Call for EDAM Scholarship Training Program Fall 2026

Deadline: July 15, 2026
Training Period: Sept 08, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026 (15 weeks)

Program Details

EDAM is offering 6 Training Scholarships for the Fall 2026 Term.

This program offers participants an opportunity to intensify their Contact Improvisation practice and professional dance training. Scholarship recipients will immerse themselves in EDAM’s distinct lineage, rich community, and ongoing research within the practice of Contact Improvisation (CI).

What the Scholarship Includes

During the training period, scholarship recipients receive:

FREE access to all drop-in classes and jams.
FREE admission to the Fundamentals Workshop on Saturday, September 19th or 26th, 2026 (TBC).
50% discount on all other workshops and special offerings.
Recipients are invited into a supportive community of practice, offering opportunities to build lasting professional connections and peer relationships within the Vancouver dance milieu.

Scholarship Commitment

Recipients are expected to:

Attend Morning Classes: A minimum of three classes per week * (Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM). Classes are led by Artistic Director Olivia Shaffer and EDAM Company Teachers: Anne Cooper, Francesca Frewer, Arash Khakpour, and Hayley Gawthrop. *We understand that special circumstances come up; up to two weeks of absences may be approved for essential professional opportunities or personal commitments.
Support Studio Culture: Assist with class responsibilities (such as studio setup, buzzing students in, and helping to manage class sign-in) and contribute thoughts, questions, and curiosities to class discussions.
Uphold Community Standards: Respect and act in accordance with EDAM's Values and EDAM’s Code of Conduct.
Participants are also strongly encouraged to attend EDAM’s ongoing Thursday evening Foundations Class (6:30 PM - 8 PM), and Sunday All Levels Class (12:30 PM - 2:30 PM) to receive well-rounded, integrated training and contribute to shared learning of other classes.
Please note: If you are new to EDAM, a $5 membership fee is required upon acceptance.

Who Should Apply?

We are looking for dedicated individuals ready to engage deeply with their practice of CI, dance improvisation and / or performance. This call is open to:

Professional or pre-professional performing artists (in any physical discipline) with foundational experience in Contact Improvisation.
CI practitioners who have already been training at EDAM and wish to deepen their practice.
Priority may be given to applicants who are already familiar with Morning Class at EDAM, and / or those who have demonstrated consistent attendance in EDAM’s Thursday evening and / or Sunday classes over a number of years. However, we encourage interested artists who are newer to EDAM to apply also.
Priority will be given to artists based in Vancouver.

How to Apply

Please submit your application via GoogleForm below by no later than Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Alternative Formats: If you prefer to submit your application in an alternative format, please email Sierra at info@edamdance.org no later than Wednesday, July 8, 2026 to arrange.

Questions about the program: Please contact Olivia at director@edamdance.org.

Applicants will be notified of results by July 22, 2026.

APPLY HERE