COHORT DISCUSSION
This program utilizes cohort learning because we believe that coming together with a shared purpose creates a brighter and more impactful future. Each participant arrives with their own unique knowledge, skills, and experiences, and makes valuable contributions to the group through collaboration and sharing of resources and ideas. As a group, cohort members will debrief after each workshop and guest artist conversation and will consider how to apply skills and advice learned directly to their careers. Together we will create a climate of possibility, welcoming the valuable perspective and unique voice of each participant.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
Gain tools to build and sustain your own thoughtful and unique career in dance. Workshops will cover an array of foundational skills for independent artists including writing compelling artist statements, financial literacy, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more.

GUEST ARTIST CONVERSATION
With consideration for a multiplicity of career expressions and entry points, these conversations with artists and dance-workers of diverse backgrounds will aim to expand our understanding of what a career in dance can be. Participants will connect with esteemed artists who are critical thinkers, community builders, artist-entrepreneurs, and who have built their own sustainable careers in the dance field.

MENTORSHIP SESSION
Opportunity to connect weekly with program facilitators and renowned directors and educators Alexandra Wells, Gibney Senior Director of Training and Company Advisor, Jessie Kardos, Deputy Director of Training, and Gilbert T Small II, Training Consultant, to receive personalized mentorship. Facilitators will listen and support each individual’s research, pathfinding, choice-making, and dreaming, and will work with every cohort member to consider their whole artist-self in everything they do.

PEER COLLABORATION
Participants will be a part of a supportive network of peers throughout the program. In preparation for mentorship sessions, cohort members will meet in pairs to discuss questions and goals. Peers will serve as accountability partners and collaborators on assignments and progress toward set goals.

MOVEMENT CLASS
Through an antiracist lens and with insistence upon accessibility, Gibney Training programming is shaped with a diverse team of dance educators and techniques offered, curated by Gilbert T Small II and Alexandra Wells. Outside of the program schedule, cohort members have the option to take up to three weekly online drop-in classes of their choosing. View Class Schedule

1 month, 3 days a week, 3.5 hours a day
July 6 – 30, 2021
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
12:30-4:00 PM EST (9:30 AM-1:00 PM PST)
The first day will be Tuesday, July 6, due to the July 4 Holiday.

This program takes place online in real-time, via Zoom.

Application Deadline:
Applications open on Friday, April 30. Apply early and submit your tuition deposit to secure your spot! Capacity for this program is limited. The application is due by Monday, June 7.

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Full price tuition: $450 USD
This includes 4 weeks of 22+ professional development workshops, 23+ artist conversations, and 4 mentoring sessions, as well as three weekly online drop-in movement classes.

Application Deposit
$50 tuition deposit
This deposit holds your place in the program on a first come first serve basis.

Due upon applying, and no later than Monday, June 7, 2021.

Tuition deposits are non-refundable unless the applicant does not meet eligibility requirements or applies after capacity has been reached. If capacity is reached, new applicants will join a waitlist and will not be required to submit a tuition deposit until a spot opens.

Payment Schedule
Applicants will be notified of acceptance and scholarship awards by Tuesday, July 1, 2021. Remaining tuition payments, up to $450 due by Friday, June 18. Payment plans available upon request.

Refund Policy
Tuition deposits of $50 are non-refundable unless you do not meet eligibility requirements, or apply after program capacity has been reached.

No refunds are given once the program has started, regardless of program completion or withdrawal. Dismissal from the program will not constitute a reason for any refund.

Causes for Dismissal
Participants may be asked to leave the program if they are consistently unable to attend sessions. Each participant is expected to follow Gibney’s Code of Conduct by showing respect toward facilitators, faculty, guests, and peers. At any point, if Gibney staff feels you have demonstrated behavior deemed unacceptable or offensive, it may be cause for dismissal from the program.

A limited number of scholarships are available based on financial need.

Apply for a scholarship here.

Please submit your program application and scholarship application on the same day, if possible. Scholarship applications will be reviewed separately from program applications after capacity is met, or after June 7, 2021.

We cannot guarantee any scholarship amount requested but will work with participants to meet their needs as much as possible. Scholarships do not apply to the $50 tuition deposit.

Application Deadline:
Capacity for this program is limited. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first served basis. Apply early and submit your tuition deposit to secure your spot!

Notification Date:
Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Confirmation of Participation and Payment Due:
Friday, June 18, 2021

Final Program Schedule and Zoom links will be provided the week of June 28, 2021.

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Applicants must be 18 years of age or older by July 1st, 2021.

Gibney does not have a maximum age cap for this program. 

Participants will need access to stable Wi-Fi or internet connection, a computer or tablet device with a working camera, and access to Zoom. 

Participants are expected to attend all sessions to the best of their ability. As program success relies directly on participation from cohort members, we ask that you reconsider applying if you know you will need to miss more than one week of the program. 

English Proficiency is not required, though an understanding of English is encouraged to take full advantage of all curriculum as all sessions will be conducted in English. Gibney will provide Live Transcription via Otter Live Notes in English for this program.

Ideal candidates are interested in cohort learning and want support to develop their career in dance and the performing arts through community and skill-building. We recognize and celebrate a diversity of career paths and expressions, and we welcome movement practitioners of all backgrounds. 

This program is closed to a limited number of participants in order to provide individualized support. 

Professional Development at Gibney, led by Jessie Kardos, supports dance professionals of all backgrounds building (and re-building) a unique and sustainable career through accessible learning, expanding skills, and fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

Gibney’s Training Department, led by Alexandra Wells, serves the current and holistic needs of adult dance artists, with consideration for the multiplicity of career expressions and entry points. Through the cultivation of an inclusive and positive space, the Training Department offerings make space for exploration, risk-taking, personal and artistic growth, connection, and fun. It is our priority to listen to and support our community, and to empower the future leaders of the field.

Gibney’s mission is to tap into the vast potential of movement, creativity, and performance to effect social change and personal transformation. Through expansive programming, we push boundaries, address pressing issues, lift voices, and mobilize the power of movement to transform lives and, in turn, change the world we live in.

Inclusion and equal treatment of all members of the community are core values of Gibney and central to its mission. Gibney is committed to diversity in every aspect of its programming and services. Diversity in this context refers to aesthetics, groups, communities, and individuals identified by race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, religion, age, or disability status. Gibney is committed to honoring, nurturing, and advancing dance through the lens of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in all aspects of its programming, services, and organization. Inclusion means a commitment to making all members of the community feel welcome and comfortable at Gibney.

If you are interested in joining the Climate of Possibility and you have additional questions, please contact Jessie Kardos at jessiek@gibneydance.org. We are always happy to help!