Choreography submissions!

Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center’s (T.U.P.A.C) mission is to provide youth of Tacoma, particularly Black and BIPOC youth in the historic Hilltop Community, with opportunities to achieve artistic excellence through culturally relevant pre-professional dance training, community events, and classes in the performing arts. TUPAC fights to address issues of access, opportunity, and representation for black youth in the performing arts. 

This Summer of 2023 T.U.P.A.C. will present the first annual Hilltop Dance Festival, On My Block. This series will be free outdoor presentations of dance. We will highlight works from Black and BIPOC artists throughout the region and are accepting submissions from all styles of dance. Selected pieces will be scheduled to perform for 1 weekend. Some choreographers may be asked to present their work on multiple weekends. If interested in participating, please see submission requirements. 

Performance Dates: 

July 15th – 16th, 2023

July 29th – 30th, 2023

August 12th – 13th, 2023 

August 26th – 27th, 2023

Performance Times: 3pm – 4:30

APPLICATION, Click Here to apply

· Application Fee $25

· Artist Statement 300 words or less about the piece and inspiration.

· Piece Description 50 words or less for program.

· Artist Resume: If Applicable 

CHOREOGRAPHY:

· Artists may submit choreography of any genre

· Artists may submit more than one piece, each with separate application and fees

· Pieces should be between 5 – 20 minutes long 

· Pieces that include some sort of collaboration with Black or BIPOC artists of different disciplines (Music, Visual Art, etc) are highly encouraged. 

VIDEO SUBMISSION (Deadline May 31st, 2023 at 11:59pm)

Artists will need to provide video of completed work (in costume preferred). Please provide YouTube link to video in application form. Emails containing the video file will not be reviewed.

CLICK HERE to apply!!!

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In the Summer of 2022 TUPAC presented a new ballet entitled, Noir Black Noir, set to music created by underrepresented Black Classical Composers dating from the 1700’s to current day.  The acclaimed, NW Sinfonietta performed these important works. TUPAC students worked with and performed alongside internationally recognized professional dance artists. TUPAC presented two shows to audiences of over 400 each. Most unique was the format of the performances. Executive Director Klair Ethridge had an idea for making sure that this historic work and display of Black art was accessible for all of the Hilltop and greater Tacoma community to see. She orchestrated a plan to build a stage in the parking lot of the Old Rite Aid on MLK Jr Way,  the temporary home of Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center. After overwhelming turn out, Klair and the team at TUPAC have decided to make this a tradition for the Hilltop Community.