westFEST New Works Festival And INtensive

Frequently Asked Questions

westFEST: New Works Festival and Intensive is a vibrant, immersive celebration of contemporary dance and movement arts in the Mountain West. This year, we’re blending a week-long intensive offering professional-level training, collaboration, and performance opportunities with a weekend festival showcasing innovative works from local and regional artists. 

Whether you're a dancer seeking training opportunities, an artist ready to showcase your work, or an audience member looking for a sensational weekend of dance and performance, there are multiple ways to participate and engage with the festival.

  • Early Bird Registration | Before June 15

    • Full Intensive (Performance Cohorts) = $225

    • Training Track (Classes Only) = $100


    Regular Registration | June 16 - Aug 1

    • Full Intensive (Performance Cohorts) = $275

    • Training Track (Classes Only) = $150


    Full payment to confirm your registration is required by August 1.

    Please reach out to Rachel Oliver Young, rachel@thewestsidetheater.com, for any questions or clarifications about registration or payment.

  • To reserve your spot you can either pay in full (with a non-refundable $100 deposit) or reach out to us to set up a payment plan.

    REFUND POLICY 

    westFEST’s refund policies were created to offer as much flexibility as possible, while still protecting BBD|WT from risk and instability. 

    The refund schedule for the westFEST Intensive (Performance Cohort) is: 

    • Before July 1: All registration fees, less the $100 non-refundable deposit, are fully refundable for any reason. 

    • After July 1: All registration fees, less the $100 non-refundable deposit, are 50% refundable for any reason.

    • After your first class begins: All registration fees are non-refundable for any reason, including illness or injury. 

    All Final Payments are Due August 1.

  • We want to expand dance opportunities for our community and don't want the fees to hinder your involvement. If you are interested in participating in the westFEST Intensive but the fee is holding you back, we will do our best to support you.

    To apply for financial help: please complete this Financial Assistance Application. We will make decisions before July 1st.

  • All classes will take place at Westside Theater!

  • Performance Cohorts will be rehearsing at either Westside Theater (Advanced/Professional Track) or a studio nearby/TBD (Community Track).  

    All tech and dress rehearsals, along with all performances, will take place at Westside Theater.

  • We do not provide housing.  However, please do reach out to rachel@thewestsidetheater.com if you are looking for housing.  We might be able to hook you up with a home-stay with some of our community, or hook you up with someone else to join forces with.

  • Performance Cohors Rehearse in the afternoon and evening August 10-15.


    Performance Cohorts will perform at the festival on August 16 and 17.

  • The Community Track is open to dancers ages 14 and up with prior experience, this track is ideal for those looking to grow as artists and expand their movement vocabulary.

    The Advanced/Professional Cohort is open to dancers ages 18 and older, this track is ideal for those pursuing a professional dance career or already engaged in professional work. 

    If you do not meet the age minimum but still feel this opportunity is where you need to be, please feel free to reach out to Rachel Oliver Young, westFEST Producer, at rachel@thewestsidetheater.com

  • No, drop-in classes are not available.

    The goal of the intensive is to provide an immersive environment conducive for building community. There will be continuity throughout the week with the same teachers, therefore we’d like to maintain continuity of class takers, as well.  The teachers will be building on the material from previous days, so we request that you commit to the full week.

    Please check out our other offerings at Westside Theater for drop-in classes.

  • Levels will be determined at auditions on the first day of the Intensive, Sunday, by the teachers and choreographers. (see schedule)

  • The Westside Theater fully accessible for wheelchairs and walkers. The lobby and bathrooms are at street level, and the stage/dance space is available without the need for an elevator or stairs. Let us know if we can plan with you for any additional accommodations or needs, rachel@thewestsidetheater.com

  • Nope!  We do recommend that you participate in the Intensive AND perform in Okay…Go! for the full westFEST experience, but it is not required.  


    Submit your work here for the Okay….Go! Showcase

  • Yes! Join us for Okay…Go!  

    If you are interested in learning about future opportunities for full-length concerts at westFEST or the ability to rent/revenue share at Westside Theater, please reach out to rachel@thewestsidetheater.com

If you need further clarification or help, feel free to reach out to Rachel at rachel@thewestsidetheater.com with questions.