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A NOTE FROM DOUG

For the past 35 years, I have been exploring and mining a creative process that has yielded a wide-ranging body of work that embraces a nuanced and interweaving sense of musicality, structure, and form. The great collaboration that I have with my company forms the framework of every creative project and with DEVICES I was interested in structuring an intensive that explores these principles. DEVICES creates an open environment that allows huge creative possibilities to emerge, allowing the imagination of every artist in the studio to be expanded and challenged to new places.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

After a three-year hiatus, Doug Varone and his Company will once again offer DEVICES: Choreographic Intensive & Mentorship, a program designed for choreographers. A unique program celebrating its fourth year, the entire scope of the mentorship is divided into three distinct parts over the course of several months. Up to 12 participants are selected through an application process.

Please note that DEVICES is intended for choreographers who have already begun making work in the field. Current MFA students who have already established themselves as professionals outside of their master’s program are welcome. Undergraduate students will not be considered.

DEVICES: Choreographic Intensive & Mentorship unfolds in three distinct parts:

PART 1: INTENSIVE RETREAT

MAY 22-27, 2022

DEVICES kicks off with an intensive retreat from 9:00am - 5:30pm in the dance studios of Hunter College in New York City. Over the course of six days, Doug will share ideas about craft, design and composition.

Key to Doug's process has been the development of finely honed creative games and devices, in which an abundance of material is built quickly then shaped and molded carefully to the specific needs of each dance. A “creation board” of dancers selected by Doug and the Company will be on hand so that participants can create their exercises and studies with dancers versed in this way of working.

Each day will begin with a warm-up class to prepare for the day’s activities. Various devices will be explored daily, allowing participating choreographers ample time to create small studies that embrace each new idea.

PART 2: ONGOING MENTORSHIP

JUNE AND JULY, 2022

Following the conclusion of the intensive retreat, Doug will continue to mentor the participants one-on-one over the summer as they each create a new dance on their own dancers. Doug will be available for studio and video feedback.

PART 3: FINAL SHOWCASE IN NEW YORK CITY

AUGUST 2022 DATES AND LOCATION TBD

The full slate of new dances will be presented in a mini-festival format in New York City.

TUITION

Tuition for the program: $1,500

Non-refundable application fee: $35

We have a very limited pool of funds available for need/merit-based scholarships. Scholarships will be awarded based on the supplemental application materials that you submit; no additional materials are necessary.  If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, you must provide a brief statement of need (submitted with your supplemental application materials), detailing your financial situation and the funds that you have available.  

IMPORTANT DATES

• ‍April 17: Complete application deadline (including all supplemental materials)
• ‍May 1: First tuition installment due
• ‍May 15:  Final tuition installment due
• ‍May 22-27:  Intensive Retreat at Hunter College
• ‍Mid-August (Dates TBD):  Showcase in New York City
  

TO APPLY

STEP 1:  ONLINE APPLICATION

Please complete the online application (click button below) along with submitting your $35 application fee. If you prefer to pay by check, contact our Workshop Coordinators at devicesworkshop@dovadance.org before beginning the application process.

APPLY HERE

STEP 2:  SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS

After your initial application has been received, you will receive a confirmation email with detailed instructions on how to provide the following required supplemental materials:

1. Personal statements (specific prompts will be provided)
2. Resume or CV
3. Headshot (does not need to be a professional photo)
4. Video work samples (one duet and one group work)
5. Two letters of recommendation
6. Financial aid statement of need if applicable (more information will be provided)
   

Your application for DEVICES cannot be considered until your initial application and all the supplemental materials have been received.

ACCEPTANCE POLICY

Completing this application does not guarantee acceptance to the program. Applications will only be considered if all requested materials are submitted by posted deadlines. Current undergraduate students will not be considered.

Upon acceptance to the program, tuition will be due in two $750 installments, the first due May 1st and the second and final due May 15th. The $35 application fee is non-refundable. Because of the competitive nature of this program, refunds will only be considered with documentation of a medical situation which prohibits participation. Current undergraduate students will not be considered.

COVID POLICY

• DOVA will abide by CDC guidelines, policies are subject to change.
• DOVA requires a negative test two days prior to the start of the intensive retreat and within three days into the retreat.
• Windows will remain open at all times to help circulation.
• Participants are required to be fully-vaccinated, including additional booster shot.
• Participants are required to wear face masks at all times.
• Participants are responsible for providing a personal face mask.  
• Temperature and health checks will be monitored every morning upon arrival.
• Any and all personal items (dance wear, etc) should not be shared with other participants
• All snacks and water used by an attendee will maintain social distance, and not be shared with other attendees.
• Only bottle refills at a water fountain are permitted. Any drinking directly from a water fountain is prohibited.
• DOVA will clean and disinfect every room at the end of each day of use.  

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Rapid and PCR tests are free in the city and widely available on street corners throughout the city. We will provide a list of resources to access these sites.

DOVA MISSION STATEMENT

DOVA, Inc (aka Doug Varone and Dancers) exists to explore the creative vision of
choreographer and director Doug Varone and his artistic collaborators. At the core of the organization is a commitment to creating safe environments to work and imagine in, for all its employees. DOVA’s artistic investigations dig deep into the storytelling of human nature engaging in dialogue with diverse audiences and creative communities globally. Sharing these authentic connections through its work and process informs every aspect of the organization, particularly its extensive educational platforms.

DEVICES is made possible in part by Hunter College, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

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Photo by Bailey Mutschler