FAQ for Applying Companies

Applications for funding by companies/theatres are no longer possible as of 24.12.2022

About Funding Criteria

  • Which companies/theatres are eligible to apply?

    Which companies/theatres are eligible to apply?

    Legal entities (dance/ballet companies, theatres and production houses) based in Germany are eligible to apply. Please ensure that the applicant natural person is authorised to represent the company/theatre for the application. The companies/theatres must be able to employ the additional young dancers on a permanent basis and to contribute their own share in the form of employer's social security contributions. In justified cases, this requirement may be waived if the necessary funds are provided by earmarked grants from third parties.

     

  • The company has not yet worked with permanent employment. Is it still possible to apply for funding?

    The company has not yet worked with permanent employment. Is it still possible to apply for funding?

    Theoretically, this is possible. However, it is highly recommended that you seek detailed advice on this project in advance from the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) and the Social Security Institution.

     

About the Procedure

  • Why should a company/theatre register first?

    Why should a company/theatre register first?

    By doing so, you are showing your willingness to accept additional young professionals and your solidarity with the young dancers who have not yet been able to start their careers because of the effects of the pandemic. In addition, you will facilitate a better match with the dancers if you are still looking.

     

  • What evidence must be submitted with the application?

    What evidence must be submitted with the application?

    The evidence that must be submitted for the funding application are listed in the form under "Preparation".

     

  • By when does the funding application has to be submitted?

    By when does the funding application has to be submitted?

    Applications can be submitted until 23 December 2022. Currently, projects (employments) are funded until June the 30th (in exceptional cases until Juy the 31st) 2023.

  • Who decides on the funding application?

    Who decides on the funding application?

    The DIS-TANZ-START project team decides on the application based on a formal review. If this is positive and sufficient funds are available, a funding commitment is subsequently made.

  • How is the result of the application review communicated?

    How is the result of the application review communicated?

    A funding approval or rejection will be sent promptly by e-mail.

     

About the Matching Procedure

  • Which dancers can be accepted so that a funding application can be submitted?

    Which dancers can be accepted so that a funding application can be submitted?

    Only dancers registered with DIS-TANZ-START can be accepted (see list of participants).

  • How does the company find suitable graduates?

    How does the company find suitable graduates?

    Interested graduates and companies/theatres can come together on their own initiative at any time. In the list of matchings, registered graduates/career entrants are listed who are currently or were accepted by companies/theatres within the framework of DIS-TANZ-START. If a participating dancer does not appear in the list, he/she is currently not (yet) engaged in the framework of DIS-TANZ-START by one of the participating companies/theatres and is happy to be contacted. If the dancers have commissioned to do so, the German Dance Association can forward additional application documents (CV, portrait photo, contact details) of the dancers to the companies/theatres by e-mail if desired. Companies decide for themselves how many and which dancers they engage.

     

About the Project and Funding

  • How can the company employ the young dancers?

    How can the company employ the young dancers?

    In addition to daily training, the dancers should, if possible, participate in all production processes (rehearsals, performances) full-time. If the schedule allows it, they should be released from work for further training and exchange events offered within the framework of DIS-TANZ-START. The time spent attending these events should count as working time.

  • When is the earliest possible start date for employment?

    When is the earliest possible start date for employment?

    The date for employing the young dancers must be in the future. The employment may not exceed 12 months and must be terminated by June 30th, 2023 (in exceptional cases by July 31st 2023)at the latest.

     

  • Is there a minimum duration of the project?

    Is there a minimum duration of the project?

    The project period (the duration of the employment(s)) must generally be a minimum of six months and a maximum of 12 months.

     

  • What costs can be included in the financing plan?

    What costs can be included in the financing plan?

    Personnel costs, travel costs, material costs. Please note: Production costs for choreographic works, dance evenings or performances are excluded.

     

  • Can contributions to supplementary insurance also be considered?

    Can contributions to supplementary insurance also be considered?

    Yes, the costs of the supplementary insurance (Versorgungsanstalt der deutschen Bühnen) are part of the personnel costs and can be considered.

     

  • Can rental costs for additional training spaces be considered, that are necessary for the employment of the additional graduates?

    Can rental costs for additional training spaces be considered, that are necessary for the employment of the additional graduates?

    Yes, in justified individual cases, these can be considered. Please remember to provide clear evidence for the proof of use.

  • Can investments in technical equipment for the company/theatre be considered?

    Can investments in technical equipment for the company/theatre be considered?

    No. These costs are not eligible for funding.

     

  • Which material costs can be considered?

    Which material costs can be considered?

    In exceptional cases, e.g., rental costs for necessary technical equipment can be considered, which are necessary for the employment of the additional dancers. In addition, costs for training shoes can be considered if it is a theatre custom that dancers are provided with these shoes. It is particularly important to ensure that receipts clearly identify the registered dancers.

  • Can production costs for a dance evening or a performance be considered?

    Can production costs for a dance evening or a performance be considered?

    No, production costs are generally not eligible for funding.

  • Can the costs for a choreographer who creates a choreography for a performance with graduates be considered?

    Can the costs for a choreographer who creates a choreography for a performance with graduates be considered?

    No, fees for choreographers are only eligible if they are fees for workshop services or further training.

     

  • What additional personnel costs - apart from those of the graduates - are eligible for funding?

    What additional personnel costs - apart from those of the graduates - are eligible for funding?

    To secure the local accompanying vocational training programme, necessary costs for fees and additional staff (training, workshops, mentoring, coordination) in connection with necessary travel expenses can be funded to a limited extent. These costs may not exceed 30 % of the total costs of the project.

     

  • In what amount can the funding be applied for?

    In what amount can the funding be applied for?

    There is no maximum limit for funding. The funding depends on the number and duration of the additional placements.

  • What does "early project start" mean?

    What does "early project start" mean?

    Based on the early project start, the applicant may start the project at his or her own risk. Please note that funding is excluded if the project has already begun before the early project start is permitted! An unauthorised start of the project includes, in particular, making payments and entering into legal obligations (e. g. concluding a supply or service contract). A contract that provides a clear, unlimited and free right of withdrawal in the event that the requested funding is refused is fundamentally harmless.

  • How can an early project start be applied for?

    How can an early project start be applied for?

    You can apply for an early project start without any detrimental effect on the funding in the application form. Please note that the approval of the early project start of the measure does not result in any entitlement to a grant.

     

  • Is there a legal claim to funding?

    Is there a legal claim to funding?

    There is no legal entitlement to funding from the German Dance Association.

     

  • Where can the template for the financing plan be found?

    Where can the template for the financing plan be found?

    You can find the binding template for download here.

  • Do certain regulations have to be observed when using the money?

    Do certain regulations have to be observed when using the money?

    Yes, the use of public funds is subject to certain regulations. An overview of these regulations can be found in the so-called General Auxiliary Provisions for Projects (ANBest-P). The funding recipients undertake to comply with these regulations in the funding agreement.

     

  • Where to call if there are further questions about DIS-TANZ-START?

    Where to call if there are further questions about DIS-TANZ-START?

    Click here for consulting offers from the DIS-TANZ-START team.