Toledo Ballet invites emerging choreographers to create new work for ‘Winter Works’

Toledo Ballet is inviting emerging choreographers from all dance genres to apply for its Winter Works Choreographic Competition, an opportunity to develop and premiere an original work in collaboration with professional company dancers.

Two choreographers will be selected for creative residencies in January 2027, with each artist given two weeks to create a new 10- to 15-minute work on 10 professional Toledo Ballet company dancers. The residency will provide access to Toledo Ballet’s studios and resources, allowing the selected artists to develop their choreography from concept through performance.

The residencies will culminate in a fully produced world premiere featuring both new works at the Winter Works performance on Saturday, February 13, 2027, at the Toledo Center for Live Arts’ Kay-Lee Family Studio. The works may also be accompanied by live musicians from the Toledo Symphony or Toledo Jazz Orchestra.

Beyond the residency and performance, selected choreographers will become part of the Toledo Ballet artistic community and have the opportunity to share their work with local students. Each artist will teach two masterclasses for students at the Toledo Ballet School.

The competition also includes two honors. An artistic panel led by Artistic Director Eric Otto and Toledo Ballet faculty will select the recipient of the $500 Artistic Choice Award, while an Audience Choice Award will allow audience members to select the work that earns their support.

Selected choreographers will receive airfare reimbursement of up to $500 for travel to and from Toledo, lodging accommodations and complimentary access to Toledo Ballet’s studios throughout the residency. They will also have the opportunity to connect with Toledo’s artistic community while working with professional company dancers.

Applications for the Winter Works Choreographic Competition are open through September 30, 2026. Emerging choreographers interested in applying can find the application form here.

Toledo Ballet Choreographic Competition. Photo credit Jennifer Zmuda Dance Photography.