Project Mission:

The Local Dance Commissioning Project (LDCP) centers the artistic and professional advancement of the local dance community by providing resources and support to a locally based artist with the goal of serving as a steppingstone for artists to reach the next step in their artistic trajectory. Through LDCP, the Kennedy Center will support the production of the artist's work in our venues (including $20,000 monetary support) and will work closely with each awardee to further advance that individual's professional and artistic goals throughout the duration of the award year.

Award Details:

Kennedy Center LDCP awards are given to local (DMV) dance choreographers to create and present new work at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, Terrace Theater, Family Theater, or Theater Lab in the Fall of 2026 or Spring of 2027.  The Commission Award includes: 

• $20,000 artist Fee  
• Marketing campaign support 
• Two Local or National Peer Support
• Video capture of your performance 
• Production support  
• Center-hosted private showings for choreographers to share work and receive input from Kennedy Center staff and invited guests

Timeline:

• Round 1 Applications open: Monday, August 18, 2025
• Round 1 Application due: Friday, November 14, 2025 by 11:59pm EST
• Round 2 Notification by: Monday, January 26, 2026
• Round 2 Application due: Friday, February 6, 2026 by 11:59pm EST
• Selection by: Monday, March 9, 2026
• Summer/Fall 2026: Open Workshop or Open Rehearsal
• Presentation: November 2026 - May 2027

Requirements:

All LDCP Projects must: 

• Culminate in a performance lasting 45-60 minutes. 
• Choreographer and majority of performers MUST be local to the DMV-area (DC, Maryland and Virginia). 
• Prioritize ethical payment of all people involved: dancers, collaborators, technical and production support staff.

Audience Engagement:

All LDCP Awardees will be invited to participate in the following engagement or outreach activities to develop dance audiences: 

• Pre-show video or verbal introduction 
• Post-show meet the artist events 
• Potential for other opportunities to share and be part of Kennedy Center programming during your time as Awardee.

Venues:

For the 2026/27 LDCP, we invite you to imagine works that would be presented in the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater, Family Theater, or on the Millennium Stage in the Grand Foyer. We encourage you to consider the Kennedy Center’s expanded campus which includes the REACH, as a workshop and activation space. There will be no performances at the REACH.  

Click the link below to view our venues at The Kennedy Center: 

https://www.kennedy-center.org/visit/Tour/

Application Round 1:

The first round of applicants must submit the following: 

• Contact Information 
• Bio & Artist Statement 
• Project proposal, with basic project budget
• 3 Work Samples, including work samples of collaborators, or studio recordings of what you are currently working on 

Application Round 2:

Applicants that are selected to move forward to the second and final round will: 

• Be invited to an optional meeting with the Dance Programming team to discuss project proposal and Round 1 Feedback
• Submit any edits to project proposal and budget

All questions regarding LDCP should be directed to: 

Kennedy Center Dance Programming

LDCP@Kennedy-Center.org or call (202) 416-8028