[ Open Call ] Yokohama Dance Collection 2027 Choreographer Competition - Seeking Creators of Dance -

Yokohama Dance Collection, an annual contemporary dance festival held in Yokohama.
Since its start in 1996, it has played a role in connecting many people involved in dance and performing arts through various dialogue programs, performances, and open call competitions. While leveraging past experiences, we continue to experiment and innovate to further explore the possibilities of expression.

The competition, one of the festival's pillars, has selected approximately 500 choreographers as finalists, who have since engaged with society, bodies, and expression, unfolding diverse activities both domestically and internationally. This competition is a venue for choreographers, dancers, etc., to challenge not only composition, direction, and technique but also new possibilities in expression, and it is a platform for participants to meet, inspire each other, and foster connections. We expect new perspectives and expressions to emerge through the interaction of diverse individuals. We sincerely await your applications for the 32nd Yokohama Dance Collection Competition.

Details here ▶▶▶ https://yokohama-dance-collection.jp/

About the Competition

Competition I from previous years will be changed to [Competition Professional], and Competition II to [Competition Under 25]. Works will be selected from the following perspectives for each.

[Professional]
This category targets choreographers with a creative stance pursuing originality and possessing high overall competence in choreography, composition, direction, and technique.
In the judging, emphasis will be placed on the completeness and originality of the work, and the potential for new expressions, selecting outstanding works that are expected to achieve further success in the future.
This division is open to individuals with a performance track record; there are no restrictions on their base of activity or years of activity.

[Under 25]
This division emphasizes a challenging attitude towards new expressions, original ideas, future potential, and possibilities. There is no experience requirement as a choreographer, and it is open to individuals residing in Japan who are 25 years old or younger.

Application Period: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - Tuesday, June 30, 2026

● Video Screening

Finalists will be selected through video and document screening.

Selected finalists will perform their works at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse No. 1, 3F Hall.

● Rehearsal and Performance Judging

Rehearsals and performance judging will be held on the following dates.

Please secure your schedule in advance to ensure your availability for all relevant dates.

[Professional]

Rehearsals: Thursday, January 28, 2027 & Friday, January 29, 2027

Performance Date: Sunday, January 31, 2027

[Under 25]

Rehearsals: Tuesday, January 26, 2027 & Wednesday, January 27, 2027

Performance Date: Saturday, January 30, 2027

Venue: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse No. 1, 3F Hall

● Eligibility

[Professional]

- Must have a performance track record, whether domestic or international (not necessarily a solo performance by the applicant).

- No age limit.

[Under 25]

- Choreographer experience is not required.

- Must be 25 years old or younger and reside in Japan (born on or after April 2, 2001).

[Common]

- Must not have received any of the following awards in previous Yokohama Dance Collection Competitions:

'Jury Prize' (since 2011)

'Embassy of France in Japan Award for Young Choreographers'

'Yokohama Award for Future Stars' (formerly Yokohama Arts Foundation Award)

'Best Newcomer Award' (*Application to Professional is possible)

*Duplicate applications for Professional and Under 25 are not permitted.

● Awards

- Jury Prize (Target: Professional)

[Prize] Performance at the 'Yokohama Dance Collection' in the following year or later, and prize money of 400,000 yen (creation support grant).

- Best Newcomer Award (Target: Under 25)

[Prize] Support for work creation and assistance for performance at the 'Yokohama Dance Collection' the following year.

- Embassy of France in Japan & Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels Award for Young Choreographers

[Prize] Residency program in France.

- MASDANZA Award

[Prize] Opportunity to participate in the contest or perform at the International Contemporary Dance Festival MASDANZA (Spain).

- Architanz Artist Support Award

[Prize] Studio provision (creation support, opportunities for works-in-progress, workshop hosting), free class attendance, to be decided in consultation.

- Toyohashi Arts Theater PLAT Award

[Prize] Opportunity for a residency production at Toyohashi Arts Theater PLAT.

*Judges for the MASDANZA Award, Architanz Artist Support Award, and Toyohashi Arts Theater PLAT Award will be specialists from each organization.

Application and Inquiries

Yokohama Dance Collection Office

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse No. 1 (The Promotion Foundation for Performing Arts and Culture, City of Yokohama)

1-1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, 231-0001 Japan Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse No. 1

TEL: 045-211-1515 (10:00-18:00) E-mail: ydc@yaf.or.jp