Santa Barbara Choreography Institute

Santa Barbara
Choreography Institute

Under the direction of Nilas Martins at State Street Ballet

State Street Ballet calls emerging international choreographers to participate in the newly launched Choreography Institute in Santa Barbara, CA: March 21-April 8, 2027. Spearheaded by Nilas Martins, the program invites selected choreographers to spend a three-week residency in the coastal city of Santa Barbara, setting a new work on the professional company dancers of State Street Ballet. The residency will culminate in a final performance at the historic Music Academy of the West.

Interested choreographers are asked to provide a detailed description for a piece they intend to create. Pieces should be 8-10 minutes in length, have an emphasis on pointe work, and be oriented toward Neo-Classical or Contemporary Ballet. Choreographers will work with up to 10 company dancers, and will have 20 hours of rehearsal time to complete the project.

Application Deadline: January 15, 2027

About the Institute

Learn More

Selected choreographers will receive:
- $2,500 Choreography Stipend
- Travel expenses and housing accommodations in Santa Barbara
- Mentorship by Nilas Martins and the Artistic Staff of State Street Ballet
- Final performance of new work at Music Academy of the West, Hahn Hall.
To apply, submit the following through DanceApply:
- Resume
- Work Sample or Choreography Reel (5 min max)
- Cover Letter/Statement of Intent
- One paragraph Project Description—including artistic process and choreographic vision
- 3 Professional References
Timeline of Application to Residency
- Application Period Open November 1, 2026
- Application Deadline January 15, 2027
- Choreographer Selection Notification January 31, 2027
- Residency Period: March 21-April 8, 2027

Our Mission

The mission of the Santa Barbara Choreography Institute is to support the next generation of choreographers, while creating new work for professional dancers in Santa Barbara. The program aims to position Santa Barbara as a premier destination for artistic innovation and creative collaboration. To highlight the choreographic process and standard of excellence of Santa Barbara’s dance artists.

Apply Here

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