ECS 2026

In preparation of our 25th Anniversary, MNE proudly returns to the International Human Rights Art Festival continuing its mission to strengthen and nurture the NYC dance community.

Gender, Sexuality, and Queerness through the Dancing Body

Join us for a visceral and thought-provoking exploration of gender expression, sexuality, and queerness with works by ECS Alumni: Emory Ferra Campbell, Heather Dutton and Ke'ron J. Wilson.

*** Q&A with Artists and reception after the performance

We are also launching a dynamic, year-long series of events and activities that will honor the organization's legacy while propelling its artistic community into the future. 

ECS Alumni Festival
At the heart of the festivities is a reimagined ECS Festival—A multi-night event at Flushing Town Hall & LaGuardia Performing Arts Center that will revive 12 iconic pieces created and premiered during past ECS shows.

Supported choreographers include: Mikaela Morisato, Rohan Bhargava, Garrett Parker, Lavy Cavaliere, Makayla Peterson, Laura Peralta, Tomislav Nevistic, Heather Dutton, Edward Lathan, Ameeya Singh, Isaac Iskra, and Grace Tong. 

ECS Work-in-Progress Residencies & Professional Development Workshops
Keeping our commitment to develop new work, MNE will provide choreographic residencies to support 4 ECS alumni, culminating in a work-in-progress showing. Professional development workshops and 1:1 mentorship will help these choreographers take the next step in their careers. 

Supported choreographers: Heather Dutton, Emory Ferra Campbell, Maria Angela Talavera Tejeda, and Isaac Iskra. 

ECS Masterclass Series & Co-Working Sessions
MNE will host a 6-week masterclass series, taught by alumni choreographers. All teaching artists will receive a masterclass fee, and class will be open to the NYC dance community. Lastly, we will host alumni-led work-sessions - a designated meet-up for artists to work together and barter information on topics such as press kits, grants, tech riders, etc. 

Supported choreographers: Caroline Brethenoux, Peter Cheng, Isaac Iskra, Rohan Bhargava, and Lavy Cavaliere.

ECS 2026 SEASON DATES 

Saturday, Dec. 13: International Human Rights Arts Festival (IHRAF): show, class demo + Q&A (Satellite event)

Saturdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31: Master classes and professional development sessions 

Saturday, Feb. 28th: Work-in-Progress Showing + Q&A /Reception (LPAC)

Monday & Tuesday, April 20 & 21: Performances + Q&A at LPAC

Saturday & Sunday, May 9 & 10: Performances + Q&A at FTH

 AT A GLANCE

The ECS program encompasses five main elements: 

1. SPACE GRANT 

Each choreographer receives up to 45 hours of free rehearsal space (including up to 10 hours of rehearsal on stage), administered through Mare Nostrum Elements’ partnerships with the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC), American Tap Dance Foundation, and other sponsoring and venues. 

2. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & MENTORSHIP 

Participants receive consultations, workshops, and hands-on advice from working professionals on staging, directing, writing, costumes, lighting, arts administration, and finance. Each choreographer is assigned a personal mentor, an established professional of their choice (not guaranteed), to support them in the creation process. Mentors are compensated by MNE. Once the rehearsal process starts, participants meet every week to brainstorm with peers and share feedback on their works in-progress. Three weeks before the show, participants present their works in-progress to a panel of established choreographers who provide feedback and suggestions. 

3. PRODUCTION BUDGET 

Each choreographer is allotted a modest choreographer fee of at least $1,000. Performers are paid $15/hr for rehearsals (upto 45 hours) along with an additional stipend of $250 paid for tech, dress, and performances. MNE encourages and will provide logistical help for individual fundraisers to raise money for additional collaborators and cover 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. This year the performance format is TBD and might be virtual or align with COVID-19 guidelines at the time of performance. There is a possibility of a third showing to be added including a Q&A (date and venue TBD.) 

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. They meet every week for consultations, check-ins, and feedback sessions. 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 of the Emerging Choreographer Series that aims to facilitate mutual support, feedback and networking beyond the ECS program. Activities may include: marketing & promotional support, networking & social events, studio showings and feedback showings, peer circles, participation in the selection process for new ECS choreographers, and more as desired by Alumni Choreographers. In the past, several choreographers have been selected by our community partners to perform at their venues and festivals such as NuVu Dance Festival, the International Human Rights Arts Festival, CUNY Dance Initiative, Current Sessions, IDaCo nyc, Green Space Bloom Festival, Fini Dance NYC, Neighborhood Playhouse, and more.

ECS BENEFITS:

1. Lump sum compensation provided to choreographers.

2. $15-per-hour compensation provided to all dancers for rehearsals plus a small stipend for their commitment to tech, dress, and performances.

3. Up to 45 hours of rehearsals between designated venues and stage-time. 

4. Tech and dress rehearsal at designated venue with full crew and lighting. 

5. TWO fully produced performances at designated venue.

6. Professional lighting designer and tech crew, stage manager, ushers, and box office staff.

7. Mid-term work-in-progress feedback from a panel of established choreographers. 

8. Guidance, marketing, and logistical help throughout the process. 

9. Up to FIVE high-resolution photos of the final performance. 

10. Unedited professional wide-angle, one-shot video of the performance.  

11. Networking opportunities with leading industry professionals, presenting organizations, and theaters.

12. Invitation to join ECS Forward - a community of choreographers part of the ECS alumni network.

ECS EXPECTATIONS:

1. Commitment: ECS is an intensive program that requires choreographers to attend weekly meetings as well as mandatory orientations, tech & dress rehearsals, feedback showings, 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 a duration of no-longer than 45 minutes. 

3. Announce your participation in the program and advertise the process and performances by posting pictures, videos, and comments on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or other social media platforms. 

4. Participate in a 3-day takeover on MNE FB and IG accounts (guidance and support provided).

5. Guarantee at least 10 audience members’ presence at the performances. 

6. Collect dancer-availability and make a rehearsal schedule (MNE will assist and book space).

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 time-sensitive emails within 24-hours, and in general no later than 72-hours.

10. Follow guidelines and rules at all venues connected to the ECS. 

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

12. Credit MNE and the ECS in all future advertising 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 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

● We highly encourage solos, duet, and trio applications. Only pieces with a maximum of six people will be considered (Maximum limit: 5 dancers + 1 choreographer). 

● ECS pieces must be a new work proposal. Works that have been in-process, already-performed live or virtually, or that are scheduled to be performed before March 28th, 2023 will not be considered. New work may be an excerpt or a condensed version of a longer work as long as the sequence for ECS stands alone. 

● We ONLY support stage-ready work. Dance film or media projects will not be considered.

● New work proposal length should not exceed 10 minutes. 

● Committing fully to all ECS program elements is incredibly important for the success of each choreographer and the group. This includes orientations, Sunday choreographer meetings, peer feedback showings, rehearsals, workshops & professional development meetings, tech days, dress rehearsals, performance dates, etc. Participants unable to fully commit will not be considered. 

● Due to budget constraints, applicants with collaborators will not be considered. For example: team choreographers, assistant choreographers, rehearsal directors, etc.

● Selected participants will need access to the internet, GoogleDrive, and their own laptop or device to access Zoom meetings. 

● Applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the time of the application deadline.

● Applicants must be residents of New York City, living in one of the five boroughs. 

● Applicants must not be enrolled in any degree-granting colleges or programs while taking part in ECS.

 ECS 2024 IMPORTANT DATES 

Peer Feedback showings and Performances details will be announced shortly.

 SELECTION PROCESS 

The goal of ECS is to encourage the development of ideas from the very early stages of the process. Choreographers are not selected based on pre-existing work but on their vision and potential. Priority will be given to works that represent a personal or artistic challenge, an experimental/original style, and/or a current/controversial topic or theme. The Selecting Committee will include professionals in the dance field, MNE staff, and ECS Alumni. 

The ECS Choreographer Application process consists of 2 rounds: 

Round 1- Written Application & Short Video Submission 

Participants will be required to complete a written application (Google Form) including personal information, short answer questions, and a new work proposal. Participants must also provide a link to a video with no edits created specifically for the ECS application showcasing their choreography style. See video submission guidelines below. 

Round 2 - Zoom Interviews & Sharing Your Proposed Work 

Twelve to fifteen finalists selected from Round 1 will be invited to a Zoom Interview with the ECS selecting panel. During this time, applicants will be asked to share the description of the piece they intend to develop through the ECS program, show a sample movement sequence in real-time no longer than one minute, and answer questions about their proposal & application. This Zoom interview will be about twenty minutes. Each choreographer will also receive feedback from members of the selecting panel during this time. 

 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

The goal of the Emerging Choreographer Series 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 to execute the many aspects of self-producing in NYC. Participants will be required to cast and manage their dancers, plan and schedule rehearsal, provide props and costumes, submit material and paperwork for their group, advertise the event, as well as complete all related assignments and responsibilities. 

For ECS 2024, Nicola Iervasi (ECS Program Director), Kevin Albert (Dramaturg) and Rohan Bhargava (ECS Program Coordinator) will provide logistic production and hands-on support based on each choreographer specific needs.

  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 of 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 related to the proposal danced by the choreographer (only) even if he envisions a group piece or not planning 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 Link must be public or protected by a password that shall be provided to us and easily accessible by all selecting committee members. We will not be able to accept videos via email, websites or social media platforms. 

Frequently Asked Questions

 FAQ - Application & Selection Process 

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

Round 2 Zoom interview will be with the ECS Selecting Panel, made up of industry professionals and ECS Alumni. You will present the proposal information and be asked questions about your proposed work. The panel will also have a chance to give you feedback if time allows. This Zoom 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, props etc). 

- Up to 1-minute excerpt solo version of the piece you intend to develop during the program. 

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) 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) How many people are you looking for? 

Usaully, we are looking to select up to 6 choreographers from the application process. 

5) 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. 

6) When will ECS participants be announced? 

Usually, ECS participants will be announced no later than 10 days after the final selecting panel interview. 

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 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 can provide support in posting a virtual open call and provide logistical help for casting.

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

ECS meetings will be dedicated to career/professional development seminars and work-in-progress showings with peer feedback. This year, there is a hybrid structure of in-person and virtual sessions (Zoom), as noted in the comprehensive ECS timeline. Usually, most meetings take place at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) in Long Island City or MNE’s Office in Woodside, Queens. 

3) Are dancers required to attend ECS meetings? 

Dancers are required to attend the virtual orientation meeting. They will be paid their hourly rehearsal stipend for this commitment.  They are also highly encouraged to attend those Sunday meetings that focus on peer feedback. Tech/dress is mandatory for dancers.

4) Where will the Emerging Choreographer Series program take place? 

Usually most activities take place at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) in Long Island City, Flushing Town Hall in Flushing-Queen and El Barrio Performance Space in Manhattan.

5) When and how will rehearsals be booked? 

Rehearsals will be scheduled according to the availability of choreographers, dancers, and assigned rehearsal venue. Rehearsal bookings will be secured and all schedules finalized before rehearsals begin on . Choreographers will be asked to take part in the rehearsal booking process in order to gain experience with scheduling/booking and to fully understand each rehearsal venue's protocols and guidelines. 

6) Is there any compensation? 

Yes. Each choreographer will receive a lump sum fee (usually $800-$1200). Additionally, MNE will pay each performer $15/hr stipend for rehearsals (upto 45 hours) along with an additional fee of $250-$300 for tech, dress, and performances. Choreographers are welcome (but not required) to use alternate forms of funding to supplement their ECS work. 

7) 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, MNE has no preference on this matter. Choreographers choosing to dance in their own piece will receive an additional stipend of $250 for tech, dress and performances.

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

MNE encourages and provides logistical help for individual fundraisers to cover additional collaborators and other 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 and will be dispersed according to campaign/banking timing. You can also run your own independent campaigns. 

8) How long are the weekly choreographer meetings? Are they virtual or in-person?

Generally 4-5 hours. You must be able to attend all meetings to participate. Meetings are typically held on Sundays and a few on Monday evenings. This year we have a hybrid format. Most meetings are virtual with a few in-person. Please see our ECS 2023 timeline for details. 

9) Do I need to attend all weekly  meetings? 

Yes. Given the collaborative nature of the ECS, attendance and active participation at all Sunday/Monday meetings is a vital component to the learning and growth processes of all participants. 

10) 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 10 minutes? 

No. However, you may develop an excerpt or condensed version of a longer work as long as the 10 minute version presented at ECS 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 March 2023 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? 

Due to COVID-19 safety concerns and unpredictable guidelines, we can not allow for live musicians this year. 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 & commitment. MNE will not be able to offer storage space during the program at any participating venue or theater. 

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

Due to COVID-19’s unpredictable guidelines, we can’t guarantee projections or media options this year. 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. Please keep in mind that due to COVID-19 safety concerns, no more than 6 people are allowed in rehearsals. 

8) Can I use understudies, apprentices, or interns? 

ECS commits to remunerate all performing artists involved in the program. Unpaid understudies, apprentices, and interns are forbidden. Please contact us if you have a special case or further questions. 

9) Can I use a dramaturg or director? 

ECS provides a dramaturg as part of the program. No outside directors or dramaturgs will be allowed. 10) 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. For logistics, COVID-19 safety, equity, and budget reasons we do not allow any additional video or photo shooting during the ECS. 

11) How many dancers can be in my piece? 

 We highly encourage solos, duet, and trio applications. A maximum of  six people (5 dancers + 1 choreographer) will be granted access in all ECS 2023 Venues.

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]