2025 WAWDF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

  • Why is it limited to artists in California, unless performing with a group from the state?
The festival launched in 1978, open to San Francisco Bay Area artists.
In the recent years, we opened Festival applications to artists based in Northern California
This year the Festival is open to all artists in California. This is the current capacity of our organization.

All 2025 festival artists need to be present for a photoshoot in June and for the performance in September. As a reminder, World Arts West does not provide transportation.

  • Are artists being paid to participate in the festival?
All artists participating in the festival receive compensation. The specific payment amount is determined by various factors, such as whether they perform solo or in a group, the size of the group, the inclusion of live musicians, and whether some groups will provide interactive dance experiences alongside their performances.



  • Panelists will watch up to 5 minutes of work sample video. Can I submit more than one video? 

Yes, you can submit more than 1 video as long as the allotted time does not exceed 5 minutes. The review panelists will ONLY watch up to 5 minutes of video.



  • How recent can the work sample video be?  What if I have a video that’s from 10 years ago? 
Your work sample should show recent and high-quality work. Again, this does not have to be the work you will present for the festival, it is to show the artist's style/genre, potential size of your company, if you normally use recorded music or live musicians, use of props, etc.



  • If I am planning to have live music to perform in the festival, do I need to submit a video that includes live music? 
Yes. Same for if you plan to use pre-recorded music.



  • How many groups are you looking to present in the 2025 festival? 
In the past we have featured 10-12 artists/groups. Selection factors include availability, budget, ability to showcase various age groups and styles of dance never presented on our stage before or its been a long time since we’ve presented that style, etc.



  • Where is the photoshoot? Do I need to bring my entire company to the photoshoot? 
The photoshoot will take place at the Presidio Tunnel Tops in San Francisco. This is the same venue for the performance. 
Each artist/company is only allowed to bring 2-3 members of your company (INCLUDING your Artistic Director).



  • Who are the panelists that will review my application?  Will you provide application feedback (like EDF panelist feedback in the past)? 
Your audition application will be reviewed by the World Arts West staff, who represent diverse cultural dance backgrounds. They have a specific expertise in one or more areas of world dance or may be a “generalist” with a broad background in dance presentation for the stage.
They have cultural competence in world arts and cultures, and will consult experts in specific genres if needed.

Conflict of Interest: In the event that there is a conflict of interest, staff members will refrain from participating in the particular group or soloist’s assessment.

*WAW Staff will not be providing feedback, we simply do not have the capacity to do so.



  • You mentioned that the 2025 Festival will have activities other than performances. How can I participate in the other activities? 
Another opportunity to participate in the festival is to submit a Community Engagement Activity proposal. 

Deadline: Friday, April 4, 2025

Our 2025 theme is “Dance as Health and Healing”. So how do we show the world the restorative potency of dance? How can we cultivate hope, build connections, share ideas, and remind ourselves exactly why we do what we do?

What do you, the community, want to talk about/share/see? Proposal Activities can include but are not limited to:
  • Artist Dialogues
  • Movement Workshops
  • Arts and Crafts Making
  • Film Screenings
  • Music/Sound Sessions