SIDEWALK IN THE SEA Dance Residency & Production

Sidewalk in the Sea (SIS), inspired by Exodus 14:22, is a faith-based dance residency that equips dancers to discover freedom, purpose, and identity through movement in Christ. Just as God made a clear path through the sea for His people, SIS exists to help dancers find clear direction in an industry often filled with pressure, comparison, and competing expectations.

We believe every dancer has a unique movement language intentionally designed by God. Through Scripture-based training, creative exploration, and intentional discipleship, residents are encouraged to move beyond imitation and performance into movement that is rooted in purpose, conviction, and truth. Rather than being shaped by the ever-changing standards of the dance world, dancers learn to cultivate a practice that flows from intimacy with Christ and reflects the calling He has placed on their lives.

Each residency culminates in an original dance production, presenting a new theme each year while remaining grounded in the same mission: to communicate biblical truth through excellence in dance and invite audiences into a deeper encounter with God. Whether on stage or in the studio, Sidewalk in the Sea is a place where dancers are refined, released, and equipped to walk confidently in the path God has prepared for them.

Coming Soon:

2028 Production Theme

Applications Open: August, 2027
Audition & Residency Dates: Coming Soon

More information on SIS 2028 Season

The Residency

The SIS residency is a 4 month training program that centers on five key initiatives:

  1. Developing training plans rooted in Scripture to cultivate excellence, healing, and friendship with God.

  2. Guiding dancers in discovering their authentic “home” movement expression.

  3. Promoting holistic wellness (mind, body, and spirit) in dance spaces.

  4. Modeling a healthy and redemptive rehearsal culture that challenges harmful norms within the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) dance community.

  5. Engaging the broader community through digital storytelling, open rehearsals, and interactive events that connect faith and art.

Through this approach, SIS will create a space where dancers deepen their artistry through faith, embracing the divine story written in Scripture. The residency will prepare dancers to present the full production to multiple audiences in July 2026.

The Production

Sidewalk in the Sea (SIS) expands the visibility of Christian artistic expression by transforming Scripture and lived experience into embodied movement. Through original choreography and intentional set, lighting, and costume design, we create a sacred performance space that immerses audiences in an encounter experience. Each scene is choreographed and designed to reflect a raw and realistic story rather than a performative representation of a story. Sidewalk in the Sea invites believers, seekers, and skeptics alike to encounter God through art that moves the spirit. Our aim is to create work that doesn’t just illustrate faith but activates it, planting seeds of hope, courage, and trust in the God who makes a way where there seems to be none.

AUDITION FOR SIDEWALK IN THE SEA 2028 SEASON

  • Applications are open August 2027

    Audition & Residency dates will be announced prior to applications being opened.

    The Sidewalk in the Sea Residency is open to dancers ages 16 and older.

  • Auditions are held in person and a headshot, resume, and completed application are required for check-in. You must be available for the audition date. We do not hold virtual or private auditions. Auditions consist of a movement-based experience designed to help us get to know you as both an artist and an individual. Prior choreography preparation is not required.

    Auditions are 3-4 hours and you can expect the following:

    1. A warm-up and brief body weight workout.

    2. A ballet, modern, and west African technique class.

    3. A choreography repertoire class

    4. An improvisation and partnering class.

  • The inaugural Sidewalk in the Sea Residency was offered at no cost as part of our founding year. Beginning with cohort 2 residency, tuition will be required to support the continued growth and sustainability of the program.

    Tuition details will be announced prior to the opening of applications. We are committed to keeping the residency as accessible as possible while providing a high-quality experience for every participant.

    Payment Options

    Accepted dancers may choose one of the following payment options:

    • Pay in Full before the residency begins.

    • 3-Month Payment Plan with monthly installments from August through October.

    A non-refundable deposit (credited towards tuition) is required to secure your place in the residency. Additional payment details and deadlines will be provided upon acceptance.

    Scholarships

    We believe financial circumstances should not prevent passionate artists from pursuing opportunities for growth.

    For each residency cycle, we anticipate offering:

    • One Full-Tuition Scholarship

    • Two Partial Scholarships

    Scholarship consideration is available as part of the residency application. Scholarship recipients will be selected through a separate review process based on demonstrated need and alignment with the mission of Sidewalk in the Sea.

    Acceptance Timeline

    Applicants selected for the residency will have one week from the date of their acceptance notification to confirm their participation and submit their enrollment deposit.

  • The 2028 Sidewalk in the Sea Residency will begin in early 2028 last 5-6 months and conclude with an original production.

    The official audition date, rehearsal schedule, and residency calendar will be announced prior to the opening of applications.

    Interested dancers are encouraged to join our mailing list and follow along for updates, including the 2028 production theme, application details, and upcoming audition announcements.

    Residents will participate in weekly rehearsals, creative development, Scripture-based training, and the creation of an original dance production. Additional events, workshops, and performance opportunities may be included throughout the residency.

    Because of the collaborative nature of the residency, participants are expected to commit to the full program time frame.

  • Sidewalk in the Sea is a residency built around growth, discovery, and the development of each dancer’s unique movement language. While prior participation in GTC programming is not required, dancers who engage with our training opportunities will have the opportunity to become familiar with our approach to movement, creativity, and faith-based artistic development.

    As you prepare for the residency, we encourage you to participate in GTC offerings throughout the year, including:

    • Creator Labs and pop-up classes

    • Workshops and intensives

    • Special training opportunities led by GTC instructors and members of the SIS community, including former SIS residents

    These experiences are designed to help dancers strengthen their technical foundation, explore their artistry, and continue developing a movement practice rooted in purpose and identity.

    Stay connected with GTC by joining our newsletter and following us on Instagram for announcements about upcoming classes, workshops, and opportunities to train with our community.