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2026–27  ·  Auditions Open

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Company

Dissonance Dance Theatre  ·  20th Anniversary Season

"One of the 11 small-but-mighty dance companies outside of LA and NYC" — Dance Spirit Magazine

$2,000
Per rehearsal month
$1,000
Per production
$6,000
Full season total
Paid
All contracts
Available
Housing assistance
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Dissonance Dance Theatre Reel

DDT 20th Anniversary Season Reel
About the Season

20th Anniversary Season

Returning to its contemporary modern and classical roots — two world premiere productions in the fall and spring.

DDT 20th Anniversary Season
2026–27 Season
Through the Dark, The Light Beckons

Dissonance Dance Theatre is now accepting video auditions for project dancers for its landmark 20th Anniversary Season. DDT is seeking skilled dance artists with training in contemporary, modern, classical ballet, jazz technique, and African dance forms.

Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Apprentices are welcome. Two productions will premiere in fall 2026 and late winter/spring 2027.

01
Through the Dark, The Light Beckons
Publick Playhouse  ·  Oct 18, 2026  ·  Rehearsals: July 2026
02
Until Love Comes Knockin'
Atlas Performing Arts Center  ·  Feb/Mar 2027  ·  Rehearsals: January 2027
03
Road of Angled Turns
Touring  ·  Spring 2027  ·  w/ Guest Choreographer Kareem B. Goodwin
View full season →
Paid Contracts

Compensation & Benefits

DDT pays its artists. Every contract is compensated. This is professional work.

Rehearsal Pay
$2,000 / month

July 2026 (fall production) and January 2027 (spring production). Full-month rehearsal commitment required.

Full Season Total
$6,000 total

Dancers who commit to both productions receive up to $6,000 for the full 2026–27 season. Housing assistance is available.

Who We're Looking For

Dancer Requirements

DDT seeks technically versatile artists with a commitment to the African American concert dance tradition.

Technical Training
  • Contemporary & modern technique (Horton, Limon, Graham)
  • Classical ballet foundation
  • Jazz technique
  • African diaspora dance forms (preferred)
  • Minimum 3 years professional or pre-professional training
Professional Qualities
  • Ability to learn and retain choreography quickly
  • Strong collaborative work ethic
  • Available for July 2026 and/or January 2027 rehearsals in Washington, DC
  • Minorities strongly encouraged to apply
  • Apprentices welcome to apply
Video Submission Requirements
  • Contemporary or modern solo (2–3 minutes)
  • Ballet combination or variation
  • One additional style of your choice
  • Video link (YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive)
  • Headshot and résumé (PDF)
Timeline & Process
  • Video submissions reviewed on a rolling basis
  • Selected candidates invited to in-person auditions in Washington, DC
  • Callbacks by invitation only
  • Contracts issued upon selection
  • Housing assistance available for out-of-area dancers
The Process

How to Apply

Step 01
Prepare Your Materials

Record your video audition — contemporary or modern solo, ballet combination, and one additional style. Upload to YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive. Prepare your headshot and résumé in PDF format.

Step 02
Submit Online

Complete the online submission form below. Include your video link, headshot, résumé, and training background. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis — apply early.

Step 03
In-Person Callback

Selected candidates will be invited to in-person auditions in Washington, DC. Callbacks are by invitation only. Housing assistance is available for dancers traveling from outside the DMV area.

Applications Open

This is serious work.

DDT is seeking professional dancers for its 20th Anniversary Season. Contracts are paid. Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Apprentices welcome. Physical auditions held in Washington, DC by invitation only.

Paid Contracts· $6,000 Full Season· Washington, DC· 20th Anniversary Season· Contemporary · Modern · Ballet· Minorities Encouraged· Apprentices Welcome· Housing Assistance Available· Paid Contracts· $6,000 Full Season· Washington, DC· 20th Anniversary Season· Contemporary · Modern · Ballet· Minorities Encouraged· Apprentices Welcome· Housing Assistance Available·
Who You'll Work With

Artistic Leadership

Shawn Short, MFA
Principal Choreographer  ·  Founding Artistic Director
Shawn Short, MFA

Former Faculty, Washington Ballet · Former Soloist, El Teatro de Danza Contemporánea El Salvador · Bolton/Smith · KT Dance · Principal Choreographer, Folger Theatre's Julius X · Post-Graduate Certificate in Business · 21 professional certifications

Full bio →
Kareem B. Goodwin
Resident Choreographer  ·  Guest Choreographer, ROAT
Kareem B. Goodwin

DDT Resident Choreographer · Guest Choreographer, Road of Angled Turns · Dallas Black Dance Theatre commission at Publick Playhouse

Full bio →
Before You Apply

Audition FAQ

Yes. All DDT project dancer contracts are paid. Selected dancers receive $2,000 per rehearsal month (July 2026 and January 2027) plus $1,000 per production — totaling up to $6,000 for a full season commitment.
Yes. You may audition for the fall production (October 2026), the spring production (February/March 2027), or both. Please indicate your availability in your submission form.
Absolutely. DDT has a national roster and welcomes applications from dancers across the country. Housing assistance is available for selected dancers traveling from outside the DMV area for rehearsals.
DDT works at the intersection of contemporary, modern (Horton, Limon, Dunham, Graham), classical ballet, jazz, and African diaspora dance forms. The company's repertoire is rooted in the African American concert modern tradition — versatility and technical depth are highly valued.
Yes. Apprentices are welcome and encouraged to apply. DDT is committed to developing emerging professional artists alongside established company members.
Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will be contacted by email with an invitation to in-person auditions in Washington, DC. We appreciate your patience — every submission is reviewed.