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Program Information
Patricia Rivera Maldonado in ROSA by Carlos Rivera Martinez, Banff Centre 2024. Photo by Rita Taylor.
Overview
Indigenous World Dance Residency is a re-designed program for twelve Indigenous dancers. Participants will engage in collective workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and opportunities to connect with community, guided by faculty and guest artists who support both individual growth and shared artistic exploration.
Description
The Indigenous World Dance program brings together Indigenous dancers from around the world to deepen their artistic practice and connect with one another in a supportive, collaborative environment. The program includes:
- Faculty-led sessions with daily warm-ups, workshops, and one-on-one mentorship to foster growth and community.
- Collaborative creation with opportunities to develop new movements and ideas alongside fellow participants.
- Program culmination in partnership with faculty and a guest choreographer, where participants present short excerpts of their work in an informal open studios format.
Requirements
This residency is open to Individual Indigenous dancers from around the world.
We especially welcome applications who want to participate in three weeks of community engagement, collaboration, and artistic exchange.
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Domestic and international applications are welcome.
Visa Eligibility Information:
- Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa.
- If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.
Inclusivity Statement
We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply.
Itinerary
Week One: Participants will engage in on campus orientation and be welcomed by Faculty, Banff Centre Staff and an Elder/Knowledge Keeper. This week will include Faculty and participant presentations to get to know each other, and begin with daily warmups and workshops. Opportunity to sign up for one-on-one online sessions with faculty.
Week Two: Participants will welcome new faculty and continue work from week one. Collaboration for short dance routines to plan for Open Studios.
Week Three: Faculty will offer one-on-one review sessions, and peer collaborations. Open Studios on August 20th, 2026.
Optional evening activities will include organized fire nights for gatherings and storytelling.
Faculty
Peter Rockford Espiritu
Peter Rockford Espiritu is the Executive & Artistic Director of Tau Dance Theater, the only professional dance company based in Honolulu founded by a native Hawaiian. Espiritu choreographed the stage production of Disney’s ‘The Tale of MOANA’ which world premiered on the inaugural voyage of the newest ship of its fleet, the Disney TREASURE in 2024. Espiritu choreographed the luau at the Disney’s ‘Aulani Resort; is a seven-time Hawaii State Foundation for Culture and the Arts - Choreographic Award winner and served for 7 years as a commissioner representing dance for the Mayor’s Office of Culture and Arts in Honolulu. Espiritu was awarded a Jacob’s Pillow LAB residency for the creation of new work in February 2025; is a Western Arts Alliance – Performing Arts Discovery Fellow 2024; a WESTAF BIPOC Fellow 2024; Advancing Indigenous Performances - Native Launchpad Fellow 2023; a Dance USA Fellowship to Artists Fellow and in 2022 was awarded a prestigious Intercultural International Choreographer’s Creation Lab residency at Banff Center for the Creative Arts in Canada. The company presented 5 sold out performances at the Lincoln Center in New York City for the Festival of Firsts in 2022 and continues to be a driving force throughout the artistic realm of the greater Pacific. The company celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026.
Faculty
What's Included
Meal Plan
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The meal plan is equivalent to $68 credit per day, equivalent to two meals at our Buffet service.
Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests.
Accommodation
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Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.
Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.
Studio Space
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Create in one of our specialized studios.
Showcase Your Work
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This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty
Campus Facilities
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- Participant Resources: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided.
- Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite.
- Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application Fee
$35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.
The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom.
Financial Aid
We are pleased to offer a limited amount of financial aid to support participants in our program.
To apply for financial aid please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials in Slideroom at Part 3 of the application process.
*We are pleased to offer scholarships for Canadian Indigenous participants in our arts program, which cover up to 100% of the total program fee.
For additional support to help fund your experience at Banff Centre, view a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.
Cancellations
Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.
Tax Information
Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Step 1:
Complete the Online FormStep 2:
Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.
Step 3:
Upload Your MaterialsResume
A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Artistic Statement
Artistic statement should reflect their career, their practice, their artistic intentions, values, motivations and how they work.
Portfolio
Submit up to 2 minutes of video footage showcasing your dancing. This can include performance, rehearsal, or studio work that best represents your movement style and artistic voice.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.
Adjudication
Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:
- Quality, originality and artistic merit.
- Required skills and experience.
- The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program.
Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided.
Disclaimer
All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Contact Admissions
For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions:
Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6180