Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be between the ages of 19 and 24 at the time of application.

• Live in one of the following locations: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Hoboken, or Jersey City.

• Submit an original concept that has not been previously performed.

• Be unaffiliated with any college or university during the grant period (if enrolled, must graduate by May 2025).

• Not have received any prior grant funding (including private, corporate, or government grants).

• Apply as an individual (companies and collectives are not eligible).

• Demonstrate a compelling choreographic vision. Preference will be given to applicants exploring interdisciplinary collaborations with sound or visual artists.

• Choreographers must work with at least four dancers in the final piece.

• Grant funds may be used for rehearsal space, artist fees, costumes, music, photography, and videography.

• Elaborate sets, scenic elements, and special lighting are not permitted. Video projection may be considered with prior approval.

Before funds are released, recipients must submit:

•  A project budget

•  Cast of Dancers

• Rehearsal and audition schedule

Funds will be distributed in two installments:

• $500 upon selection

• $500 after the March 2026 performance

Eligible applications undergo a two-round review and elimination process.

Round 1

• Panelists individually review all applications, and the highest-scoring applications advance to Round 2.

Round 2

• The top-scoring applicants will participate in a 20-minute one-on-one interview with ETD Artistic Director Eryc Taylor. Then, panelists and ETD Board Members will engage in a group discussion to evaluate these applications and select the final grant recipients.

All applicants will be notified, regardless of the outcome, by December 1, 2025.

Submit your application HERE