Applications have opened for the 41st International Choreography Competition Hannover, with €50,000 in prize money and opportunities to create new work for dance companies on offer.
Known as choreography41, the competition will take place from 24–26 June 2027 at Theater am Aegi in Hannover, Germany. Selected choreographers will present their work before an international jury and public audience, with the final held on Saturday evening.
The prize pool includes the €25,000 Tanja Liedtke Award, named for the German-born dancer and choreographer whose career had close ties to Australia. Liedtke was appointed Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company in 2007 but died before taking up the position. Her parents established the Tanja Liedtke Foundation the following year to support contemporary dance. About the award.
Alongside the cash prizes, the organisers have announced 10 production awards, offering recipients opportunities to develop new work for dance companies. These extend the competition’s scope beyond the presentation of an existing piece, providing a route towards further choreographic work.
The competition is open to professionally trained choreographers aged 39 or younger, working in any artistic style. Submitted works must run between five and 12 minutes. The entry conditions specify that a solo cannot be performed by its choreographer.
Selection will be made by a preliminary jury assessing video submissions. The stated judging criteria focus on imaginative use of space and time, the choreographic realisation of an idea and its communication through the performers.
Applicants must submit an online form with a video link, a short biography, a description of the work and supporting materials. Selected participants must be available for all three competition days, including required rehearsals and performances.
There is no application fee, and the organisers will provide accommodation and catering for selected participants.
Applications close on 15 March 2027. Full entry conditions and the online application form are available on the competition website.