st 2pm - 6pm at LPAC: In-Person Professional Development #3

○ Sun, 28th 2pm - 6pm at LPAC: ECS 2027 Photoshoot

● March

○ Sun, 21st 10am - 8pm at LPAC: In-Person Feedback Showing (with Dancers)

● April

○ Sun, 4th 2pm - 6pm EST: Virtual Production Meeting & Check-In

○ Wed, 21st - Fri, 23rd at LPAC: Tech Days (Time TBD)

○ Sun, 25th 12pm - 5pm at LPAC: Dress Rehearsal

○ Mon, 26th at 7pm at LPAC: Performance #1 + Reception

○ Tue, 27th at 7pm at LPAC: Performance #2 + Q&A

*Dancer auditions are optional for choreographers if they already have a cast decided.

 SELECTION PROCESS 

ECS encourages choreographers to develop ideas from the earliest stages of the creative process. Applicants are selected based on the strength of their choreographic idea, artistic vision, and potential—not on previously completed work.

Priority will be given to proposals that present a personal or artistic challenge, demonstrate an experimental or original approach, and/or explore topics connected to current social, cultural, or political issues.

The Selection Committee includes industry professionals, MNE leadership, and ECS alumni.

The ECS Choreographer Application process consists of two rounds:

ROUND 1: WRITTEN APPLICATION & SHORT VIDEO SUBMISSION

Applicants must complete a written application through Google Forms. The application includes personal information, short-answer questions, and a proposal for a new choreographic work.

Applicants must also submit a link to an unedited video created specifically for the ECS application. The video should introduce the proposed work and demonstrate the choreographer’s movement language, idea, and artistic approach. Please review the Video Submission Guidelines for complete requirements.

ROUND 2: IN-PERSON PRESENTATION & INTERVIEW

Twelve finalists from Round 1 will be invited to present their choreographic proposals to a panel of industry professionals and presenters.

During the 20-minute presentation and interview, finalists will be asked to:

• Describe the work they intend to develop through ECS.

• Present a live movement sample of no more than one minute.

• Answer questions about their proposal and application.

If time permits, applicants will also receive feedback from members of the Selection Committee.

SELECTION CRITERIA & CURATORIAL CONSIDERATIONS

ECS applications will be reviewed and scored using four main criterias:

1. Clarity & Completeness

2. Career Growth / Need

3. Artistic Intrigue / Challenge

4. Artistic Merit

MNE is interested in curating a multi-faceted cohort of five choreographers. The selection process will consider diversity in dance genres / styles, number of performers, themes and representation (gender, race, sexual, political, cultural, social, etc.), and geographic location (borough of residence).

 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

The goal of ECS is to have each participant become fully prepared and equipped to choreograph and bring their original work to the stage. Selected choreographers will be expected to learn and execute many aspects of self-producing in NYC. Participants will be required to cast and manage their dancers, plan and schedule rehearsals, provide props and costumes, submit materials and paperwork for their group, advertise the event, and complete all related assignments and responsibilities.

For ECS 2027, MNE leadership - Nicola Iervasi (MNE’s Artistic Executive Director) and Rohan Bhargava (ECS Program Manager) will be joined by outside consultants offering their expertise in various production and administrative fields. All consultations will include practical hands-on assignments and tools geared toward the development of choreographers' new works for the ECS.

  VIDEO SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 

● Applicants are asked to create a one-shot, unedited presentation and work sample video. The video must be made specifically for ECS and must not exceed 1 minute in length. The video must include a quick introduction with the choreographer's name & pronouns, the working title of their proposed new work, and a demonstration of 30 to 45 seconds of new movement material. The movement should relate to the proposal and must be danced by the choreographer ONLY, even if they envision a group piece and/or are planning not to dance. Video taken at home, in a studio, outdoors, with a phone, or with a camera, etc. will be accepted. Please no costumes or props at this time unless they are crucial to the proposal.

● We are not interested in seeing rehearsal footage, previous performances, dance reels or group work. The video sample is meant to give an idea of the proposed work and to see how the choreographer translates the proposal from words to movement—ideally, a short phrase that showcases the movement vocabulary envisioned for the new work.

● We accept video links via YouTube or Vimeo ONLY. Links can be public, unlisted, or protected by a password that should be provided as part of the application. Please test your links before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

 FAQ - Application & Selection Process 

1) What happens during the Round Two Zoom Interview of the application process? 

Round 2 interviews will be with the ECS 2027 Selecting Panel, made up of industry professionals and MNE staff. You will present your piece idea, show a small movement sample, and be asked questions about your proposed work. The panel will also have a chance to give you feedback if time allows. This interview will be about 20-minutes. You will be asked to prepare the following:

● A verbal description of the piece, including brief synopsis and ideas for music, staging, props, etc.

● 1-minute movement sample - a solo version of the piece you intend to develop during ECS 2027

2) Can I apply with a collaborator/partner? 

No. Although we have supported team choreographers in the past, due to budget constraints, we will need to be strict on the number of participants and can only accept solo choreographers.

3) For Round 1: Do I need to have dancers to show my new work movement material? 

No. You will demonstrate your own movement in the Choreographer Application video submission. If you are unable, email us about other options. For the application process we want to see a solo demonstration of material even if your piece is conceived for a group. 

4) For Round 2: Do I need to have dancers to show my new work movement material?

It’s up to you! You can either demonstrate your own movement material during the in-person interview or have a dancer of your choice demonstrate the movement. But regardless, this should still be a solo demonstration of material even if your piece is conceived for a group.

5) How many people are you looking for? 

We are looking to select 5 choreographers this year from the application process.

6) Who will be on the selecting committee? 

The selecting committee will consist of professionals in the industry with significant experience in choreography and self-producing as well as ECS Alumni choreographers. Past selecting panelists included Christine Dakin, Raja Feather Kelly, Nicole von Arx, Sidra Bell, Elisa Monte, Archie Burnett, Brenda Bufalino, Christian Von Howard, Joya Powell, Miki Orihara, Mike Esperanza, Ephrath Asherie, Anabella Lenzu, Sekou McMiller, and Noah Racey.

7) Is there an age requirement for ECS choreographers? Can choreographers be enrolled in college?

The minimum age requirement to apply for ECS is 18 years old. However, those enrolled in a college/degree granting program or an intensive study curriculum of any level/discipline between January and May 2027 are not eligible to apply for ECS. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your specific situation do not hesitate to reach out to us via email.

 FAQ - ECS Program

1) How will dancers be chosen? 

Choreographers are encouraged to reach out to colleagues, dancers, and friends in their network. For all choreographers in need of dancers, ECS will provide support in posting an open call and will host the in-person audition on Sun, December 6th between 12pm - 5pm at LPAC. This is optional for choreographers who aren’t looking for new dancers, but we strongly encourage attending!

2) What happens at the weekly ECS meetings? Are they held in-person or virtually? 

This year, all ECS professional development seminars will be held in-person. We will have dedicated topics for each session led by guest consultants who are experts in their fields. Choreographers might be given prep work prior to these sessions so that they can receive hands-on feedback. Most meetings take place at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) in Long Island City or at MNE’s Office in Woodside, Queens.

3) Are dancers required to attend ECS meetings? 

Dancers are required to attend the virtual orientation meeting on Sunday, January 10th from 1-2pm EST. They will be paid their hourly rehearsal stipend for this commitment. Tech & dress is mandatory for all dancers.

4) When and how will rehearsals be booked? 

Choreographers will be asked to collect availability from their dancers and send a full schedule of dates to MNE by Monday, November 16th. Some adjustments might need to be made if no space is available during the desired times, in communication with the choreographers. Rehearsal bookings will be secured and all schedules will be finalized by December 2026.

5) Is there any compensation? 

Yes. Each choreographer will receive a $1,000 fee. Additionally, MNE will pay each performer an $18/hr stipend for rehearsals (up to 35 hours) along with an additional fee of $300 for tech, dress, and performances. Choreographers are welcome (but not required) to use alternate forms of funding to supplement their ECS work.

6) Are choreographers allowed to dance in their work? Will I get paid more if I dance in my own piece? 

Yes, it is totally up to you! Choreographers choosing to dance in their own piece will receive an additional stipend of $300 for tech, dress and performances as well as the $18/hr dancer fee. But, if you choose to dance, there can’t be more than five dancers in the work including the choreographer.

7) Can I do additional fundraising for my ECS piece? 

MNE encourages and provides logistical help for individual fundraisers to pay additional collaborators and cover production expenses. Choreographers can set up campaigns through MNE’s GiveButter platform to receive tax-deductible donations with no commissions charged by MNE. Funds must be used for ECS expenses only. You can also run your own independent campaigns.

8) Do I need to attend all weekly  meetings? 

Yes. Given the collaborative nature of ECS, active participation at all meetings and professional development sessions is mandatory for the learning and growth of all participants.

9) What happens if I get a job that conflicts with the program? 

We will strive to accommodate conflicts and other commitments in our scheduling process. However, once the rehearsal schedule and all other events are finalized you are expected to fully commit. If commitments that arise after the acceptance of the program will create significant conflicts, you could be asked to leave and forgo payment and the opportunity to present your work. The same rules apply to dancers and we ask that you take this into consideration when selecting your cast. 

FAQ - Choreographic Work 

1) Are there any stylistic limitations for choreographers? 

No. All dance styles, fusions, and themes are welcomed. We invite and encourage a wide spectrum of forms and will evaluate classical, ballet, modern, contemporary, hip-hop, tap, percussive, jazz, dance theater, experimental, traditional/folk, etc. or fusion expressions on an equal scale.

2) Can I present a piece longer than 12 minutes? 

No. However, you may develop an excerpt of a longer work as long as the excerpt stands alone.

3) Can I show my piece in public before the end of the program? 

No. Your choreography must premiere at the ECS performance in April 2027 and cannot be shown in public, live or virtual, before that date. This includes performances of excerpts, informal studio showings, streaming events, etc.

4) Can I incorporate live music into the work?

We are unable to support live musicians, unless it is absolutely crucial for the choreographic presentation. If live music is integral to your proposed work and/or dance form, please contact us before applying so we can assess your eligibility.

5) Can I use props in my work? Will MNE provide storage space?

ECS limits props to small items that the choreographer is able to transport to each rehearsal and commitment. MNE will not be able to guarantee storage space during the program at any participating venue or theater.

6) Can I use video/media in my proposed work?

We are unable to support projections or media options unless it is absolutely crucial for the choreographic presentation. If projections/digital media is integral to your proposed work and/or dance form, please contact us before applying so we can assess your eligibility.

7) Can I use a composer, costume designer, or other collaborators?

ECS budget does not include payment for rehearsal assistants, costume designers, composers, media creators, projection artists, prop masters, makeup artists, etc. You may choose to hire them at your own expense and we are happy to assist with any fundraising efforts.

8) Can I use a dramaturg or director?

ECS provides dramaturgy support to choreographers. Outside directors / dramaturgs are not allowed.

9) Can I have my personal photographer or videographer for my piece?

No. MNE hires a professional photographer and videographer for the dress rehearsal and performances. Such material will be shared with you at no cost.

10) How many dancers can be in my piece?

Each piece can have a maximum of five performers on stage. The choreographer can choose to be one of the five performers or not. So, the maximum limits are as follows:

● 5 dancers + 1 choreographer, if the choreographer is not dancing in their own work

● 4 dancers + 1 choreographer, if the choreographer is dancing in their own work

If you have a question for which you did not find and answer, do not hesitate to contact us: ecs@mnelements.org

ECS in the Press

“There was overall a high level of conceptual thought and execution in the evening. A youthful mind was evident in the dances, but no empty-headedness. Also, the work did not fall into the trap we see too often in student projects at elite colleges: too much of this (he said, pointing to his head) and not enough of this (he said, pointing to his sacral chakra).

Every dance in the evening had a brave message, ….

Young, brazen and eminently worth nurturing are these choreographers. Kudos to the Emerging Choreographer Series. Would I go back next year”? Adamantly yes! [Barney Yates, nytheatre-wire.com]

“Optimism is the overwhelming feeling when I think of the show. It truly was refreshing to see how the emerging choreographers were able to use themes we have seem before but present in a refreshing new light as told thru their experiences and point of views

… The venue was the perfect dance space. 

… This company got me very excited about dance again. They were not afraid to showcase all styles of dance and take risks on young choreographers. 

… I would say to continue exploring all ways genres of dance and take changes on up and coming artists”. [Chris Eleftheriades audience review - The Dance Enthusiast]

“My overall impressions were of a well-produced series of pieces. The overall flow, theater and stage setup, lighting and music, were all done well and offered a professional experience for the audience.”

… “I think the ECS this year did an amazing job of inspiring, supporting and cultivating new artists in the world of dance and choreography. I think it's absolutely amazing that such a thing even exists and that they support artists both in studio resources as well as through financial support. Providing an incubation space while allowing these artists to learn from each other as well as from those who are more seasoned in the industry is something NYC should be proud of having and I'm eager to see what next year's is going to look like!” [Shaya K. audience review - The Dance Enthusiast]

ECS FORWARD

A NEW COMMITTE FOR ECS ALUMNI

ECS Forward is MNE’s platform for supporting Emerging Choreographer Series alumni beyond the completion of the program.In 2026, MNE formed the first ECS Forward Committee: a group of alumni working together to shape, organize, and strengthen continued opportunities for the ECS community. The committee will help ensure that future programming responds directly to the artistic and professional needs of alumni.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES & ACTIVITIES

Alumni co-working sessions

Alumni-led masterclasses

Work-in-progress residencies and showings

Marketing support for alumni productions

Networking and social gatherings

Performance opportunities

MEET THE ECS FORWARD COMMITTEE

The ECS Forward Committee is an alumni-led group working with MNE to develop programming, strengthen communication, and create continued opportunities for the ECS alumni community.

MAR TALAVERA-TEJEDA
Committee Chair

MAKAYLA PETERSON
Secretary & Treasurer

AMEEYA SINGH
Marketing & Communications Coordinator

ASHLEY YEHODA
Production & Events Coordinator

MORE COMING SOON…

We’re building a dedicated online home for ECS Forward. Check back soon for committee updates, upcoming programs, alumni opportunities, and ways to stay connected.