Terms of Reference Carifesta XV (Dance Coordinator)

Dance Coordinator

Festival Overview

CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean Festival of Arts, will take place in Barbados from August 22 to August 31, 2025, under the theme “Caribbean Roots…Global Excellence.” This premier festival will celebrate the vibrancy, creativity, and innovation of Caribbean culture while addressing global challenges such as sustainability, resilience, and peacebuilding. CARIFESTA XV aims to position the Caribbean as a global leader in cultural diplomacy and creative excellence.

Position Summary:

The Dance Coordinator for CARIFESTA XV will be responsible for overseeing all dance-related components of the festival, ensuring seamless execution of performances, technical requirements, and artist engagement. The coordinator will work closely with choreographers, performers, production teams, and logistical staff to curate and deliver high-quality dance programming that reflects the diversity and excellence of Caribbean dance traditions and contemporary styles.

Scope of Work:

1. Develop and manage the overall dance program for CARIFESTA XV, ensuring alignment with festival themes and objectives.
2. Coordinate with national delegations and invited dance artists to confirm participation and performance logistics.
3. Liaise with choreographers, stage managers, and technical teams to ensure rehearsal and performance requirements are met.
4. Oversee the setup and execution of major dance events, including traditional and contemporary dance showcases, masterclasses, and workshops.
5. Manage the scheduling of dance-related events, including Icons Nights, Country Nights, and special dance performances.
6. Ensure cultural authenticity and excellence in all dance showcases.
7. Support dance artists with logistical needs, including travel, accommodation, and hospitality.
8. Develop contingency plans for unforeseen challenges in performances and scheduling.
9. Work collaboratively with the artistic and technical teams to enhance audience engagement.
10. Implement and oversee health and safety protocols related to dance performances.
11. Manage budgets and expenditures related to dance programming and production.
12. Document and report on the outcomes of the dance program, identifying areas for improvement.

Listing of Dance-Related Events for CARIFESTA XV:

• Icons Night – Dance: Honoring legendary Caribbean dancers and choreographers.
• Dance Showcase: Featuring Caribbean dance forms.
• Country Nights: Showcasing national dance presentations from participating countries.
• Dance Workshops & Masterclasses: Led by renowned choreographers and dance educators.
• Dance Challenge : Providing a platform for emerging young dancers and dance troupes.

Candidate Qualifications & Competencies:

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Dance, Performing Arts, Event Management, or a related field.
2. At least 5 years of experience in dance production, choreography, or festival coordination.
3. Strong knowledge of Caribbean dance traditions and contemporary dance practices.
4. Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders, including artists, technical teams, and sponsors.
5. Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
6. Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
7. Familiarity with stage production, lighting, and technical requirements for dance performances.
8. Experience in budget management and contract negotiations.
9. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
10. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
11. Knowledge of health and safety protocols for live dance performances.

Duration of Contract:
The contract period for the Dance Coordinator will run from March through September 2025, covering all planning, execution, and post-event reporting phases of the festival.

Key Deliverables & Milestones:

1. Curated Dance Program (March – April 2025): Finalized list of participating dancers, troupes, and performances.
2. Performance & Rehearsal Schedules (May 2025): Completed scheduling of all dance performances, rehearsals, and workshops.
3. Technical & Production Requirements (May – June 2025): Consolidated list of logistical needs for dance performances.
4. Logistical Coordination (June – July 2025): Confirmation of travel, accommodation, and hospitality arrangements for dance artists.
5. Festival Readiness (August 2025): All stage, rehearsal, and production requirements set for dance showcases.
6. Execution & Monitoring (August 2025): Supervision of live dance performances and troubleshooting any issues in real-time.
7. Post-Festival Report (September 2025): Detailed assessment of the dance program’s successes and recommendations for future events.

Application Process:

📅Application Opens: February 10, 2025
📅Application Closes: February 25, 2025

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to Kim Butcher at Kim-butcher@ncf.bb.