Laugh Dance… you mean like Slamdance?

by Brian McKim & Traci Skene on November 14th, 2005

First, there was Sundance. A film festival that claimed to champion the smalltime, alternative filmmaker and eschew the big-studio, conglomerate way of making the cinema. Then, when Sundance got all bloated and corrupted and just as Hollywood as Hollywood, a bunch of wise guys started Slamdance, “across the street” from Sundance.

Enter Laugh Dance. From what we can tell, it’s the answer to the bloated, corrupt and Hollywood-as-Hollywood Aspen fest. Or, it’s a film and comedy contest. We’re not exactly sure. If it was a comedy festival, why wouldn’t it camp out across from Aspen?

I was wondering if you could post the information I have below for a comedy festival that will be held during Sundance. All the information is below. Also you have my permission to publish my name, letter and address.

Thank You,
Nate Bargatze
WWW.natebargatze.com

LAUGH DANCE COMEDY and FILM FESTIVAL

Seeking standup comedian for Laugh Dance Comedy and Film festival held in Park City, Utah, during the prestigious Sundance film festival. Artist will compete for cash prizes and Industry opportunities. Submission fee 35 dollars make check or money order payable to Laugh Dance. Include VHS or DVD of standup performance no longer than 10 minutes. Deadline is December 1st, 2005.

Send To:

Laugh Dance
C/O Dustin Chafin
30-62 Stienway street suite #184
Astoria, NY 11103-3802

We’re pretty sure they mean Steinway and not Stienway. There’s a website, where they explain, “At Laughdance Comedy & Film Festival we bring life healing laughter to the world by promoting comedy through quality film and stand-up. In turn, we demonstrate the unique value of comedy as a serious expression of art.” So far, two comedians are listed. One of them is from Salt Lake, the other is Dustin Chafin… hey, that name sounds familiar…