Glade

Dance Collective

703-943-9308

We are dancemakers, story tellers, and thinkers, seeking to raise the profile of modern dance in D.C. Through collaboration and performance, we challenge our bodies and minds to create meaningful art that evokes emotion and makes audiences think. We value a collective process that draws together people from diverse artistic backgrounds. We are Glade Dance Collective.

tips and tricks for a successful nachmo

 

Dissonance and Harmony, choreographed by Deanna Woodman, at NACHMO DC 2022. Photo by Rob Cannon.

 

Prepare

Logistics

  • Read the guidelines

    • 8-person limit on number of performers per piece.

  • Check the dates: deadlines, audition, showings, etc.

    • Choreographers must be present at the January 25 showing (unless ill or similar)

  • Have questions??

    • First, check the website and any prior communications you have received from NACHMO organizers.

    • If you still have questions, contact us by emailing info@gladedance.org.

Create

  • Think about your piece before January. Style, music options, number of dancers, rehearsal space, health and safety, etc.

  • Keep it manageable.

    • NACHMO can be an opportunity to take risks and experiment, but set-up time and tech support are minimal–just two minutes or so, and no staff to assist.

    • NACHMO is not the best venue for your most complicated, prop-heavy piece.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHOWING

This is the culmination of NACHMO DC! It’s a big day, and we want everyone to get as much out of it as possible.

Logistics

  • Communicate!

    • Read and respond to emails from organizers as quickly as possible.

    • Share information with your performers as soon as you have it.

  • Confirm the showing date, location, and time with anyone involved in your piece.

  • Glade members or volunteers will check you in, introduce you to adjudicators, and run music.

    • If you need help with prop setup or filming, please ask someone ahead of time (likely a fellow NACHMO participant). 

  • NACHMO participants may watch other pieces, but must do so as traditional audience members.

    • You will need to sit in a seat and watch, rather than warm up while watching the piece before yours, and only enter/exit the space between pieces.

  • Be ready to go.

    • There is minimal time for blocking, set-up, etc.; assume you will have two minutes or so.

    • If you run long, your piece may be cut off, and you will be taking time from other participants.

Create

  • Show as complete a piece as possible.

    • Observers can provide more thoughtful feedback when you show them more of your vision.

    • While not required, a piece title can really help adjudicators comprehend your work.

  • Practice with any props, unique costumes, or other elements ahead of this day.

    • Practice how to enter the space, set up anything you need, and quickly/briefly address any blocking issues with your cast.

  • Come with specific questions for adjudicators to make the best use of the opportunity for feedback.

  • Remember the five minute maximum piece length!

HAVE A PLAN B, AND C, AND D…

  • Covid and other illnesses are still making the rounds.

    • Stay tuned to announcements in case covid-related protocols change in response to changing conditions, and know that you or your dancers will not be able to attend in-person events if you are ill.

  • Have a plan in case one or more of your cast members cannot attend the Showing due to illness, injury, or other circumstances.

    • Understudies, versions with fewer dancers, stepping in yourself if you aren’t already dancing, multiple ways to access your music, etc.

    • Better to prepare and not need these alternatives than to find yourself missing crucial elements of your dance on the big day.