About the Open Call

This opportunity, the Tanzplattform Bern 2026, is an international dance festival and competition for choreographers. It features a renowned international jury of dance experts whose decisions are binding. All stylistic approaches to choreography are admitted, with selection criteria focusing on a clear artistic vision, professionalism, choreographic quality, a high level of dance performance, and innovation. The submitted piece's premiere should not have taken place before 2022. The choreography must be between 15 and 30 minutes long, involve a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 performers, and use reduced stage design. Isabelle Bischof, curator of Tanzplattform Bern, will review applications and invite selected choreographers to the competition, with notifications sent by March 2026. Invited choreographers will perform their entire dance pieces in Bern on either June 18th or 19th, 2026, and a 5-minute excerpt on June 20th, 2026. All participants must be available for all these dates, including rehearsals, interviews, and public relations events, from June 17th to 20th, 2026, in Bern. The award ceremony will be held on June 20th, 2026, where winners will be announced after the audience votes based on the 5-minute excerpts. Choreographers are required to prepare separate audio tracks for their excerpts and provide promotional material, including high-resolution stage photos, press text, videos, and biographies in German or English, by a deadline to be announced after invitations. A limited time slot for lights and spacing will be provided, and pieces must be adaptable to the venue's technical possibilities.

What is Offered

The Jury Award consists of a commission for Bern Ballett, and the Audience Award is a fellowship for movement research with Bern Ballett. All choreographers will obtain a performance fee. Accommodation and travel costs will be covered in addition.

Requirements

Choreographers must be at least 18 years old and have professional training. Dancers also require professional training. Submissions must present a clear artistic vision, professional and choreographic quality, high dance performance, and innovation. The piece's premiere must not have taken place before 2022. Choreographies must be 15-30 minutes long, with 2-6 performers, and use reduced stage design. Participants must be available for all dates from June 17-20, 2026, in Bern, including rehearsals, interviews, and public relations events. Promotion material (high-resolution stage photos, press text, videos, biographies in German or English) is required.

How to Apply

Submit the choreography as a complete video via the audition platform Lanced (lanced.app/find-opportunities/tanzplattform-bern-2026---international-dance-festival-and-competition-for-choroeographers) no later than January 15, 2026. Include a one-page CV of the choreographer in English with complete contact details. Only one submission per choreographer will be accepted. No applications will be accepted via email.