Dance Rising Tampa Bay invites artists to participate in America 250: United We Dance, a collaborative dance film project celebrating the many stories, cultures, and histories that shape dance in America.

This film will feature dancers performing original choreography inspired by American history, identity, and expression.

Artistic InspirationUse the following questions to help guide your creative process:

• What heritage or cultural history inspires you?
• What does life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness mean to you?
• What period of American history speaks to you?
• We belong, celebrate, protest, care, work — what does “we” mean to you?

American dance includes jazz, ballet, tap, and contemporary/modern dance, Native American, Indian and Asian dance traditions, line dance, urban and commercial dance and the many dance styles that reflect our nation’s growth, diversity, and need for expression through movement.

Project Guidelines

• Solos are welcome, and group work is encouraged.
• All dance genres are welcome.
• Be creative within your dance style.
• Use the music that inspires you.
• Perform the same choreography in all three recordings.
• Follow the filming tips provided below.

Six Steps to Submit

Step 1: Complete the Registration FormSubmit the registration form.

Step 2: Choose a LocationSelect a filming location for your dance.
If a permit is needed, we will help provide one. Please contact shana.corrada@dancetampabay.net for more information regarding permits.

Step 3: Create Your ChoreographyCreate 1 minute of choreography inspired by the project theme.

Step 4: Review the Filming TipsUse the filming tips and sample videos below to prepare your recording:

Filming Tips

Example Wide Angle 

Example Close Up

Example Performer

Please watch the Instructional Webinar hosted by Dance Tampa Bay for more tips.

Step 5: Film Your DanceRecord your one-minute piece three times, using these three angles. Please repeat the same choreography in all three recordings so the footage can be edited together:

• Wide angle
• Close-up
• One-performer view

Step 6: Submit Your WorkUpload your final videos using the SUBMISSION FORM.

Deadline for submissions: April 27, 2026

Dates to Remember

• March 14, 2026 – Registration opens
• March 26, 2026 – Dance and Film Workshop with Heidi Marks, Dance Rising Tampa Bay, Creative Producer and Mad Bear Productions, VP, Creative Director and Director of Video and Broadcast –
• April 27, 2026 – Registration closes / submissions due
• May 2, 2026 – Dance Rising Tampa Bay: America 250 – United We dance premiere at Riverfest 2026, Curtis Hixon Park
• June 2026 – Premiere featured on downtown kiosks
• July 5, 2026 – Dance Rising Tampa Bay: America 250 – United We Dance shown at Boom by the Bay, with performance opportunities

• While solos work, group work is also encouraged
• Different genres are encouraged – be creative within your dance field
• Use the music that inspires you.
• Have the same choreography in all three recordings
• Use the filming tips provided below