The Woodshed

A professional development retreat for seasoned jazz dance choreographers and educators.

The Woodshed is a biennial program, occurring in even years, to allow support and mentoring for the cohort in the year following the convening. The program is currently on hiatus and we redesign the program. Stay tuned for updates in 2024.

 

Who is it for?

The cohort is a mix of invited participants and applicants. All attendees should be self-described “MID-CAREER” artists/educators with an established practice. We expect you to be familiar with the history and evolution of jazz dance, recognize the importance of the African roots of the form, and be invested in inquiry and fellowship.

Why do it?

To support COMMUNITY and DIALOGUE amongst jazz dance artists who are siloed, by geography or institution. Our mission is to advance conversations, activity, and advocacy for jazz dance. Jazz Is… Dance Project values representation, racial justice, and equity, and endeavors to bring those values into The Woodshed.

What is the format?

Participants are DIVIDED INTO TWO TRACKS, CHOREOGRAPHY OR PEDAGOGY. Each participant is assigned one half-day workshop to present and explore ideas with the cohort. Evenings are devoted to group dinners, discussion, and resource sharing. At retreat’s end, participants’ workshop content will be recorded by a professional videographer for their portfolios.

 

“The Woodshed provides connections and resources for jazz dance artists often working in isolation. We need community to sustain and grow.”

— Melanie George

 

2022 Program Logistics:

  • The Woodshed is built on a reciprocity model; all attendees must participate in all workshops.

  • The 2022 cohort is limited to 8 participants, including the Woodshed’s Founder/Facilitator Melanie George.

  • Participants are housed in private dorm rooms on the Wilson College campus.

  • There is a $200 registration/participation fee, which supports the costs of videography production and distribution, and program administration. Participants are required to cover their own travel costs to/from Wilson College, which is located in Chambersburg, PA, and pay for their own meals. The closest airports are Harrisburg International Airport (60 miles from campus) and Baltimore Washington International Airport (88 miles from campus). — There are no other fees associated with The Woodshed program.

  • Covid-19 vaccination is required for all participants of The Woodshed 2022.

Application Requirements:

  • Preferred Woodshed track — CHOREOGRAPHY or PEDAGOGY

  • Statement of Interest (PDF or Word file) — Address your style, training history, choreography aesthetic or pedagogy philosophy, any upcoming projects, and lines of inquiry you would like to pursue during The Woodshed.

  • Abbreviated resumé highlighting jazz dance career (PDF or Word file)

  • Link to video of work sample