ABOUT
The National Society of Arts and Letters assists promising young artists through competitions, financial assistance, master classes, mentoring, and providing career opportunities. An NSAL National Awards Competition in Dance is held every four years with the purpose of identifying and supporting talented young artists in varying dance genres. This year, the competition is focused on ballet and all forms of contemporary dance. Top competitors receive cash awards that total $40,000 or more.
ELIGIBILITY
The competition is open to dancers ages 16-22. Competitors must have not yet reached their 23rd
birthday by May 8, 2025. Dancers must show evidence of career potential. Dancers must not have an agent or manager at the time of the competition. Professional dancers are not permitted to enter the competition. "Professional Dancer" is defined by the NSAL Dance Competition as an individual who is employed or contracted as a full-time dancer (apprentices included) with a professional dance company; or an individual who is regularly employed to perform as an independent dance artist.
This includes dancers who are not currently employed under such a contract, but have been in the
past. Contestants must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States or US Territories with a valid taxpayer identification number. Contestants must have a United States Social Security number and a United States residence address. The competition is open to dancers of all nationalities, races, religions, genders, and sexual orientations.
LEVELS OF COMPETITION
Chapter Level: Dancers first compete in the NSAL Chapter Level Competition that is closest to their home, school, current residence, or as assigned by the National Awards Competition Chair. Dancers may compete in only one Chapter Level Competition. Dancers MUST be available May 8-10, 2025 to compete in the NSAL National Competition in Pittsburgh, PA.
National Level: The first place winner of each NSAL Chapter Level Competition will progress to compete at the NSAL National Competition May 8-10, 2025 hosted by the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania NSAL Chapter. NSAL Chapters will pay for all of the expenses of their First Place Chapter Finalist to travel to and compete in Pittsburgh for the National Level Competition.
COMPETITION FORMAT
The National competition will be held in person, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 8-10, 2025. Chapter Level competitions may be held in a virtual format, hybrid format, or in person. Inquire to your Chapter Level Contact regarding the format of your Chapter Competition.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Each competitor will be judged on their performance in three components of the competition:
1. Competitors will participate in a 1.5 hour ballet master class that includes barre work and centre
practice.
2. Classical Variation: Present one variation from the list below. Women must perform en pointe. Female:
Black Swan Variation, Swan Lake (M. Petipa, .L Ivanov)
Kitri Variation (w/fan), Don Quixote (M. Petipa)
Aurora Variation, Sleeping Beauty, Act 3 (M. Petipa)
Pas D'Eslave Variation, Le Corsaire (M. Petipa)
Male:
Siegfried Variation, Swan Lake (M. Petipa, L. Ivanov)
Ali Variation, Le Corsaire (M. Petipa)
Bluebird Variation, Sleeping Beauty (M. Petipa)
Nutcracker Prince Variation, Nutcracker M( . Petipa, .L Ivanov)
3. Contemporary Solo: The Contemporary Solo must demonstrate proficiency of range of movement within the framework of a dance vocabulary other than ballet. No longer than 2.5 minutes. Props prohibited. No pointe.
ATTIRE
Classwork and Classical Variation:
Female - any solid color sleeveless leotard (and optional matching short skirt) with pink or flesh colored tights and shoes.
Male - any solid color fitted shirt with black tights and shoes.
All tights must be worn inside shoes for classwork and the classical variation.
Contemporary Solo:
Female - any solid color sleeveless leotard with tights (pink or flesh color), black dance shorts, or bare legs
Male - any solid color fitted shirt with either black tights or dance shorts
Competitors may perform the contemporary solo barefoot, in socks, half-sole shoes, jazz shoes, or sneakers.
COMPETITION FEES and other expenses:
A small registration fee may apply at Chapter Level Competitions. There is no fee to compete in the National Competition. NSAL Chapters will pay for all of the expenses of their First Place Chapter Finalist to travel to and compete in Pittsburgh for the National Level Competition.
HOW TO APPLY
Choose the NSAL Chaper from the 2025 NSAL CHAPTER CONTACT LIST. You may apply to the chaper closet to your home or school. Submit your completed REGISTRATION FORM to the Chapter by the registration deadline. Upon receipt of your registration, you will receive a confirmation email as well as instructions on how to send required documents and other competition related materials including:
a) a high resolution jpeg head shot
b) a short bio regarding your dance background and accomplishments
d) a scan of a legal document verifying your date of birth and US citizenship or legal residence Examples: a birth certificate, passport, student visa, or green card
d) the chapter level registration fee (where applicable)
e) Submit mp3s of your music labeled with your name and title of the dance
National Society of Arts and Letters Chapter Contacts
Alabama: Birmingham Chapter Chair - Cindy Free cindy@birminghamballet.com (204) 979-9506
Arizona: Arizona ChapterChair - Michael Cook michaelicook@mac.com
Co-chair - Susie Silverman suzerina@aol.com (602) 377-0606
Arkansas: Arkansas Chapter Chair - Dr. Laura Hutchins Ifhutch@icloud.com (501) 590-0632
Florida: Florida Chapter Chair - Shari Upbin shariupbin@gmail.com (917) 797-6653
Hawaii: Hawai Chapter President: Bro. Gary Morris, S.M. gmorris@chaminade.edu
Indiana: Indiana Chapter Chair - Sarah Wroth swroth@iu.edu (617)620-4521
lowa: Central lowa Chapter President: Paul Wigley paul.wigley54@gmail.com (507) 340-1416
Kentucky: Kentucky Chapter President: Twyla Martins trmarts@mac.com (859) 396-3942
Missouri: St. Louis Chapter President: Adelia Parker-Castro adeliaparkercastro@gmail.com (314) 541-2440
New Jersey: New Jersey Chapter (includes Delaware, New England) President: Judy Martorelli smartorielly@verizon.net (973) 267-0952
New York: New York Chapter President: Margaret Johnson mjohnson12339@gmail.com (814) 451-4004
Ohio/West Virginia: Ohio River Valley Chapter President: Carol Pitkin pitkincorp@aol.com
(304) 966-8720
Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Chapter Chair - Anastasia Bedard - (412) 848-1036 anastasia.lee.bedard@gmail.com
Washington, DC: Washington, DC Chapter President: Ronald .J Ivey ronaldjivey@gmail.com (202) 320-7759
APPLICATION IN FORM:
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