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Program Information

“In My Body” Dancers on stage

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.

Recent Recipients

The most recent recipient was Daina Ashbee. Other past recipients include: Crazy Smooth, Andrea Peña, Allen Kaeja, Andrew Giday, Bengt Jörgen, Benjamin Hatcher, Christopher House, Constantine Patsalis, Crystal Pite, D.A. Hoskins, David Earle, Donald Sales, Edward Hillyer, Gabrielle Lamb, Gaetan Gingras, Gioconda Barbuto, Heather Myer, Howard Richard, Jennifer Mascall, Joe Laughlin, Judith Marcuse, Lola MacLaughlin, Mark Godden, Martine Epoque, Mauryne Allan, Michael Downing, Peter Quanz, Randy Glynn, Renald Rabu, Robert Glumbek, Robert Stephen, Sabrina Matthews, Shaun Hounsell, Simone Orlando, Stephanie Ballard, and Wen Wei Wang.

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.

This award is supported by the Clifford E. Lee Artist Fund at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.

What's Included

Cash Award Read more Close

The award recipient will receive a $14,000 CAD cash award. 

The cash award will be paid in two equal installments over a two-year period, to support any aspect of the work, such as artist fees, set construction, or travel for company members to and from Banff that the choreographer sees fit.

Meal Plan Icon
Meal Plan Read more Close

Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests. 

The Full meal plan is $73 credit per day, equivalent to three meals at our Buffet service.

Accommodations
Accommodation Read more Close

Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.

Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.

Visual arts icon
Studio Space Read more Close

Create in the privacy of one of our specialized studios.

Showcase Icon
Showcase Your Work Read more Close

This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.

Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives Read more Close

The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty

Campus Facilities Read more Close
  • Participant Resources: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided. 
  • Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes. 
  • Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.

Fees & Financial Assistance

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.

Application Fee

$35 upon application

Note: An additional $35 registration fee will be added for each member upon acceptance to the program.

The application fee is non-refundable. This fee covers the cost of administration and adjudication.

Cancellations

Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.

Tax Information

Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees, financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.

How to Apply

Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.

Step 1:

Complete the Online Form

Step 2:

Pay your application fee

Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.

Step 3:

Upload Your Materials

Resume

A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.

 

Project Proposal

Please introduce the jury to the proposed project that would be advanced with support from this award, its path toward production, and its team (maximum 1000 words).

Please include a complete list of your project team in your application, as this information is essential for the adjudication process.

Technical Questionnaire

Please complete the technical questionnaire which can be found in Slideroom.

Portfolio

Up to 4 videos, no more than 20 minutes in length per video.

Letter of Reference

Applicants must submit contact details from a recognized and established dance professional who can speak to their artistic work at this stage in their career. The referee should address the applicant’s artistic strengths, vision, and potential, as well as why they would be an ideal recipient of the 2025 Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award.

Adjudication

Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:

  • Quality, originality and artistic merit.
  • Required skills and experience.
  • The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program.
  • Banff Centre’s ability to support the project.

Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided. 

Disclaimer

All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Contact Admissions

For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions:

Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6180