SUBMISSIONS
WANT TO PERFORM AT URBANITE?
Urbanite is an international dance showcase and workshop series weekend-long experience with a unique blend of dance, music, and culture. Connecting the worlds of dance, Urbanite elevates the traditional dance show experience. If your team or project is interested in performing at Urbanite—you are in the right place!
Urbanite: Chicago is next up on Saturday, April 12th, 2025. The showcase is comprised of dance crews selected through this submission process. Now is your chance to bless the stage and showcase your art to a sold-out crowd at the legendary Metro Chicago. Don’t miss it!
SUBMISSION TIMELINE:
Submission portal opens Sunday, January 26th, 2025
Submission portal closes Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 @ 11:59pm CST
SUBMISSION FAQS:
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A completed submission form and submission video (or videos) are all that is required to submit.
At least one video is required and you can submit a max of three. Your submission video should be of high quality and at least 1 minute in length.Note: A past Urbanite performance video cannot be your sole submission, however, it can be included as one of your supporting videos.
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INFO: Be as detailed as possible on your submission form. The more info that can help distinguish you from other submissions the better.
VIDEOS ARE KEY!:
Ultimately, make sure that your video gives a strong and accurate representation of what you will be bringing to the Urbanite stage with PERFORMANCE in mind - for example blocking and formatting is a plus.
Videos made specifically for your submission are fantastic, but absolutely not a requirement.
Class videos are generally *not* a good representation of your stage performing ability, but can be good auxiliary supporting videos. Please never submit class videos of choreo that is not your own.
Solo dance videos are *not* good as a sole submission video (but can be good auxiliary supporting videos). We are looking to see how your group will look on stage.
Reminder: A past Urbanite performance video should not be your sole submission, however, it can be included with other videos.
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There are many factors to selecting the ideal lineup for a particular show and market. At a micro level, the selection crew will be looking at choreography, entertainment level, musicality, skill, execution, creativity, uniqueness, and energy. At a macro level, they will be looking at teams’ style, vibe, genre, and diversity of the lineup as a whole.
At the end of the day, there are a very limited amount of slots and an excess of amazing and deserving talent to fill those slots.
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You will need to have a web link for your video to submit properly via the online portal. The ideal method is via YouTube link (or Vimeo or any video streaming service). You should upload your video to YouTube and paste the link in the form. An alternate method is to upload your videos to a Google Drive and utilize the share link. Dropbox, WeTransfer, and other third-party storage services work as well, however, YouTube/Vimeo link is preferred.
Important note: If using Drive, please make sure all security parameters are set for open access.
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Submissions for the Chicago show close on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST. The deadline may close earlier if we receive a high volume of entries. If that happens, we’ll announce it with at least 24 hours' notice. To secure your spot, we recommend submitting early, but all completed submissions received by the deadline will be reviewed for the show.
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Once you send in a full submission (form and videos) your submission will go up for review by the Urbanite review board. Note that all valid submissions received within the submission period are reviewed.
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Official notice of your team/project status will be given after the submission period has closed AND all entries have been thoroughly reviewed. Depending on the quantity of entries, this could take up to 12 days after the close of the submission period. Communication will come via email.
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Yes. Please email go@urbanite.co with your Team/Project Name, Director Name, and original submission date.
Note that, if selected, your official team/project name can still be edited upon acceptance into the lineup! -
Every show is different depending on the market, venue, special guests, etc. Typically an Urbanite show has anywhere between 17-22 performing teams.
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If you are accepted into the lineup for Urbanite: Chicago you’re in elite company! The programming time commitment will be simple: Your team should plan to be available for the full day on Saturday, April 12th. This is to accommodate both technical and dress rehearsals during the day and then the show at night. There will be programming on Friday, April 11th which will include registration, Workshops, and an all-cast welcome party. The only other time commitment will be two virtual director’s meetings - one welcome meeting and one preparatory meeting the week-of the show.
Key Rules + Regulations (Required):
Max set time limit is 4 minutes and 30 seconds.
No single performer can perform in more than one group in the lineup.
You must meet all deadlines in regard to roster and music submittal. These dates will be discussed upon acceptance to the lineup.
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The Urbanite: Chicago 2025 event will take place on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 @ The Metro (3730 N Clark, Chicago, IL).
Workshops and kick-off party will take place on Friday, April 11th.
Tickets will be on sale in February. Keep checking www.urbanite.co for further show details! -
Urbanite: Chicago is an 18+ show. Performers under the age of 18 are allowed with parent/guardian approval. These scenarios will be addressed upon lineup selection.
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Urbanite is very intentionally NOT a competition. The foundation of Urbanite is built around support and it is meant as a grounds for showcasing, networking, bonding, and building among teams, choreographers and dancers.
Ready to start your submission?
For any additional questions, you can reach us at go@urbanite.co.