Apply for Motion Mixers
Be part of GRIDLOCK Dance’s showcase series focused on fostering connection in the DMV dance community.
About
Experience a night where dance, conversation, and connection come together at GRIDLOCK Dance's Motion Mixer—an exclusive monthly event at the DC Arts Center in Washington, DC. Part social gathering, part performance, these intimate showcases will include performances by DMV dancers, networking prompts over food and drinks, and an interactive talkback discussion with the artists. Designed to bring the DMV dance community together in a social setting, GRIDLOCK Dance’s Motion Mixer is an intimate event that you won’t want to miss.
We're excited to announce this open call for applications to be part of GRIDLOCK Dance's Motion Mixer! Whether you're an emerging choreographer or an experienced artist, this is your chance to showcase your work in an intimate, supportive environment. Selected artists will receive a $200 stipend, professional photography and videography, and the opportunity to connect with attendees in an intimate performance and social environment. Applications for the winter mixers (January, February, and March) closed on Sunday, November 10 at 11:59pm ET.
Submission Criteria
The applicant must reside in one of the three “DMV” states: District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia. No applicants outside of these states will be eligible for this opportunity.
The applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. All performers in the applicant’s work must be at least 18 years of age.
The applicant must present a work that is a minimum of 5 minutes in length, and to not exceed 8 minutes in length.
The applicant must present a work with a cast size not to exceed 5 people. The theater is very small and cannot accommodate large groups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When are the performances? GRIDLOCK Dance’s Motion Mixer is held on the third Thursday of each month in 2025, unless otherwise noted.
What do participants receive? Each choreographer will receive a $200 stipend, professional photography, and professional videography of the performance.
What dance styles are accepted? All dance styles and genres are welcome.
Does the piece have to be a new work? Nope! We accept existing work, works-in-progress, and new work.
How many pieces can I submit? Each choreographer can submit only one piece for consideration per application period (this open call is for our winter mixers in January, February, and March). This limit is to help ensure a manageable workload for the curators.
Is there an application or participation fee? There are zero fees to apply or be part of GRIDLOCK Dance’s Motion Mixer.
What technical support is provided? Each choreographer will have a very brief “lights up, lights down” tech run prior to the performance. Extensive lighting cues and projection cannot be accommodated, but non-messy props that can be set and struck during the 5-8 minute performance window are allowed.
Is the venue ADA accessible? The DC Arts Center is located on the second floor of a historic building in the Adams Morgan neighborhood. It does not meet ADA accessibility standards because there is no elevator to the venue or the stage. If this presents a barrier to you, please reach out to GRIDLOCK Dance directly at hello@gridlockdance.com so we can discuss potential workarounds.
What is the application deadline? Applications for our winter mixers closed on Sunday, November 10 at 11:59pm ET. Stay tuned for information on the spring open call!