NW Dance Project Launches ANNEX: Immersive Second Company Program Revolutionizes Professional Dance Training
NW Dance Project is thrilled to introduce ANNEX, a unique annual program designed for professional career track dance artists (age 18+) to be directly immersed in the studio alongside their professional company artists. Shaking up the world of dance training and turning it on its head – NW Dance Project’s ANNEX is a second company and training program experience combined!
ANNEX seeks to transform the traditional training construct in dance by providing real-world training, development, and exchange with established working artists, creators, and directors.
ANNEX will enrich each participating artist’s individual dance training, development, and knowledge through a strong focus on developing and refining creation and performance skills, as well as offering engagement in contemporary dance tools, methods, partnering, and trends to support artistic confidence in navigating a successful career in professional dance.
ANNEX dancers will have the unique and highly valuable experience of being in the studio and working alongside NW Dance Project’s company artists during their scheduled workdays, while taking company class and participating in company creation, rehearsals, and other choreographic and performance processes led by Artistic Director, Sarah Slipper, and company guest artists.
ANNEX dancers will gain crucial skills and broaden their development with direct exposure in the studio with company dance makers’ creative processes. Dancers will develop and perform in a new creation(s) during the company’s winter show series and may have the opportunity to be selected to perform in a NW Dance Project main stage season performance.
ANNEX dancers will have opportunities to become involved in community events such as site-specific work development, youth community outreach engagements, and in-studio teaching opportunities.
Dancers are supported not only in the studio, but also through personalized mentorship to help shape their career paths. Dancers will be guided on personal growth, teaching and choreography expansion, as well as on crucial professional topics and best practices for approaching companies and individuals for work. Additionally, ANNEX dancers will have ongoing access to NW Dance Project’s staff, including Sarah Slipper and guest artists for all types of advice, guidance, and mentorship.
NW Dance Project believes being fully immersed in the real-world company experience and process will be transformational and beneficial for each ANNEX dancer. The ANNEX project will comprehensively prepare them for advancing personal growth, evolving as artists, and positioning themselves for professional career paths.
Participation in ANNEX requires a full-season commitment. Season dates are September 7 to December 12, 2026, and February 8 to May 15, 2027.
To be considered for ANNEX, dancers need to fill out an application form and audition in person in one of three ways: NW Dance Project’s 2026 Company Auditions, participate in MOVE or Summer Dance Platform 2026, or participate in Company Repertoire Workshop 2026.
NW Dance Project prioritizes dancers attending a project or intensive in person as they want to see you really move and interact in a professional company environment. Dancers should have a strong classical foundation and contemporary background, be eager to work intensively, and remain curious, open, and engaged in all processes.
ANNEX positions are highly competitive and limited in capacity. Dancers will be considered on an ongoing rolling basis. Deadline to apply is May 8, 2026. Program fee is $8,500 and may be paid in full or in three installments.
Up to four dancers attending MOVE or Summer Dance Platform will be considered for a $500 fellowship award to contribute to their ANNEX tuition. Only dancers who have applied for ANNEX will be considered for the fellowship award.
Apply to ANNEX here.
NW Dance Project, “Rite of Spring” rehearsal, Ishun Rustem