CALL FOR WINNIPEG-BASED DANCERS
From Instant Dance to Choreography: A Creation Process
Independent dance artist Ian Mozdzen is seeking three Winnipeg-based professional dancers for a choreographic creation project, March-April 2026.
THE PROJECT
This funded project will develop a 20-30 minute ensemble choreography performed in silence. Over approximately 6 weeks of development, dancers will work to learn, embody & elaborate movement vocabulary extracted from Mozdzen’s personal archive of instant dance recordings (2021-present).
The project culminates in a work-in-progress showing in late April 2026, with audience feedback.
WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR
I seek professional dancers who:
∙ Are based in Winnipeg, MB
∙ Have endurance & strong technical skills
∙ Are curious about working with unconventional choreographic source material
∙ Are comfortable performing in silence without musical accompaniment
∙ Are available for the full project timeline (mid-March through late April 2026)
∙ Bring focus & energy to the construction/rehearsal process
Dancers of all backgrounds, bodies, ages & identities are encouraged to apply. This project welcomes artists from diverse cultural communities.
COMMITMENT & COMPENSATION
Rehearsal Period: Mid-March-Late April 2026
∙ Approximately 16 sessions (3 hours each = 48 hours)
∙ Scheduled with consultation
Performance: Work-in-progress showing, late April 2026 (specific date TBD, to be confirmed with selected dancers)
Compensation: CADA professional rates
∙ $30/hour for all rehearsal time (48 hours = $1,440)
∙ $140 showing fee
∙ Total per dancer: $1,580
TIMELINE
∙ Accepting Applications until February 20, 2026 (please submit as soon as possible)
∙ Interviews: Arranged after application, with result notification soon thereafter
∙ First Rehearsal: Mid-March 2026 (exact date TBD with selected dancers)
∙ Work-in-Progress Showing: Late April 2026
HOW TO APPLY
Submit the following materials with the subject line “DANCER APPLICATION - [Your Last Name]” to iansmoz@outlook.com:
1. 5-minute video showing you in motion
∙ Can be performance excerpt, rehearsal footage, improvisation or combination
∙ Please include at least 2 minutes of continuous movement
∙ Upload to YouTube, Vimeo or similar & provide link
2. Current CV/Resume (PDF format) & Artist Bio (maximum 250 words)
∙ CV should include dance training, performance experience, relevant skills
∙ Bio should highlight your artistic practice & current work
3. Letter of Interest (maximum 1 page)
∙ Why does this project interest you?
∙ What draws you to working with material developed from instant/spontaneous practice?
∙ Confirm your availability for the full project timeline (mid-March through late April)
ABOUT THE CHOREOGRAPHER
Ian Mozdzen is an independent dance artist from rural Manitoba with 20+ years of performance & creation experience. Since 2021, Ian has independently launched over 100 instant dance initiatives, developing the philosophy “YOU ARE ALREADY A WORK OF ART” & founding a SCHOOL OF NATURAL DANCERS platform. Recent presentations include Mexico’s FIDCDMX festival, Spain’s IBERICA residency, Bulgaria’s Alter-Ego Festival & Mile Zero Dance’s 40th anniversary season. Upcoming confirmed residencies include Ghana’s perforcraZe International Artist Residency (July 2026) & New York’s Baryshnikov Arts Centre (November 2026), where instant dance practice & choreographic development will continue to be explored & refined.
This project marks Ian’s first formal choreographic work & has confirmed funding from the Manitoba Arts Council.
Learn more: iansmoznewdance.blogspot.com | Instagram: @iansmoz
QUESTIONS?
Contact: iansmoz@outlook.com
ACCESSIBILITY
If you require accommodations to participate in rehearsals or performances, please indicate this in your application. We are committed to creating an accessible, supportive rehearsal environment for all participants.
