We’re delighted to share an exciting opportunity on behalf of Belfast International Arts Festival, who have commissioned Palestinian dance artist Salma Ataya to create a brand-new work for their 2025 edition.
This project is part of an international dance exchange supported by the British Council, in partnership with D-CAF (Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival) in Cairo and Ramallah Contemporary Dance Festival in Palestine.
Salma is looking to collaborate with three dancers based in Northern Ireland on the creation of this new work, which will be developed and premiered at Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast on 31 October and 1 November 2025, with potential touring opportunities in Cairo and Ramallah in 2026/7.
Audition Workshop Details
An audition workshop will take place at Crescent Arts Centre on Thursday 29 May 2025, beginning at 10am and running into the mid-afternoon. Salma is particularly interested in meeting dancers who are:
- Experienced in contemporary dance with strong physicality
- Comfortable with improvisation
- Able to follow imagination and embodied sensations
- Skilled in partnering work
- Open, curious, and willing to explore
Project Timeline (for selected dancers)
- Development Week: September 2025 (dates TBC)
- Rehearsals: Starting week commencing 6 October 2025, Belfast
- Performances: 31 October & 1 November 2025 at Crescent Arts Centre
- This is a paid engagement for three dancers selected through the workshop.
How to Apply
To be considered for the audition workshop, please email recruitment@belfastinternationalartsfestival.com with “Audition/workshop” in the subject line and include:
- A short biography or CV
- A video link showcasing your dance work (Vimeo or YouTube preferred)
- A one-minute video of you dancing, preferably facing the camera
- Optional: A short clip of you speaking, reading, or singing — to give a fuller sense of your personality and expression
- Selected applicants will be invited to the in-person workshop on 29 May 2025.
Application deadline: 3pm, Friday 23 May 2023.