Audition Notice for Performers with Tango Skills

Whitechapel Gallery is auditioning performers with TANGO skills to deliver tango routines to accompany the exhibition Dreams Have No Titles by the French-Algerian artist Zineb Sedira.

Zineb Sedira (b.1963) transforms the exhibition space into a series of film sets, inviting audiences to step into a joyful and spectacular world outside of time, between fiction and reality. Here, the artist confronts a critical turning point in the history of avant-garde film production; however, beyond this, there is also a narrative of collective struggle. The artist presents the necessity of collective dreaming while offering a cautionary tale about the failure of an emancipatory dream that remains an unfulfilled promise for many people.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for two tango dancers between the ages of 30 and 60 based in London: one to perform what’s traditionally the man’s role in the tango, and one the woman’s role. We are also looking for four understudies (two for each role).

We welcome dancers from all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds who are charismatic and possess tango skills. We want to work with dancers who feel comfortable doing character work. You do not need to be a professional dancer, but we are looking for strong acting skills. There is no requirement to speak or sing.

The engagement requires to perform routines up to 30 mins repeated up to 4 times per day.

Essential criteria:

• Tango skills (can be non-professional).
• Strong storytelling/ acting skills.
• Ease at picking up material/choreography.

Please be aware that as a requirement of the engagement you will:

• Repeat choreography several times a day and up to 6 days per week.
• Dance tango routines closely with a partner of the opposite gender.
• Perform in a gallery space.
• Wear costumes (suits) provided by the Gallery.
• Work with props.
• Potentially be required to dye your hair a brown/dark colour.

Applicants must be aged 18+ at the time of the audition.

Dates of the engagement:

The engagement spans 14 Feb – 12 May 2024 at the Whitechapel Gallery in London. We are looking for performers and understudies who can commit to the whole period.

There will be a half-day rehearsal on 11 Feb 2024 prior the opening of the exhibition.

Fees:

Performers will receive a fee of £600 net per week during the engagement.

Please note:

Regrettably, no contributions can be made towards any travel or subsistence required for the engagement entirely located at the Whitechapel Gallery in London.

Application & Deadlines:

Online application:

Online application (link here) deadline: 20 Dec 2023, 12pm GMT.

The application includes a filmed tango routine to be recorded and submitted – please plan in advance.

Successful applicants will be contacted by 10 Jan 2024.

Couples can audition together via one application but note that it is at the discretion of the Gallery to offer the role to only one of the candidates.

NB: Unsuccessful applicants will be contacted.

Unfortunately, late applications cannot be considered.

How to apply:

To apply, please complete and submit the application form via this link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf126TUt4UPkOz5hqgBphEZ3APve27R8C2woA61BCPM3pTXOQ/viewform

To do so, you will need the following:

• Details of your experience
• Record the routine found at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMv3E_M4gTY

Please note that without a video link where you can be clearly identified we cannot progress your application.                                     

Equality & Inclusion:

If you would like support or have any queries regarding the format or submission of the application, please contact: florent.trioux@gmail.com

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who feel they align with our mission, vision, and values.

As a user of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role as set out in the description.