Tapestries Choreographic Program
About the Tapestries Program
Tapestries is an illustrious artist development program designed to nurture future generations of dance choreographers as they strive to become professionals in the field. Through Tapestries, Threads strives to provide a much-needed avenue for underrepresented women* and artists of color to take center stage in the world of professional choreography. The goal of the program is to change the profile of who receives and is recognized for national choreographic opportunities through a special emphasis on women* and artists of color. After 10 years of success supporting women* choreographers and choreographers of color, the Tapestries program is evolving.
Beginning in 2026, Tapestries will consist of 3 tiers designed to cultivate the nationally renowned choreographers of tomorrow:
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Tapestries Emerging Choreographers Program commissions 3 emerging choreographers selected by an expert panel of dance/community leaders to create new works for the company’s spring season under the guidance of Artistic/Executive Director Karen L. Charles and additional feedback from their peer choreographers. The program is organized so emerging choreographers experience a professional commissioning process. The time frame, technical support, and ability to work with professional dancers, designers, and mentors provide a unique professional choreographing experience. This immersive program prepares participants for future success in the field.
Questions? Email: Karen Christ Aalgaard, kchrist@threadsdance.org
Video Link: What is Tapestries Emerging Choreographer Program?
To Apply: Scroll down to see Application Process & Eligibility Information
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[TEST] Tapestries Emerging Choreographers Program commissions 3 emerging choreographers selected by an expert panel of dance/community leaders to create new works for the company’s spring season under the guidance of Artistic/Executive Director Karen L. Charles and additional feedback from their peer choreographers. The program is organized so emerging choreographers experience a professional commissioning process. The time frame, technical support, and ability to work with professional dancers, designers, and mentors provide a unique professional choreographing experience. This immersive program prepares participants for future success in the field.
Questions? Email: Karen Christ Aalgaard, kchrist@threadsdance.org
Video Link:What is Tapestries Emerging Choreographer Program?
To Apply: Scroll down to see Application Process & Eligibility Information
-
[TEST] Tapestries Emerging Choreographers Program commissions 3 emerging choreographers selected by an expert panel of dance/community leaders to create new works for the company’s spring season under the guidance of Artistic/Executive Director Karen L. Charles and additional feedback from their peer choreographers. The program is organized so emerging choreographers experience a professional commissioning process. The time frame, technical support, and ability to work with professional dancers, designers, and mentors provide a unique professional choreographing experience. This immersive program prepares participants for future success in the field.
Questions? Email: Karen Christ Aalgaard, kchrist@threadsdance.org
Video Link:What is Tapestries Emerging Choreographer Program?
To Apply: Scroll down to see Application Process & Eligibility Information
*Threads Dance Project recognizes the diversity and complexity of womanhood. If you identify with womanhood or gender-expansive ideas of it, you are welcome to apply. This includes trans and gender-expansive individuals.
**Note: Applications for Tapestries 10.0 & the Pilot of Tapestries Patterns Program accepted using the same form
Tapestries 10.0 Applications & Eligibility
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Two high-potential semi-finalists will be selected from the pool of Tapestries 10.0 applicants and invited to participate in the pilot of the Tapestries Patterns Program instead. Interested artists should apply using the main Tapestries Emerging Choreographers Application and indicate their desire to be considered for Patterns as well as the main Tapestries Emerging Choreographers Program.
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Dates of Residency: January 2026 –April 2026 – 3-week residency per choreographer plus feedback and peer review session
Rehearsals: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 9a-12:30p at the Threads Dance Nexus in Minneapolis
Performances Dates: May 1-2, 2026, The Southern Theater
$1,600 choreography commission fee to create a new work of up to 15 minutes in length.
Minimum of 2 public performances of finished work
Costume, Lighting Design, and Music Rights expenses covered. Additional technical support (i.e., music editing, heavy lighting needs, video design, projection, scenic design, hazer/fogger) is at the choreographer’s expense.
An Introductory meeting will be scheduled with the choreographers in early December.
Choreographers who live outside the Twin Cities must provide their own accommodations and transportation for full participation in the program
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Have 2-10 years of generative experience (outside of college programs), Be at least 21 years of age
Have not had an established company for more than 3 years OR have not had work professionally presented more than 4 times
Are a legal resident of MN or the 5 legal boroughs of NY
Be available for the entire duration of your residency and tech week (January-May 2, 2026)
Have not been a Tapestries choreographer within the last 3 years.
Choreography proposal is an original new work and is not a previously created work, remount, revival, or new interpretation of pre-existing material.
Attend casting audition for choreographers which will be scheduled in December 2025 or January 2026
Attend 3 Mandatory peer review sessions
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All materials must be submitted through this Google Form:
Resume/CV (2 Page Limit): 1-2 Page Resume/CV should include past choreographic works, awards and recognitions, and education. Acceptable file types: pdf, doc, docx. Bios are unacceptable.
Choreographer Information and Proposal for Work
Work Samples: Link to 2 – 4 work samples, uploaded to Vimeo or another platform. Full length works are preferred over edited excerpts. One work sample must be of a full-length, completed work. All samples must be video of the applicant’s own choreography. Work Samples should be no more than 20 minutes.
Tapestries Patterns Program
Tapestries Patterns Program will be piloted this year as part of the 2025-2026 Tapestries 10.0 cycle. Officially launching in late 2026, Patterns aims to support nascent choreographers—particularly those transitioning from student to professional. The Patterns Program has been designed to meet the needs of high-potential dance makers deemed not yet ready for Tapestries Emerging Choreographers Program whether it be due to age, experience, or other factors.
Patterns choreographers will receive differentiated supports better aligned to their stage of development, including:
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Questions? Email: Karen Christ Aalgaard, kchrist@threadsdance.org
To Apply: Click to access the Tapestries Application form. Complete the form by DATE and be sure to indicate your desire to be considered for the Patterns program by checking the box at the end of the form.