Dance Film Labs

A series of moderated screenings of works in progress led by industry professionals that offer filmmakers, from seasoned professionals to those just exploring the process, a warm, creative space to share experiences and information on methods and tools and to address artistic and technical challenges when working at the intersection of movement and film.

These workshops are informal and intimate centering on a discussion about the footage being screened. Artists get reactions, constructive feedback, and answers to questions. Shawn Bible, Dance On Camera President and a professor in the Dance Department of Manhattanville College is the planned moderator for the 2024 Labs.

Location
Gibney Dance Center
280 Broadway
Studio A
(Enter at 53A Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007)
Lab 1
Submissions Closed
Apply Here
Lab 2
Submissions Closed
Apply Here
Lab 3
Submissions Closed
Apply Here
It was incredibly helpful to get the responses I did from the wonderful people who attended the lab. I went into it expecting to have people tell me what I was doing right and what I was doing wrong, but I was blown away by how encouraging and constructive the feedback was. Before attending the lab I was a bit lost as to where to go with dance and film after this. Because of the conversations I had with the participants, I now know the direction I want to go and I am very excited about it! Being in an environment with people who love what I love, and do what I do is not only inspiring, but a great reminder that we all need a little feedback and that there are people out there who want to help and get involved. Overall my experience with the Dance Film Lab was great, and I would encourage anyone to submit their work because the responses they will get are nothing but respectful, honest, and enlightening.

Sophie Kuller

I am a journalist making my first documentary film, Renewal, about dance and environmental activism in Israel. I attended almost all of the Dance Film Lab workshops this past year, and I found them incredibly informative. DFA not only has a well-informed staff who know the specifics of the dance film genre, but they also bring in presenters with a wealth of experience in many different aspects of film. The small classroom structure encourages interaction and is extremely inclusive, no matter if you are a veteran filmmaker or a novice. I found great resources in the presenters as well as those in the audience. As I continue in the post-production process, I feel grateful that the Dance Film Lab exists. I look forward to learning further from those in this vibrant community.

Stacey Menchel Kussell

I was actually so inspired by the experience that I wrote the beginnings of a screenplay on the train on my way home [from Dance Film Lab]. Shortly thereafter, I founded my own dance film production company, DANCELEN(D)S. We released our first independent production - manouevres - on YouTube, with an incredible street crew and company called Project Valentine. That lab really helped me to move forward on the goals I had to explore dance film in my own way - and so I just wanted to reach out and say thank you! We're looking forward to many more to come!

Jennifer Madison