This year's Boston Contemporary Dance Festival (BCDF) will be held virtually on Saturday, August 15th. Founded in 2012 by Betsi Graves, the festival is produced each year by Urbanity Dance. BCDF celebrates contemporary dance artists from across the United States, inviting the greater Boston community to experience this art form at its finest. Graves describes the festival as, "a vision to bring together dance makers and dance lovers that would not otherwise gather, to share best practices, to inspire a deeper curiosity of this craft, and to offer a 'step on the ladder' for developing choreographers looking to have their work professionally produced and witnessed." Although the festival is usually held in person, it will transition to a virtual event this year for the safety of the community.
This year's festival will feature two showcases of video showings: the first show "On Stage" will feature work performed and filmed on a proscenium stage and the second show "On Film" will serve as a platform for dance artists who have created dance works specifically for the screen. "On Stage" will take place at 6 p.m. EST and "On Film" will take place at 8 p.m. EST With widespread performance space closures in the past year, the first show will allow dance artists to present their previously created work. The second show encourages choreographers to utilize non-traditional spaces and video editing as important components of the final work.
"I see this virtual version of BCDF as an opportunity. What can we do this year that we would not necessarily be challenged to do if we were planning a proscenium performance? Can we dig further into the creative necessity to advance dance film? Can we reach people who would otherwise not have access to travel funds to come to our dear city? Can we share best practices for how companies across the globe are reinventing movement vocabulary in their own communities post-COVID, and how we can leave this art form for the better when we reemerge? The answer to all, is yes," says Graves.
Each showcase will feature work from both local and global companies and choreographers. The festival aims to grant local artists a platform to produce their work, while ensuring that the local community can experience choreographic voices from across the world. During such unprecedented times, artists are in need of an outlet to share their work. The festival will allow both local and global dance artists to safely gain exposure and receive feedback. "I am enthusiastic to see how we can create a marked virtual gathering of contemporary movement makers and movement lovers," says Graves.
Starting June 12th, choreographers and companies from around the world can apply. Both showcases will be capped at 200 applications each. Applications are due July 10th, and will be reviewed and selected by a panel of a number of established dance leaders from across the United States.