AzDEO 2025 STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST Topic: Dance & AI: Artificial Intelligence is transforming many aspects of our lives — including the way we create, perform, and experience dance. In what ways can AI enhance or challenge the artistic expression, cultural significance, and human connection found in dance?Submissions are asked to address the prompt completely (there is no length requirement). The contest will open for submission on October 1, 2025 and remain open for submissions through October 31, 2025. Essays will be reviewed on the following criteria: Create: How the theme is thoughtfully, clearly, and uniquely addressed through a well developed thesis. Perform: How the writer presents their thoughts (grammar, syntax, structure)Respond: How the writer analyzes, interprets, communicates and provides evidence to communicate their preferences.Connect: How the writer connects the prompt to personal, social, cultural meaning and experiences. All submissions will be screened for the use of generative AI. It is the preference of the committee that the work is completely original and not assisted in any way.AzDEO will award a monetary prize to the first place winner. Funds will be awarded directly to the winner. Additional outstanding submissions will receive recognition. ONLY 3 submissions per institution. Questions should be addressed to AzDEOpresidentelect@azdeo.org Submissions will be accepted digitally using this form: SUBMIT ESSAY HERE