Practice at Banyan Dance Festival
Banyan Dance Festival supports Dancers and choreographers through curated opportunities designed to foster creation, collaboration, and visibility.
Through our Choreography Fellowship and Call for Works, artists are invited to develop new work and share their voice within a dynamic festival setting.
Built for process. Driven by creation.
Banyan Dance company
Banyan Dance Company is an ensemble built for creation, rigor, and range. Comprised of highly trained, versatile dancers, the company serves as a collaborative vessel for choreographers in residence, invited artists, and festival fellows to develop and premiere new work in real time.
Rooted in strong technical foundation and expansive movement vocabulary, Banyan dancers are asked to move beyond execution into risk, responsiveness, and deep artistic investment. The company thrives in a fast-paced, process-driven environment where adaptability is essential and every rehearsal is a site of discovery.
Throughout the festival, Banyan Dance Company works at the center of it all culminating in a dynamic performance of a world premiere that reflects the breadth and depth of the festival’s artistic vision.
What DANCERs Receive:
$1,000 Stipend
Creation Process with an Esteemed Guest Choreographer
Featured in the Banyan Dance Festival as part of a curated performance program
Work closely with choreographers in an intensive, process-driven environment
Opportunity to take masterclasses and engage with visiting artists
Connect with nationally recognized choreographers, dancers, and industry professionals
High-quality assets for reels and portfolios
Discounted housing accommodations
Residency Period: August 3 - August 8, 2026
Ballet Florida, 700 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33041
Sample Schedule
9:00am - 10:00am | Company Class
10:15am - 12:15pm | Rehearsal + Creation Process with Sean Aaron Carmon
1:15pm - 5:30pm | Rehearsal + Creation Process with Sean Aaron Carmon
Professional Advancement
Opportunities for choreographers to create, develop, and present new work.
Choreography Fellowship
The Banyan Dance Festival Choreography Fellowship is an opportunity for one emerging to mid-career choreographer to develop and premiere a new work within a dynamic, artist-driven festival environment.
Selected fellows receive a $2,500 stipend, along with travel and accommodations, to support their creative residency. Throughout the festival, fellows are provided dedicated rehearsal time and the opportunity to work with a curated group of dancers, engaging in a focused and collaborative creation process.
This fellowship is designed to give choreographers the space to take risks, refine their voice, and expand their practice. Fellows are encouraged to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of their movement language.
In addition to the creation process, fellows are immersed in the full Banyan Dance Festival experience by attending performances, engaging in artist conversations, and connecting with a network of dancers, choreographers, and cultural leaders.
The fellowship culminates in the world premiere of a new work, presented as part of the festival’s final performance, offering choreographers a platform to share their work with a live audience and the South Florida community.
What Fellows Receive:
Dedicated rehearsal time
Access to festival dancers
Artistic support and feedback
Opportunity to present work in the culminating performance
Visibility within the festival network
Residency Period: August 3 - August 8, 2026
Ballet Florida, 700 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33041
Sample Schedule
9:30am - 11:00am | Teaching Opportunity or Open Studio Time
11:10am - 12:40pm | Teaching Opportunity or Open Studio Time
3:30pm - 8:30pm | Rehearsal + Creative Process
Where choreographers connect, share, and grow.
Call for Choreographic Works
The Banyan Dance Festival Call for Choreographic Works invites choreographers to present existing pieces as part of the festival’s curated performance lineup. This opportunity is designed for artists who are eager to share their work, gain visibility, and engage with a vibrant community of dancers and creators.
Selected choreographers will present their work during the festival’s performance series, alongside a dynamic roster of artists from across the country. This platform offers meaningful exposure within an intimate, artist-centered environment that values innovation, voice, and craft.
While this opportunity does not include a stipend, travel, or accommodations, participating artists are fully integrated into the festival experience. Choreographers are invited to attend performances, connect with fellow artists, and engage in community events, discussions, and networking opportunities throughout the week.
Banyan Dance Festival is committed to fostering connection, creative exchange, and artistic growth. This platform is ideal for choreographers who are looking to place their work in conversation with others, expand their network, and be part of a growing and impactful dance community.
What Selected Artists Receive:
Performance opportunity within the festival
Technical support during showcase
Inclusion in festival programming
Exposure to new audiences
Invited to all festival events, classes & performances throughout the week
Invitation to observe rehearsal processes on select days/times
Performance Opportunities & Details
Banyan Gala: August 7, 2026 | 6:00pm — 9:00pm
Banyan Performance: August 8, 2026 | 7:30pm - 9:30pm