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).

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