AUDITIONS

Novus Contemporary Ballet is entering its 2026–2027 season with bold new repertory, collaborative projects with Selah Dance Collective, and touring/educational engagements across California. We are seeking technically rigorous, artistically curious, and collaborative dancers who are excited to work across ballet and contemporary idioms, and who value process as much as performance.

This call is open to:

  • Company Artists and Apprentices (paid, project-to-seasonal contracts)

  • Trainees (tuition-based or scholarship/assistanship options)

  • Guest Artists for specific projects

  • Teaching/Outreach–interested dancers for our education work

If you are a dancer who thrives in hybrid spaces – ballet + floorwork, pointe + partnering, improvisation + set choreography – we want to see you.

2026–2027 Season Highlights*

  • Two new evening-length work by Artistic Director Meredith Ventura

  • Shared repertoire with Selah Dance Collective

  • Site-responsive performance project (fall)

  • Education/outreach residencies with local schools and partner orgs

  • Possible touring engagements to New York, San Francisco, and South America

*Subject to change; final season announced early spring 2026.

Apply

What We’re Looking For

  • Strong classical foundation (pointe work required for women/femme-presenting dancers; men/masc dancers should have strong partnering skills)

  • Contemporary versatility (willingness to work in and out of the floor, complex musicality, weight sharing, and task-based/improvisational scores)

  • Performance presence (we prioritize artists who can embody narrative, abstract, and feminist/experimental work)

  • Rehearsal professionalism (punctual, prepared, responsive to notes, collaborative in the room)

  • Alignment with our values: community-engaged dance, devised work, and reimagining ballet as a living practice, not a fixed tradition

Audition Pathways

You may choose one of the following. Dancers outside of California are strongly encouraged to attend an in-person audition.

  • Video Submission via DanceApply

    • Visit DanceApply to submit your materials including a video, resume, and headshot.

  • In-Person Audition in New York

    • Audition Date and Location: New York – March 1, 2026 at 11:30 AM at Gibney 280 Broadway

    • The audition will consist of a classical ballet class (1.5 hours) and learning Novus repertory (1 hour)

    • Callbacks may occur via invitation to visit our studios and attend a company class.

  • Satellite Audition / Class Audition

    • Attend a Novus Contemporary Ballet open class or workshop listed on our social channels

    • Let us know you’re attending as an audition at: info@novusballet.com.

    • You may be asked to stay for repertory

  • To audition, email us at info@novusballet.com with the subject line: VIDEO AUDITION 2025
    Include the following:
    ✔️ Full name and pronouns
    ✔️ Resume (PDF format)
    ✔️ Headshot or dance photo
    ✔️ A link to your audition video (YouTube, Vimeo, or Dropbox link preferred)

  • Please submit 1 video (single link or playlist) totaling 6–10 minutes that includes:

    1. Ballet Centerwork (2–3 min)

      • Adagio

      • Pirouettes

      • Petite or medium allegro

      • Pointe: relevés, échappés, and a short combination en pointe (if applicable)

    2. Contemporary / Modern Phrase (2–3 min)

      • Traveling, weight shifts, floorwork

      • Show phrasing, musicality, and dynamic contrast

    3. Performance / Repertory (optional but encouraged) (1–2 min)

      • Solo from your own repertory or choreography that shows your artistry

    Please ensure the video is well-lit and that we can see your full body.

    • Stipend-based performance contracts

    • Monthly reimbursement for physical therapy

    • One pair of pointe shoes (for femme-identifying dancers) per month for length of contract

    • Additional paid performance opportunities and other opportunities for creatives with additional skills (media, tech, administration, etc.)

Apprentice / Trainee Track (2026–27)

For developing professionals who are close to company-ready or who want to dance in Meredith Ventura’s repertory while building technique and performance experience.

Includes:

  • Daily/weekly company-class access (ballet, contemporary, pointe/men’s)

  • Repertory rehearsals with performance opportunities

  • Professional development (teaching, outreach, choreographic labs)

  • Possible pathway into company contracts the following season

Financial aid and work exchange will be available. Indicate in your email if you’d like to be considered.

Timeline

  • Applications open: January 10, 2026

  • Priority video deadline: March 15, 2026

  • In-person audition: March 1, 2026 (New York)

  • Callbacks/casting decisions for company and apprentice positions will be sent in March 2026 and we will accept materials for trainee positions until May 2026

  • Season begins: Late August/Early September 2026

Accessibility & Inclusion

Novus Contemporary Ballet welcomes dancers of all genders, body types, and backgrounds. If you need an audition modification (injury, space limitations, disability access, remote location), let us know in your email and we will provide an alternative.

Questions?

Email info@novusballet.com. Follow @novusballet and @selahdance for updates, class audition dates, and repertory sneak peeks.