Winter Workshop
December 28 ~ January 5, 2026
For our 3rd annual Fellowship Program, Ballare Carmel and guest mentor WILLIAM FORSYTHE
are offering an extraordinary week~long mentorship experience for dancers and choreographers
in beautiful Carmel Valley Village from December 28 ~ January 5, 2026
IMPORTANT DATES:
August 1 ~ applications & nominations open
September 15 ~ choreography nominations DEADLINE
September 29 ~ Choreography finalists announced
October 13 ~ Choreographers' questionnaire and video interview due
October 20 ~ priority review of dancer applications
October 27 ~ Choreography Fellows announced
November 3 ~ dancers applications DEADLINE
November 24 ~ Dance Fellows announced
January 4 ~ Performance at Hidden Valley Music Seminars
January 5 ~ Bonus performance with LIVE MUSIC at Sand Box
2023 Highlights
2024 Highlights
"I haven't been a part of a workshop that was so closely focused on creation. It was a taste of company work. Also, this community was much more supportive and warm than others. I felt that I could walk into the space feeling accepted, acknowledged, and wanting to do the same for everyone else. Removing electronics from the space was a definite catalyst for all the genuine connections we were all able to make." ~ Cardin Chung, Dance Major at USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance
ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
ABOUT CARMEL DANCE FESTIVAL'S WINTER WORKSHOP
CDF is thrilled to offer its 3rd annual Dance & Choreography Fellowship Program. This 8-day immersion is designed to provide dancers and choreographers with a TRANSFORMATIONAL in-person experience in a stimulating and productive environment. Throughout the fellowship, dancers will work closely with guest mentor Alex Ketley, Ballare Carmel Artistic Director Lillian Barbeito, and TBD Ballare Company member on Countertechnique, progressive ballet, Hot Mess, partnering, movement generation, composition, repertory, and performance skills. It is an ideal opportunity for dancers to enhance skills while experiencing Ballare Carmel's working atmosphere, plus be considered for future employment. Choreographers will be given time, space, dancers, production support, and feedback sessions to create or revisit their work. The experience will culminate in a public performance and reception at Hidden Valley Music Seminars' rustic and beloved theater in the heart of stunning Carmel Valley Village with a bonus performance with live music at the Sandbox in Sand City.
We wholeheartedly encourage dancers and choreographers of all ages and backgrounds to apply, as we believe that intergenerational participation enriches the experience for everyone involved. Additionally, we strongly encourage choreographers working in genres in addition to contemporary, such as hip hop, salsa, tango, Bharatanatyam, and more to be nominated. We would love to support dancers and dance makers across a diverse range of styles.
ABOUT BALLARE CARMEL
Ballare Carmel is the resident company of the Carmel Dance Festival. It was founded in 2021 by Artistic Director Lillian Barbeito
(a graduate of The Juilliard School who founded BODYTRAFFIC and HAVEN Global Sanctuary for Dance) to tell Monterey County stories, myths, and bold feats, through world-class dance. The project-based ensemble's repertoire by established and emerging choreographers includes works by Natasha Adorlee, Jennifer Archibald, Robin Dekkers, Noelle Kayser, Alex Ketley, James Gregg, Javon "Ja'Moon" Jones, Ihsan Rustem, Kelly Ashton Todd, Skye Schmidt Varga and Anouk Van Dijk. See more ~ @ballarecarmel
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM ATTRIBUTES
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daily classes designed to enhance technique and artistry
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opportunity to perform Ballare Carmel repertory
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mentorship and feedback sessions for choreography fellows
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performance at Hidden Valley's theater
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enjoy a quiet and enchanting destination where fresh air and nature abound
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discover new friends and build community
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acquire new images and performance footage
OVERVIEW
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arrival yoga class and soundbath
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welcome dinner
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orientation session
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daily technique classes (progressive ballet, Countertechnique, partnering, Hot Mess)
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Ballare Carmel repertory sessions
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Community Class (locals are invited to participate in the final class)
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creation sessions/rehearsals
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acknowledgment partner
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tech rehearsal
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dress rehearsal
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performance
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reception
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video of The Showcase
SAMPLE SCHEDULE (listed in Pacific Time and subject to change)
Saturday, December 28th
2:00 Check-in
4:00-5:25 Yoga & Soundbath
5:30-6:30 Welcome Dinner
6:30-7:30 Orientation
Sunday, December 29th
7:30-8:30 Breakfast
9:00-12:30 Technique & Rehearsal with Choreography Fellow
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-4:30 Improvisation & Rehearsal with Choreography Fellow
5:30-6:30 Dinner
6:30-8:30 Rehearsal with Choreography Fellow
Monday, December 30th ~ Friday, January 3rd
7:30-8:30 Breakfast
9:00-10:25 Technique
10:30-12:25 Ballare Carmel Repertory
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-5:25 Creation with Choreography Fellow
5:30-6:30 Dinner
6:30-8:00 Evening Seminar/Rehearsal/Fittings or Photos
8:00-9:30 Tech Wed~Fri
Saturday, January 4th
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:30-11 Community Class with Alex Ketley (open to the public)
11-12:30 Tech Rehearsal
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-3:30 Tech Continured
3:30-5:30 Dress Rehearsal Notes
5:30-6:30 Closing Night Dinner
6:45 House Opens
7:00 SHOWCASE
8:30 Reception
OPTIONAL/BONUS PERFORMANCE WITH LIVE MUSIC
Sunday, January 5th (subject to change depending on musicians' availability)
9:00 Checkout of Hidden Valley Music Seminars
10:30-12:00 spacing at Sandbox
12-12:30 break
12:30-2:00 Rehearsal with musicians
2:00-3:00 Get ready (hair/makeup/steam costumes)
3:00 Matinee
5:00 Return travel
ELIGIBILITY
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16+ (fellows aged 16 & 17 will be chaperoned and must have a legal guardian sign a waiver)
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Superb technique in any dance genre
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Partnering experience and/or desire and commitment to enhance partnering skills
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Improvisation experience and/or desire and commitment to enhance improvisation skills
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Performance experience and/or desire and commitment to enhance performance skills
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Desire to adapt, create, connect, and contribute
"I 100% got what I came for! I was looking to connect further with the dance community and improve my skills in working in process with other artists. I feel that I have made lasting connections and grew a lot as a dancer through this program. I ended each day feeling so inspired with my mind fizzing with creativity that I hope to continue carrying with me throughout the year."
~ Jessica Hovermale, Dance Major at University of Oregon
DANCERS' APPLICATION PROCESS
1) Email Lillian@carmeldancefestival.org to let the Selection Committee know of your intention to apply and to request an application form.
2) Submit $50 application fee
To apply for our prestigious 2025 Dance Fellowship Program, the easiest way to process your $50 application fee is by requesting a PayPal invoice via Lillian@carmeldancefestival.org.
Income varies significantly across the globe. For dancers with proof of residing outside the U.S., we will adjust the application fee to reflect the average income in your region, ensuring a fair and accessible process.
3) Complete the application form
Once your application fee has been processed, you will be emailed an application via Google Forms.
4) Email additional materials
Once the application form is complete and submitted, please send all of the following materials in one email to: Lillian@carmeldancefestival.org:
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Video Statement of Interest (talk to camera about yourself and why you are interested in participating in Carmel Dance Festival's 2025 Fellowship Program)
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Resume with contact information
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Headshot and full body dance shot
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Links to Video(s)
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2 letters of recommendation
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Indicate in the introduction email if staying overnight on campus or registering as commuter/day use only
VIDEO GUIDELINES
Please include the following in your application video(s):
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2 minutes of unedited improvisation/one take
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2 + minutes of performance or rehearsal footage of choreographed material (any setting acceptable)
Please upload your Video Statement of Interest and Application Videos to Dropbox, Vimeo, or Youtube. Kindly provide links and include passwords if needed. Videos that need to be downloaded will NOT be considered.
DANCERS' APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, November 3rd at 5:00 pm Pacific Time
Applications for the 3rd Annual Dance Fellowship will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis from Thursday, August 1st through Sunday, November 3rd at 5:00 pm Pacific Time. We encourage interested dancers to submit their applications by priority review on October 20 for the best consideration. Our selection process will begin early, and up to 20 exceptional dancers will be chosen for this prestigious fellowship program. Apply today!
COST
All Dance Fellows participate on FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS, which are generously sponsored by Carmel Dance Festival patrons.
Each full scholarship (valued at $1,500) covers tuition, facilities use, video documentation and editing, plus production expenses such as costumes, lighting, and crew.
Please note that the fellowship does not include financial aid for travel or Room & Board. Dance Fellows are responsivle for their transportation to Hidden Valley Music Seminars, accommodations and 3 meals per day. Further details regarding meals and housing are provided below.
"I have never been in a space where I felt deeply supported and could truly play, dream, and collaborate. This experience was so wonderful and exciting as a choreographer. Building a relationship with Lillian and Carmel Dance Festival was so special."
~ Gianna Burright, 2023 Choreography Fellow
LILLIAN BARBEITO (Carmel Dance Festival Co-Founder/Ballare Carmel Artistic Director)
brings more than 35 years of dance experience as an artist, producer, director, and educator to her role as Artistic Director of Ballare Carmel. During the course of her career, she has been a performer with contemporary dance companies, the co-founder of a world-renowned non-profit organization, the founder of an innovative corporation, and an internationally recognized, certified teacher of Countertechnique.
Barbeito grew up in the desert under the blues skies of Santa Fe, New Mexico where she trained with the Santa Fe Dance Foundation and worked with The Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, Southwest Ballet, and the Santa Fe Opera. She earned her BFA from The Juilliard School where she studied on a 4 year, full-tuition scholarship awarded by Tomorrow’s Leaders of America for her essay about the world dancing together in harmony. Barbeito had an extensive performance career that took her to Europe, New York, and then finally to Los Angeles, where she founded BODYTRAFFIC with Tina Berkett. Under her co-direction, the ensemble received critical acclaim and toured to the most prestigious dance venues across the globe from the Hollywood Bowl to Jacob's Pillow to the Mariinsky Theatre. She has taught internationally for organizations such as CalArts, Idyllwild Arts Academy, L'Artere and L’ecole de Danse in Quebec City, Lyon Opera Ballet, Northwest Dance Project, San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, Southland Ballet Academy, The Wooden Floor, and UCLA’s Department of World Arts and Cultures. Barbeito is one of 36 teachers in the world who is certified to teach Anouk van Dijk’s groundbreaking Countertechnique. She has choreographed over 50 works for high schools, universities, competitions, regional ballet companies, and professional modern dance companies throughout the US and Canada. She is the Founder and CEO of HAVEN Global Sanctuary for Dance, a platform dedicated to shaping an equitable, diverse, and inclusive future of dance.
Barbeito is married to filmmaker and environmentalist Grant Barbeito. They relocated their two sons, Oliver who is 13, and Forest who is 9, two bearded dragons, and an Irish-doodle named Harvey to Carmel Valley to launch Carmel Dance Festival and Ballare Carmel.
FELLOWSHIP FACULTY
FELLOWSHIP LOCATION
LOCATION
Carmel Valley Village was home to the Rumsen (also known as Rumsien, San Carlos Costanoan, and Carmeleno), one of eight groups of the Ohlone, and indigenous people of California. Among the rolling hills and grapevines of Carmel Valley, California, you'll find vineyards, tucked-away inns, championship golf courses, award-winning restaurants, rugged hiking, and horseback riding. And it's all just a short, stunning drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur.
ABOUT HIDDEN VALLEY MUSIC SEMINARS
Hidden Valley's eight-acre campus comprises a 300-seat theatre, a dance studio, music rehearsal gazebos, a classroom, a dining/recreation hall, and seventeen lodging rooms. Large outdoor decks are adjacent to the dance studio and the theatre. All facilities are on the ground floor and easily accessible. Hidden Valley Music Seminars was born out of a deep concern for the development of extraordinarily talented young artists. Programs in the fields of music, theatre, opera and dance have occupied most of the time and energy of the staff and faculty since its inception in 1963. The Master Class concept has always been a part of the Hidden Valley project and through the years, students from around the world have benefitted from the teaching of some of the great musicians of our time. The Dance Center was initiated in 1973 and, through enthusiastic community support, became one of the most popular of Hidden Valley's programs. In 1983 Hidden Valley joined the educational centers worldwide which were offering Elderhostel programs. Within four years, Hidden Valley became one of the 75 "supersites" in America presenting at least 40 Elderhostel/Road Scholar weeks per year. The interaction between the older and younger students has become one of the exciting aspects of the Institute's campus life. The constant thread throughout Hidden Valley's existence has been an uncompromising interest in the careful selection of students and faculty to represent the highest quality of each possible. Founder and General Director, Peter T. Meckel, notes, "As members of a wonderful local community and an international musical family, we treasure our connections to friends and supporters. We pledge our unwavering dedication to quality and substance in all aspects of our work."
The magic of this Fellowship takes place inside and OUTSIDE of the dance studio and theater. To help forge lifelong bonds and foster enriching conversations over meals, staying and dining on campus is mandatory for out-of-town fellows. Locals can participate as Day~Use~Only; receive 3 meals a day and use the campus for approximately 1/2 the cost.
ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATIONS
The WADDELL CENTER Residence Hall has 17 simple, clean and cheery, non-smoking rooms. Each room has two twin beds, a dresser, and bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink. All rooms exit directly to a deck or walk via sliding glass doors, which can be locked from the inside. Each room has an individually controlled heater, bed linens and towels. If you will need an alarm clock or hair dryer, you should bring these with you.
LUBLOW LODGE is a beautiful new residential center, adding six spacious double-occupancy rooms with a queen bed, a twin bed, air conditioning, and a bathroom with shower, toilet, and sink. The Hidden Valley campus provides free wireless internet access. There is a computer and printer available for guests in the Fireside Room. Additional nights in a Waddell Center or Faculty Lodge room outside the dates of the program you are attending can be arranged, on a space-available basis.
ROOM & BOARD FEES (accommodations, 3 meals per day, and facilities use):
Fees listed below include 7.25% CA sales tax and 3.49% PayPal Fee.
Waddell Center (old building):
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Double Room plus 3 meals per day ~ $1,150
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Single Room plus 3 meals per day ~ $1,350
Lubow Lodge (new building):
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Double Room plus 3 meals per day ~ $1,450
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Single Room plus 3 meals per day ~ $1,650
COMMUTER FEE (no accommodations)
One of the reasons the Fellowship Program is so impactful is the rich learning and sharing experiences that extend beyond the studio, particularly during meals. To foster strong bonds and a sense of community, it is mandatory for all Fellows to dine together. For individuals with specific dietary restrictions, we understand the need to bring their own meals, but they are still required to pay the commuter fee. The Day Use Only/Commuter Fee is $500.00, which covers the cost of three meals a day along with a facilities fee. This ensures that everyone can fully participate in the program's communal aspects and create lasting connections.
MORE INFORMATION & TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM
Email: Lillian@CarmelDanceFestival.org
Call: (310) 923-2766
EXCITING INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Our internships offer a unique behind-the-scenes experience, allowing you to work closely with producers and join the choreographers' inner circle, fostering valuable relationships for the future. These positions are designed to give emerging artists real-world experience, helping to build impressive resumes and portfolios. While we do not provide transportation, meals, or housing, the experience and credentials gained through this opportunity are invaluable. Please review the details below and feel free to reach out with any specific questions or if you’re interested in a particular position.
FALL MEDIA INTERN
Dates: September 1st – December 27th, 2024
Step into the world of dynamic content creation as our Fall Media Intern. You'll be at the forefront of our digital presence, crafting captivating stories and reels for Instagram, alongside engaging Facebook posts. This role is perfect for someone passionate about visual storytelling and eager to hone their skills in a professional, creative environment.
WINTER MEDIA INTERN
Dates: December 15th, 2024 – January 15th, 2025
Join us this winter to document and bring to life the essence of our Fellowship Program. As our Winter Media Intern, you'll take charge of daily photo and video documentation, create visually stunning social media posts, and produce a comprehensive recap video that includes interviews with participants and guest artists. Ideal candidates should possess strong photography and video editing skills, with a keen eye for storytelling through visual media. If you have a passion for filmmaking, whether it’s directing, editing, or cinematography, this is your stage.
PRODUCTION INTERN
Dates: December 28th, 2024 – January 5th, 2025
Become an essential part of our team as a Production Intern, where your role will involve everything from maintaining the pristine condition of our spaces to assisting guest artists. You'll also have the chance to engage directly with the program by transporting guest artists, setting up sound for performances, and running vital errands. This position requires a reliable vehicle and an eye for detail, offering you the opportunity to be deeply immersed in the Fellowship Program.
COSTUME DESIGN INTERN
Dates: October 1st – January 7th
Collaborate with visionary choreographers to bring their creative visions to life as our Costume Design Intern. You'll be involved in every aspect of costume creation and management for our 2025 Fellowship Program, from initial design to final adjustments, ensuring that each piece is performance-ready. This role is ideal for those who are passionate about the intersection of fashion and performance, offering an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience in costume design and management within a professional dance setting.
To express your interest or learn more about our internship opportunities, please email Lillian@carmeldancefestival.org.
TESTIMONALS
"I hoped to gain a more intimate and creative relationship with myself and the people around me. I walked away not only having the wish fulfilled beyond what I could have dreamt, but feeling more supported, more encouraged, and more hopeful for my future than ever before."
~ 2023 Dance Fellow
"This week was rejuvenating and inspiring. It was refreshing to take a break from my regular dance community and create a new one with other artists. I think the structure of the week created many opportunities to share and create and support one another, and the choice to exclude phones from shared spaces was a catalyst for people actually engaging in conversation and taking in what was going on around them. Thank you all for your efforts to create spaces that were safe, open, and engaging. I imagine I will still be processing experiences and new thoughts from this week for quite a while and I will definitely be taking things I learned about myself and dance into my dance community at home."
~ Katie Marshall, 2023 Dance Fellow
"My week in Carmel reinvigorated my inspiration for art and dance and began my year the best way possible."
~ Isabella Soo Hoo, Dance Major at Boston Conservatory
"This was different from other intensives that I've been to because there was such an emphasis on community that was a breath of fresh air. I was also able to step out of my comfort zone and make major artistic breakthroughs in only a week. It was also more challenging in ways that I wasn't expecting, but I learned so much about myself that I couldn't have learned anywhere else."
~ Gabija Vabalaite, Dance Major at UCI
"Alex Ketley taught a class called Hot Mess in and in that class you had to let everything go and not overthink the tasks that were asked of you and this idea of just going for it is something I hope to bring back with me in my future dance endeavors,"
~ Genevieve Antonetty, Dance Major at NYU
2024 CHOREOGRAPHY FELLOWS
Savannah Dunn, Madison Falconer, Brian Golden
2024 DANCE FELLOWS
Nicol Bui, Bailey Duffield, Elyse Fahye, Nola Gibson, Camille Henrot, Anna Kazwell, Sage Melton, Dalya Modlin, Piper Northburg, Weronika Orzelek, Sky Poole, Ceilia Rammel, Alex Rix, Elizabeth Sah, Kyra Shimogori, Sithumi Sinley, Lauren Blair Smith, Alisson Trigos, Lauren Velasco, Joey Tennis
Special thanks to Our 2nd Annual Fellowship Program Sponsors:
Peter Meckel & Hidden Valley Music Seminars
Thomas D. Halaczkiewicz Foundation
Dave Stewart & Nancy Scholink
Yellow Brick Road Foundation
Carlos Lens & Scott Franey
Carmel Valley Kiwanis
Elizabeth "Liza" Ytenma
2023 CHOREOGRAPHY FELLOWS
Natasha Adorlee, Gianna Burright, Nicole Hennington
2023 DANCE FELLOWS
Veronica Allen, Genevieve Antonetty, Natalie Arronno, Cardin Chung, Ariel Clarke, Grace Cuny, Bailey Duffield, Isabelle Edgar, Marie Finley, Jessica Hovermale, Kloii Hummingbird, Theresa Knudson, Isabelle Lara, Katherine Lingle, Katie Marshall, Sage Melton, Sophia Nielson, Paloma Perez-Rojas, Isabella Soo Hoo, Courtney Sprouse, Gabija Vabalaite, Olivia Wood, Jenna Cardona Wu, Ho Ming "Angus" Wu, and Dillon Zamora
Special thanks to:
Carmel Gives, Dave Stewart & Nancy Scholink,
and the Thomas D. Halaczkiewicz Foundation
for helping sponsor our inaugural
Dance & Choreography Fellow Program!