Banff Centre February 2022 “In My Body” choreographed by Crazy Smooth. Photo by Rita Taylor.
Overview
The Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award recognizes outstanding emerging Canadian dance choreographers or companies, celebrating new voices, ideas, and approaches to professional dance. Established in 1978 by the Clifford E. Lee Foundation, the award supports the creation and development of innovative choreographic work.
Applicants must submit a proposal for a full-length piece that explores a contemporary approach to dance in any style, designed for an ensemble of up to five dancers. The selected recipient will receive a cash prize, along with a creation residency in December 2025 and a production residency, subject to scheduling.
Description
The Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award is a combination of a $14,000 CAD cash prize for the commission of a new work and two residencies at Banff Centre. Banff Centre can support a company with up to five Canadian dancers, and a small team, including Choreographer, rehearsal director, stage manager, and designers. Both residencies include meals and accommodation for all company members at the Banff Centre.
First Residency (December 8–18, 2025):
- Focus on research and development.
- Provides studio space without technical support.
Second Residency (Dates TBD):
- Focus on production development.
- Scheduled based on project timeline and Banff Centre availability.
- Takes place in a venue space that is suitable for the project.
- Includes three technicians (lighting, sound, and staging) for two weeks.
- Concludes with a public performance.
Requirements
- Open to emerging Canadian choreographers (citizens or permanent residents) who have had only one or less mainstage presentations of a full-length dance work.
- Open to any style of contemporary dance.
- Applicants should have access to a company of up to five dancers for the creation and production of the work. If an applicant does not have access to a company, Banff Centre can facilitate arrangements with a suitable professional company on site.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
Eligibility
Applicants and all company members must be 18+ at the start date of the program.
Applicants must be Canadian (citizens or residents).
Inclusivity Statement
We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
Due to the generous support of Clifford E Lee Foundation all program fees including accommodation and meal plans for both residencies are fully covered.
All professional artist fees and contracts are the responsibility of the award recipient.
Please visit the Fees & Financial Aid section of the program page to learn more about individual program's specific fees and funding availabilities.