Audition for Ballet Afsaneh 2025-26 Season

Interested dancers please fill out this google form

Ballet Afsaneh is seeking 2–4 experienced dancers to join our performance ensemble for the 2025–26 season. We’re looking for dancers who can commit to at least one year of weekly classes and rehearsals, and who are excited to perform repertory rooted in Persian, Afghan, Tajik, and Uzbek dance traditions.

Performance Opportunities & Compensation

  • Performances take place throughout the year at cultural festivals, private events, and concert stages, with the busiest season during Nowruz (March).

  • Performance Pay: $150 per performance

  • Class Pay: $20/hour

  • Rehearsal Pay: $25/hour

  • Travel for out-of-town performances (e.g., NYC, DC, LA) is fully covered by the company.

  • Dancers are not required to perform at every event, but availability on weekend evenings in March and April is essential.

Ballet Afsaneh core ensemble members are hired as part-time paid employees of Afsaneh Arts (Ballet Afsaneh Art & Culture Society), a nonprofit cultural organization. We understand that most of our dancers also balance other work alongside their commitment to the company, and our current pay structure is designed to provide fair compensation while supporting that balance.

About Ballet Afsaneh

Ballet Afsaneh is the performance arm of Afsaneh Arts, an organization dedicated to sharing the rich dance and music traditions of the Silk Road regions, including Central Asia and Iran. Through live performance and community engagement, we celebrate cultural heritage and promote shared humanity.

Audition Options

Evening Audition

  • Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025

  • Time: 6:30–8:30pm

  • Location: Spring Fall Dance Studio, 2547 8th St. #20, Berkeley, CA 94710

  • Format:

    • 6:30–7:30pm: Technique class

    • 7:30–8:30pm: Choreography, repertory, and improvisation

New! Daytime Audition Option

  • We are exploring the possibility of adding a weekday daytime class and rehearsal track, designed for professional dancers or those with daytime availability.

  • Proposed daytime audition and class/rehearsal time: Monday, August 18, 2025, 10:00am–12:00pm.

  • Dancers may choose to audition for the evening option, the daytime option, or both if both schedules work for them.

Please complete the audition form by August 15th, indicating which audition option(s) you wish to attend and your general availability

What We’re Looking For

  • Strong training in Contemporary, Modern, Ballet, or traditional dance forms such as Classical Indian, Iranian, Tajik, Uzbek, Azerbaijani, or Classical Chinese dance.

  • Experience with Central Asian and/or Middle Eastern dance forms is a plus.

  • Prior ensemble or company experience is highly valued.

  • Willingness to commit to a full season of regular rehearsals and performance preparation.

  • Ability to do professional makeup — either having experience or being willing to learn.

Weekly Schedule & Commitment

Company classes and rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 3, 2025

  • Wednesdays in Berkeley

    • Class: 6:15–7:45pm ($20/hour)

    • Rehearsal: 8:00–9:30/10:00pm ($25/hour)

  • Additional rehearsals may be scheduled on weekend afternoons as needed, with timing based on dancer availability.

Class attendance is required and paid, as it provides the technical foundation for choreography and performance.

Company Structure

All new dancers begin as Apprentices, with paid class, rehearsal, and performance work. Apprentices may be invited to full company membership based on artistry, professionalism, and alignment with the company’s mission and values.