CHOREOGRAPH FOR MOVE THE BUTTE 2027!

The Crested Butte Dance Collective and its community dance production, Move the Butte, were founded in 2010 with the mission “to deepen the connection to ourselves, each other, and the world around us through dance.”

Move the Butte is an adult community dance production that brings together more than 140 dancers, choreographers, teachers, artists, and community members each year. Through dance collaboration, instruction, education, and performance, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages creativity, self-expression, personal growth, and meaningful connection.

WHO CAN CHOREOGRAPH:

We welcome choreographers of all experience levels, from first-time choreographers to seasoned dance makers. We LOVE welcoming new choreographers and new creative voices into Move the Butte!

You may apply to choreograph independently or co-choreograph with another person.

To apply as a choreographer, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older and have completed high school.

• Have participated as a dancer in at least one previous Move the Butte production before applying to choreograph.

• Be available for all required rehearsals, showings, choreographer meetings, performances, and production commitments.

• Be prepared to communicate consistently with the directors, meet production deadlines, and support your dancers throughout the process.

WHY DO WE HAVE AN APPLICATION PROCESS:

We are incredibly fortunate that interest in choreographing for Move the Butte continues to grow! Because of performance-length and production constraints, however, we can only accommodate a maximum of approximately 22 pieces in the show each year.

The application process helps us consider all submissions together and create the fairest possible process for giving choreographers an opportunity to participate.

While we wish we could include every wonderful idea submitted, applying does not guarantee that a piece will be included in the production. Some pieces may initially be placed on a waitlist, and spaces frequently become available as plans and schedules change.

Depending on the number and nature of applications received, some choreographers may also be given the opportunity to present two pieces. If you have more than one great idea, please submit an application for each one! We encourage you to share the work you are excited to create.

HOW ARE CHOREOGRAPHERS SELECTED:

Applications are reviewed with the overall experience of the dancers, choreographers, audience, and production in mind. We consider:

Alignment with Our Mission
Does the piece support the spirit and mission of Move the Butte and contribute positively to our community?

Opportunities for Dancers
Does the piece create meaningful opportunities for dancers to participate? We especially value works that are inclusive of dancers with a range of experience and skill levels.

Commitment, Availability & Communication
Can the choreographer attend all mandatory rehearsals, showings, meetings, call times, and performances? Can they communicate reliably with dancers and directors and meet production deadlines?

Execution & Group Management
Does the choreographer have a clear and achievable vision for the piece and the ability to guide and support their dancers through the rehearsal and performance process?

Audience & Production Considerations
Is the piece appropriate for our diverse audiences, and does it contribute to a balanced, engaging, and varied overall production?

Our goal is to curate a show that reflects the creativity and diversity of our dance community while creating a positive, supportive experience for everyone involved.

CLASSES & REHEARSALS:

Once confirmed as a choreographer, you will have the opportunity to apply to offer your piece as a School of Dance class and to submit scheduling requests.

School of Dance staff will make the final determination about whether a piece is appropriate to be offered as a class. Additional information about classes, rehearsals, scheduling, and choreographer expectations will be provided to accepted choreographers.

APPLICATION NOTIFICATION:

Applicants will receive an email on October 2, 2026 regarding the status of each application. Pieces will initially be designated as either Accepted or Waitlisted.

Please don’t be discouraged if your piece is placed on the waitlist! 😉  Production needs and availability can change, and waitlisted pieces may be invited into the show if additional space becomes available.

MANDATORY CHOREOGRAPHER MEETING:

Selected choreographers must attend one of the following meetings in person:

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 8:00–10:00 AM
Pump Room- 306 Maroon Avenue, CB

OR

Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 PM
Jerry’s Gym at Town Hall - 507 Maroon Avenue, CB

We are deeply grateful for the creativity, time, energy, and care our choreographers bring to Move the Butte. Choreographers are an essential part of what makes this production possible, and we look forward to seeing the ideas you want to bring to the stage in 2027!