The fundamental objective of this residency program is for professional development; to learn classic tap dance repertoire through oral tradition, observe Ms. Bufalino's process to orchestrate her set, gain feedback, ask questions, and create community by developing personal relationships with fellow residency participants, festival directors Allison & Julie, guest artists Amy & Trina, and mentorship from Ms. Bufalino.
Twelve dancers from across Canada will be selected to learn new and remounted repertoire to be performed as part of Ms. Bufalino’s set on August 16, at the 2024 Toronto International Tap Dance Festival.
In preparation for this performance opportunity, residency dancers will work for 20 hours prior to Brenda’s arrival in studio. These hours include working with Artistic Director Allison Toffan and Lead Producer Juliana Kelly as well as with Trina Josdal and Amy Lintunen - long time mentees of Ms. Bufalino, to learn American Tap Dance Orchestra Repertoire. Brenda joins for an additional 25 hours, to create a new piece of choreography specifically for this residency, to be included and featured in her set.
Expectations:
-dancers are required to be in Toronto from August 5 - 17, 2024.
-dancers are required to be available and present for all rehearsals from 10am-3pm for duration of residency program dates, plus potential additional band and tech/dress rehearsal hours in the evenings on Wednesday August 14, and Thursday August 15 (time TBD).
-dancers must arrive at each rehearsal with a clear understanding of the previous rehearsal’s choreography.
-dancers may be asked to develop solo work as well as collaborative assignments (in placed duo/trios) on their own time outside of allotted residency rehearsal hours.
-residency dancers will not receive discounts on any festival masterclasses, workshops, or tickets for additional festival shows.
-residency dancers are allowed to register for Brenda Bufalino’s masterclass on Sunday August 18 with the understanding that this masterclass is not included as part of the residency.
Submission Requirements:
1. Cover letter addressed to Artistic Director Allison Toffan, stating interest in the program, and why you feel you’d benefit from this opportunity/how this will impact your development. In your cover letter please indicate:
-if you have previously learned American Tap Dance Orchestra Repertoire including the date, location, and artist you learned it from
-if you have been in studio with Ms. Bufalino previously, including the date, location, and name event attended
-if you’re comfortable singing and/or speaking on stage
2. Headshot (jpeg format)
3. Biography (150 words max)
4. Performance CV (2 pages max) Please include:
-professional dance work
(list show title, your role, choreographer/director, date/run, venue)
-tap dance training
(specialized or post-secondary programs, studios, teachers, mentors, festivals, intensives, workshops, etc)
-complementary training (music, acting, singing, additional dance styles)
-recognition (Awards, scholarships, accolades, etc)
DO NOT INCLUDE COMPETITION PERFORMANCES/AWARDS ON YOUR RESUME
5. Video selection of 32 bars of your own original choreography. (youtube or vimeo links only)
Written components must be submitted in pdf format only.
PLEASE NOTE: Canadian dancers traveling to Toronto are eligible to apply for a Canada Council Travel Grant. Please indicate if you are planning on applying for this funding in your submission.
BRENDA BUFALINO RESIDENCY PROGRAM
August 6 - 16, 2024
Esmeralda Enrique Academy of Spanish Dance
B104, 401 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON
10am - 3pm, Monday - Friday
$400 + HST
General Eligibility:
-Dancers must be Canadian, between 18-30 years old
-have a history of professional work, and/or pre-professional work (performance credits other than local/regional/national competitions - history can be as little as one non-competition related performance, for those who are new to the professional dance landscape)
-minimum of 8 years of tap dance training
-general understanding of music theory and jazz form
-experience with choreography and improvisation
-previous learning of ATDO repertoire is an asset, but NOT a requirement
Submissions will be accepted until June 15, 2024.
Please email Artistic Director Allison Toffan to submit your application as well as with any questions you may have: toffanrhythmprojects@gmail.com.