Donald byrd workshop
July 20-24, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Donald Byrd Workshop is an opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the technical, choreographic, and theoretical worlds of Donald Byrd’s work and what it means to be an artist at Spectrum Dance Theater.
Whether you are looking to hone your technical skills in contemporary dance, expand your understanding of Donald Byrd’s unique choreographic processes, or find inspiration working alongside other professional dancers, the Donald Byrd Workshop is a place to discover, question, and play alongside one of the most impactful and relevant voices in contemporary dance today.
DEVELOP YOU PROFESSIONAL CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUE
Mr. Byrd's workshop is designed for individuals aged 16 and above with equivalent intermediate dance training, such as ballet, modern dance, or hip-hop.
The Byrd Method
The Byrd Method is physically demanding, intellectually rigorous, and emotionally charged.
The approach asks dancers to inhabit the space where classical and contemporary forms intersect, where instinct meets analysis, and where structure and freedom coexist. Artists are challenged to engage both the physical and conceptual dimensions of performance, creating work that is dynamic, responsive, and deeply human.
Workshop Experience
This weeklong intensive pairs 2 hours and 15 minutes of technique class with Mr. Byrd with 2 hours and 15 minutes of creative process each day, with a break between sessions. Working directly alongside current company members during the process session, workshop participants develop a consciousness of their contribution to the creative process, and a heightened awareness of ways in which art can activate and relate to the world we live in.
mORE About the Technique
The Byrd Technique emphasizes a relaxed, strong, and flexible torso, with highly articulated feet and legs, with increasing rhythmic and spatial precision. With this focus, the dancer becomes more efficient at managing energy and better able to control the visual, emotional, and physical impact of their body's movement.
Should I Enroll?
The Donald Byrd Workshop is ideal for advanced and professional dancers seeking to:
Strengthen their contemporary dance technique
Experience Donald Byrd's choreographic and creative processes
Work alongside Spectrum Dance Theater company artists
Expand their artistic perspective and creative practice
Engage deeply with movement, collaboration, and contemporary performance
Join us for a week of exploration, challenge, and artistic discovery.
Scholarship
To be considered for participation, all interested parties must submit the following information.
One Letter of Recommendation from a Present or Past Dance Instructor
The interested participant must submit a short statement explaining why they dance and want to participate in this workshop and/or join the company.
COST
$425 for the week Workshop Class and Process
$85 for the week of Technique Class
$20 Drop-In Rate for Technique Class Only
**Please contact the School Director at Stephanie@spectrumdance.org for information on financial assistance programs.
SDT Company Audition
Saturday July 25, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Tricia Stromberg Studio Theater at Spectrum Dance Theater
Dancers are encouraged to attend the Donald Byrd Workshop that leads to this audition.
Application fee: $20
Under the direction of Donald Byrd, Spectrum Dance Theater is seeking dancers for the 2026-2027 Season. Full-time company contracts, including weekly salary and touring opportunities. Relocation to Seattle, WA, is required for the duration of the contract.
Donald Byrd’s process requires that dancers be willing to work collaboratively, be technically proficient, and be interested in the Company’s focus on social justice and climate change.
TO APPLY:
Please send an email to spectrumaudition@gmail.com and include the following:
Name, Address, Phone Number
Headshot and Resume
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to work legally in the United States.
Spectrum Dance Theater will host its annual Company Workshop from July 20-24, 2026, in Seattle, WA.
If you take the workshop, you will automatically receive an invitation to the audition on July 26. All interested applicants are encouraged to attend this workshop, which will take place leading up to the audition. If you plan to attend the Company Workshop, please indicate so with your submission.