Sixteen choreographic talents selected for eighth RIDCC

After a search among 400 entries worldwide, the eighth edition of the Rotterdam International Duet Choreography Competition presents sixteen selected choreographers. From 18 to 20 June, Theater Zuidplein will be the setting for this edition of RIDCC. During three evenings, they will compete for various prizes, including the XL Production Award.

This prize worth €100,000, co-sponsored by Stichting Droom en Daad, Scapino Ballet Rotterdam and RIDCC, gives the winner the chance to create their own production. This makes the prize one of the largest and most special dance awards in the world.

Choreographers from all over the world are increasingly finding RIDCC as a place where their careers can get a boost. Traditionally, many entries come from the United States, Italy and Spain but this year there has also been a marked growth in entries from Asia and South America. This is not surprising, because for participants, the competition is more than a competition; it is a meeting place and a springboard to international opportunities.

Maya Roest and Mischa van Leeuwen, founders and artistic directors of RIDCC: ''It is inspiring to see how new generations of makers from all corners of the world are finding their way to RIDCC. For them, this competition is a real springboard: a chance to show their work to local and international audiences, and to share valuable experiences with the dance world and their fellow makers. We are bringing the choreographic talent of tomorrow to Rotterdam and are enormously looking forward to taking the audience on a journey through sixteen diverse cultures and dance styles.''

Three evenings of dance at Theater Zuidplein

On Thursday 18 and Friday 19 June 2026, the sixteen selected choreographers will present their duets on the stage of Theater Zuidplein. An international jury will decide which creators will advance to the final on Saturday 20 June, where the winners will be announced.

In addition to the XL Production Award, ten Partner Awards will be presented at the finals by leading dance institutions, including Club Guy & Roni, Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) and Acosta Dance Foundation. These awards offer emerging talent the chance to take important steps in their international careers. The audience chooses the winner of the Audience Award.