News: March 2026

International Young Choreographers Project 2026

Australian choreographer Tegan Jeffrey-Rushton to partcipate in 2026 IYCP

The International Young Choreographer Project (IYCP) is held in southern Taiwan in July/August and is hosted by World Dance Alliance Asia–Pacific Taiwan chapter.

Ausdance National called for applications in February for this year's IYCP, and 16 excellent proposals were received.

Each application was carefully considered by a small panel, and Sydney choreographer Tegan Jeffrey-Rushton was the artist whose name went through to organisers in Taiwan, for consideration as one of only eight to participate from the Asia–Pacific region. We are delighted to announce that an Australian choreograopher has again been included in the final eight.

Tegan will travel to Kaohsiung where the choreographers will work with selected dancers from Taiwan for three weeks, culminating in two public performances in that city. The program 'highlights the diversity of dance in both styles and cultures, and how local and international choreographers perceive their daily lives and the world'.

Congratulations Tegan, and thanks to all the applicants whose work will continue to influence and be influenced by dance in Australia.

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TDCA advocates for Dance Education across all sectors of the community

The Tertiary Dance Council of Australia (TDCA) is advocating for dance education and its role in society at all educational levels, from early childhood through to tertiary education and beyond.

By examining these connections and making them visible, we advocate for a more integrated, holistic approach to dance education policy and practice.

Just as the full picture emerges when dots are joined visually, the true value of dance education becomes apparent when we connect its impacts across social, emotional, cognitive, cultural, therapeutic, and professional domains.

In this paper, entitled Joining the Dots: Advocating for the Role of Education Across All Sectors of the Dance Community, the TDCA presents comprehensive evidence demonstrating the significant positive impacts of dance education across mutiple domains of Australian society.

Drawing on a substantial body of international and Australian research, we establish that dance education enhances socio-emotional competence and critical thinking skills in children and adolescents, providing them with essential tools for personal development and academic success.

Dance education improves mental health outcomes and general wellbeing across various demographics, offering therapeutic benefits that address contemporary health challenges. Additionally, dance provides unique cultural and healing benefits for First Nations communities, supporting cultural continuity and addressing intergenerational trauma.

—Dr Peter Cook, USQ
      Chair, TDCA

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