The Chrystal Dance Prize is named for Dr. Betty “Chrystal” Kleiman whose bequest to the Victoria Foundation in 2009 created the prize that Dance Victoria awards on an annual basis. It was Chrystal’s desire that dance artists from western Canada have the opportunity to learn from and work with the best professionals in the world and that they bring these influences and new works back to Canada. A much loved pediatrician in Victoria known for her extraordinary work with troubled youth, Kleiman was fiercely individual. She loved the arts and pursued interests in poetry, pottery, painting and dance. She was also an avid kayaker and environmentalist. One of her proudest achievements was getting arrested when she protested against the logging of Clayquot Sound on Vancouver Island in 1993. The Chrystal Dance Prize is awarded to individual artists who share Chrystal’s generosity and passion for self-expression.

Application forms

1. CHRYSTAL DANCE PRIZE - EMERGING
2. CHRYSTAL DANCE PRIZE – MID-CAREER

Dance Victoria is inviting applications from dance artists who are at different stages of their career and who have an international focus.

• Emerging dancers/choreographers who want to pursue further studies at an accredited institution outside Canada. Download the application form.
• Mid-career dance artists who have a project (new dance work) or have developed a self-directed course of study outside Canada with a mentor or a dance company. The proposal could also include a group of activities like workshops, research, working with an “outside eye”, or a residency. If you are proposing a new work, preference will be given to applicants who include a residency in Victoria at Dance Victoria Studios. In each circumstance, the applicant’s proposal must include working with another individual or group of individuals. Solo work or research in a studio will not be supported by this program.  The applicant must demonstrate how this course of study will contribute to the development of their practice. Download the application form.

In 2012, the value of the prize will be $14,000.

Application Deadline: postmarked no later than Friday, March 30, 2012

Only one Chrystal Dance Prize will be awarded each year. For this reason alone, it is essential that applicants submit clear, concise and complete proposals.

All applicants:

• Must be a Canadian Citizen or have Landed Immigrant Status
• Must have resided in one of Canada’s four western provinces (BC, AB, SK, MB) for the past two years.
• Must provide two reference letters. Reference letters must be sent directly from the referee to Dance Victoria and will address the applicant’s aptitudes, special skills, work ethic and ability to work with others.
• Must include a non-refundable $30 application processing fee with a completed application. Only cheques or money orders made payable to Dance Victoria Society will be accepted. Applications submitted without payment will not be considered.

Eligibility

Both the Emerging and Mid-Career programs have been developed to support creative dance artists (dancers and choreographers) and are not open to dance practitioners or individuals interested in teacher training programs.

Priority

Victoria applicants will be given priority, but applications will be invited from across western Canada.

See program application forms for complete list of requirements

Artistic Excellence

All artists strive for excellence in their work. The assessment of artistic excellence is central to the evaluation of the applications. The Selection Committee will consider the following:

Emerging Artist Program

• Training completed
• Skill level including interpretive skill
• Recommendation letters
• Calibre of the training institution and suitability of training for the artist applicant
• Strength of the application and support materials
• Realistic budget

Mid-Career Artist

• Career achievements to date
• Training
• Strength of proposal including ability of the artist to be self-critical
• Calibre of artists/institutions  associated with the proposed project
• Strength of the application and support materials
• Realistic budget

Adjudication Process

Applications will be adjudicated by a committee of professional dance practitioners selected for their expertise.

Dance Victoria will contact all applicants no later than June 15, 2012.