CHOREOGRAPHY AND DANCE PROJECTS

FULL AUDITION DETAILS
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Jana Bennett, Dance by Jana, is seeking two professional Chicagoland contemporary dancers for a new duet work premiering on Saturday, March 7th as part of the Ardent Dance Festival: Women in Dance in Chicago, IL.

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This project is designed for experienced artists who value physical depth, theatrical embodiment, and clear professional structure. The rehearsal process will be focused, efficient, and demanding, with respect for dancers’ time, bodies, and artistry.

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About the Work

 

This duet is highly physical and highly theatrical. Dancers must be comfortable working at the edges of physical and expressive range.

 

Physical demands include, but are not limited to:
• Deep pliés and end-range joint positions
• High extensions
• Significant jumping and dynamic, fast-paced movement
• Sustained physicality throughout rehearsal and performance
 

Theatrically, this work requires full-bodied performance and facial engagement. Neutral expression is not appropriate for this piece. Dancers should be comfortable with over-exaggeration, heightened emotional states, and committing fully to character and embodiment.

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The work itself is rooted in reflection. It examines the tension between what is presented as safe, good, or benevolent on the surface and what may exist beneath. It asks questions about appearances, power, and the quieter forms of darkness that can live inside things marketed as virtuous. This inquiry will be explored through physical extremity, theatrical exaggeration, and embodied presence rather than narrative explanation.

Who Should Apply

• Professional contemporary dancers (ages 18 and above) with extensive experience in contemporary, ballet and improvisation
• Artists comfortable with physical rigor and theatrical vulnerability
• Dancers who value punctuality, preparedness, and professional accountability
 

Performance Details

Festival: Ardent Dance Festival – Women in Dance
Date: Saturday, March 7th
Tech and Performance: 3:00–9:00 PM (full availability required, no exceptions), Performance at 6:30 pm

Performance/Tech will be paid via the "Performance/Tech Rate" of $30/hr

Performance Venue: Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble, 1650 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

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Rehearsal Structure
 

Guaranteed and required rehearsal time: 6 hours total

Rehearsals will be paid via the "Rehearsal Rate" of $25/hr

Rehearsal window: February 9th through March 6th
Rehearsals are scheduled primarily in two-hour blocks and are flexible in day/start time based on dancer availability.

Dancers are required to accept up to 2 hours of additional rehearsals, if needed (may be scheduled in increments of 1 hour).

Extra rehearsals will be paid via the "Extra Rehearsal Rate" of $30/hr

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Rehearsal times will be scheduled collaboratively based on dancer availability and studio rental access.

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Rehearsal Location

Location of rehearsals is TBD based on dancer transportation limitations, rental availablity and project costs/needs.

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Warm-Up Policy

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The first 20 minutes of each rehearsal are paid dancer warm-up time. Dancers are expected to self-direct their warm-up. A guided warm-up will not be provided by the choreographer.

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Dancers must arrive early enough to complete all pre-rehearsal needs so that rehearsal begins exactly at the scheduled start time. Start and end times will be strictly observed.

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Photo, Video, and Media Policy

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All dancers who participate in this project consent fully to all photo, video and media taken during the project at the choreographer and Jana Bennet’s discretion. Additionally, all media will be owned by Jana Bennett, Dance By Jana, and can be used at any time for any purpose.

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Professional Expectations

• Absolute punctuality is required for all rehearsals and performance commitments
• Dancers must independently manage transportation to rehearsal and performance venues
• Once rehearsal times are confirmed, they are expected to be honored fully, except in cases of illness or emergency

• In the case of dancer or choreographer's illness or emergency reported up to 2 hours before schedule rehearsal time, the rehearsal will be canceled with dancer not receiving pay for the canceled rehearsal hours due to the emergency or sickness

• If dancer is absent or late for any reason to rehearsal, tech or performance, other than sickness or emergency, choreographer has a right to terminate contract and release dancer from role immediately with only completed in-person studio hours paid out, any scheduled remaining rehearsal or performance/tech hours would be forfeited by dancer in this case

• Due to limited time of project, If dancer cancels on rehearsal 2 times or more, even due to sickness or emergency, choreographer has a right to terminate contract and release dancer from role immediately with only completed in-person studio hours paid out, any scheduled remaining rehearsal or performance/tech hours would be forfeited by dancer in this case

• Dancers selected must be responsive and prompt in communication so rehearsals can be scheduled as soon as acceptances are sent

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Compensation

Rehearsal rate: $25 per hour

Extra rehearsal rate: $30 per hour
Tech and performance rate: $30 per hour

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Guaranteed minimum compensation per dancer: $330

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Payment breakdown:
• $150 for six hours of rehearsal

Paid at the completion of the six-hour rehearsal period

• $180 for tech and performance on March 7th

Paid at the completion of the performance hours on Saturday, March 7 

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Any rehearsal hours beyond the initial six will be compensated at $30 per hour.

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Payment type:

Payment will be issued in two pay periods via check, Chase, or Zelle.

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Audition and Selection Process
 

The audition process will begin with a written application. Applicants will be asked to submit:
• Resume
• Video footage of dancing
• Availability during the rehearsal window

• Other deemed necessary materials for project audition

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Dancers may be selected based on application materials alone.

If needed, a by-invite-only in-person audition or rehearsal may be held.
 

In the case of an In-Person Audition:

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In-person audition length: approximately one hour

The audition will be closed, meaning those attending the live audition will be attending on a by-invite-only basis.
• Compensation for invited live audition dancers: $20
• An in-person audition is not guaranteed and will be scheduled solely at the choreographer’s discretion

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Application Deadline
 

Applications will close at end of day on Tuesday, February 3rd.

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All dancers will be contacted shortly thereafter regardless of accpetance or rejection.

Accepted dancers are expected to be in prompt communication so rehearsal scheduling can be finalized as quickly as possible.
They will be required to:
• Confirm intent to accept role via email within 48-hours of acceptance email
• Attend a 15-minute Introductory Zoom Call with choreographer pre-contract sign (this call will not be compensated)
• Sign a contract for the project as an Independent Contractor

Questions
 

If you have any questions, concerns, or need additional information, you are encouraged to reach out. Please direct all inquiries to jana@dancebyjana.com
. I will respond as promptly as possible and appreciate clear, professional communication.
 

Thank you sincerely for your consideration and for the time, energy, and vulnerability it takes to apply. I appreciate every dancer who submits for this project. Choreography is where my heart lands, and this work is being approached with care, curiosity, and deep respect for the artists who bring it to life.

Warmly,

Jana Bennett
Dance by Jana