The Brisbane International Contemporary Dance Prix (Brisbane Prix), or BICDPRIX, is poised to once again bring the global contemporary dance world together in Brisbane during the last week of September 2025. This esteemed event is dedicated to engaging internationally acclaimed directors and contemporary dance professionals – true inspirational leaders in their field – to educate and cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of contemporary dance among young dancers, teachers, and audiences alike.
BICDPRIX is a unique opportunity for young dancers aged 15-22 from anywhere in the world to connect and engage directly with these international leaders. The pathway to participating begins with online video applications showcasing both ballet and contemporary technique. Applications are typically called for between May and June each year. Following a rigorous selection process, approximately 90 of the most talented applicants are invited to participate in the finals week in late September/early October in Brisbane.
The selected participants embark on an intensive six-day program encompassing a comprehensive schedule of classical and contemporary dance classes, improvisation, choreography, and repertoire sessions led by leading choreographers and coaches. Throughout the week, an international panel of jurors observes and coaches the participants, providing invaluable feedback and guidance.
The week culminates in captivating theatre performances where all young dancers perform contemporary repertoire solos and showcase their own creative work or improvisation developed during the intensive week. The international jury then selects finalists from both junior and senior categories to perform in a prestigious gala performance. During this pivotal week, the jury also identifies dancers who may receive cash scholarships to support their progress towards a professional contemporary dance career. Finalists and indeed all participants have the incredible opportunity to be considered for short-term and full-time placements or secondments at BICDPRIX's network of leading partner schools and companies.
The 2025 edition is particularly exciting with the announcement that European choreographer Jeroen Verbruggen will be creating and coaching two new solo works alongside the esteemed Natalie Weir. Verbruggen will also be representing BICDPRIX's new partner company, Ostrava Ballet, further enhancing the event's international reach.
A cornerstone of the BICDPRIX experience is the unparalleled access it provides to industry professionals. The event includes dedicated industry forums with company and training institution representatives, alongside face-to-face industry talks, offering participants direct engagement with directors, coaches, and professional artists to gain inside information on training regimes and professional career trajectories. In 2024 alone, the event facilitated an astonishing 59 offers for company or training opportunities for its dancers across Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
Adding to the wealth of opportunities, BICDPRIX 2025 will see a host of renowned companies and schools offering company secondments and being present at the event. This includes Sydney Dance Company, Australian Dance Theatre, Australasian Dance Collective, Introdans, and Grand Theatre Geneve, alongside partner schools WAAPA, NZSD, SDCPPY, Rambert School, Zurich Dance Academy, and Palucca University of Dance Dresden.
Returning for its second year is the successful Performance Program, designed specifically for younger dancers aged 11 to 14. This program offers these emerging talents the chance to work with the esteemed guest artists, fostering their creativity and culminating in the creation and performance of a short work at the finals.
Financial support for dancers pursuing their dreams is a key component of BICDPRIX. The event generously gifts four major scholarships, each valued at up to $20,000, making it one of the largest prize amounts offered specifically to contemporary dancers. The success of this initiative is evident in the journeys of the 2024 recipients: Naima Collett is currently training at the New Zealand School of Dance, Mohamad Ali Dib travelled to both Rambert and Zurich, receiving an offer for 2025 in Zurich, and Jessie Hough is planning her exciting opportunity with Ballet Grand Geneve.
More information can be found here.