The Rotterdam International Duet Choreography Competition (RIDCC) is gearing up for its eighth edition. Registration is now open for the prestigious competition that invites choreographers from all over the world to present their work. The stakes are high: all participants become part of a valuable international dance network and the winner receives the XL Production Award worth 100,000 euros, a unique opportunity that offers the winning dancemaker a significant leap forward in the international dance field. RIDCC will take place from 18- 20 June 2026 at Theater Zuidplein in Rotterdam.
“Eight editions of RIDCC, a world full of talent and, for once, a different home. We are thrilled that for this eighth edition we will temporarily move to the beautiful Theater Zuidplein,” say Maya & Mischa, founders and artistic directors of RIDCC. “Here we can introduce an even broader audience to our international community of makers. Registration is now open, and we look forward to seeing the new duets.”
Choreographers from across the globe can submit their work via ridcc.com until Friday 1 March 2026. The pre-jury will then select sixteen makers who will advance to the competition; this selection will be announced in April. The semi-finals will take place on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 June, followed by the festive finale on Friday 20 June.
The pre-jury, representing a wide range of dance genres and responsible for selecting the sixteen competition participants, consists of Mischa van Leeuwen (chair), founder and artistic director of RIDCC and former dancer at Scapino Ballet Rotterdam as well as choreographer; Emma Porter, director, choreographer, dancer, and actor; Lorena Nogal, performer, choreographer, and core member of LA VERONAL; Emmi Väisänen, dancer and core artistic member of Not Standing; and Rauf Yasit Rubberlegz, performer, choreographer, and battle dancer.
For the eighth edition of RIDCC, an internationally renowned jury has been appointed: Kristin de Groot (chair), former director of Dansateliers and advisor in the Dutch dance field; Anouk van Dijk, choreographer, director, and founder of Countertechnique; Anna-Kay Alicia Gayle, dance and movement artist, performer, choreographer, and actress; Rupert Tookey, former dancer and artistic assistant at Scapino Ballet Rotterdam; and Katrín Hall, artistic director of GöteborgsOperans Danskompani.
Participating in RIDCC is an opportunity of immeasurable value. In addition to presenting their work to a wide international audience, selected choreographers become part of the exclusive RIDCC network. This network fosters knowledge exchange, collaboration and essential coaching through an in-depth programme of workshops and networking events. The winner of the main prize receives the unique opportunity to create a new, autonomous production at Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, including a national tour.
All sixteen participants are also eligible for a Partner Award. RIDCC’s partners emphasise the importance of talent development and support the creation of new work through these awards. This year, RIDCC welcomes a new partner: the Acosta Dance Foundation, joining the long list of prominent institutions.
The Acosta Dance Foundation (ADF) is dedicated to preserving the artistic legacy of Carlos Acosta and provides young dancers and choreographers worldwide with access to top-level training in ballet and contemporary dance, with a strong focus on talent development and social impact.
Additional participating partners in 2026 are Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, Acosta Dance Foundation, Dutch National Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), Skånes Dansteater, Club Guy and Roni, Conny Janssen Danst, Codarts Rotterdam, CCN de Créteil et du Val-de-Marne|EMKA, TanzLabor ROXY Ulm, FORM Dance Projects, SALLY Dansgezelschap Maastricht, and Dansateliers.
The Rotterdam International Duet Choreography Competition (RIDCC) serves as a dynamic, international crossroads where choreographic talent can develop sustainably and form valuable connections. RIDCC contributes to the growth and development of contemporary dance in all its forms.
For more information and registration, visit www.ridcc.com
