International Young Choreographers Project 2026

by Ausdance published on in Careers in dance, Creating dance, Industry news

Applications from emerging Australian choreographers are now being called for this international opportunity.

Ausdance is calling for applications for the 2026 International Young Choreographer Program.

The IYCP has been providing young choreographers with this invaluable artistic and cultural experience since 1999.

Closing date is very tight this year – 18 February 2026.

About the International Young Choreographer Project

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. Eight choreographers from the Asia-Pacific region are chosen by WDA Asia Pacific (WDAAP) to attend. Victorian choreographer Callum Mooney was selected for the last IYCP. He said:

IYCP was an incredible opportunity for creative growth and cultural exchange. The dancers I had for my development were very special movers and people, and I have made long-term connections with them. There was a performance outcome of my short work equilibrium that was presented for IYCP in Kaohsiung (photo below by Tsun-Yang TSUI).
The cultural exchange of the different choreographers from different parts of the Asia–Pacific region was beautiful. I learned a lot and shared many amazing moments. I have luckily been asked by the organisers to come back to Taiwan to create and teach for the school in the coming years.

Participants are selected from a list of young choreographers recommended by World Dance Alliance country chapters (Asia Pacific, including Australia, the Americas and Europe), based not only on their choreographic work, but also on their ability to meet the challenges of working in a foreign country with unfamiliar dancers and culture, and their potential as a significant contributor to dance in the future.

The selected choreographers work with selected dancers from Taiwan. The three-week process of developing new works with local Taiwanese dancers concludes with two performances. 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.

Participants must fund their own travel to Taiwan. However, in addition to a $US800 grant, accommodation, local transportation, dancers, studios, publicity, production and office assistance are included.

Australian applicants must be members of Ausdance (find your local Ausdance).

Information for applicants

Application forms are available here, and should be returned to Ausdance National by 18 February.

In addition to contact information, applicants will be asked these questions:

  • What you would gain from a professional experience such as this?
  • Why would you like to work in Asia?
  • A brief concept of your proposed work.
  • A 200-word biography and a resume/CV.

Closing date: 18 February 2026.