Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Yokohama Dance Collection Competition 2027 invites choreographers to submit original contemporary dance works in either the Professional or Under 25 category. The competition supports emerging and established dance artists through a platform that showcases innovative choreography, promotes artistic development, and recognizes excellence in contemporary dance practice.
Program Overview
The Yokohama Dance Collection Competition is one of Japan’s leading contemporary dance platforms, providing choreographers with opportunities to present original works, gain professional recognition, and connect with audiences and industry professionals.
The competition welcomes a broad range of choreographic approaches and encourages artistic experimentation while maintaining professional presentation standards. Applications are accepted from individual choreographers, collaborative teams, and dance companies that meet the eligibility requirements of the selected category.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 31, 2027.
Competition Categories
The competition offers two distinct categories:
Professional Category
- Open to choreographers with domestic and international performance experience.
- Previous performances do not need to be self-choreographed works.
- No age restrictions apply.
- Submitted works must be between 10 and 20 minutes in duration.
- Solo, duo, and group works are accepted.
Under 25 Category
- Open to residents of Japan aged 25 years or younger.
- Applicants must be born on or after April 2, 2001.
- Previous choreography experience is not required.
- Submitted works must not exceed 10 minutes.
- Solo, duo, and group works are accepted.
Focus Areas
The competition supports:
- Contemporary dance
- Choreographic innovation
- Dance performance
- Artistic experimentation
- Emerging choreographers
- Professional dance practice
- Creative collaboration
- Interdisciplinary performance
- Original artistic works
- Contemporary performing arts
What Makes This Competition Important?
The Yokohama Dance Collection Competition serves as an important platform for contemporary dance artists by providing opportunities for:
- Professional recognition
- Artistic development
- Public presentation of new works
- International visibility
- Career advancement
- Networking within the dance sector
- Exposure to industry professionals and audiences
The competition has established itself as a respected venue for discovering and supporting innovative choreographic talent in Japan and beyond.
Eligible Works
Applicants may submit:
- Solo performances
- Duet performances
- Group performances
- Joint choreography projects
- Company-created works
Joint applications submitted under multiple choreographers or company names are permitted.
All works must:
- Be original choreographic creations.
- Comply with Japanese laws and competition regulations.
- Not have been previously presented at the Yokohama Dance Collection.
- Meet the duration requirements of the selected category.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the requirements of their chosen category.
Professional Category Eligibility
- Must have domestic and international performance experience.
- No age restrictions.
- Individual choreographers, groups, and companies may apply.
Under 25 Category Eligibility
- Must be residents of Japan.
- Must be 25 years old or younger.
- Must be born on or after April 2, 2001.
- Previous choreography experience is not required.
Ineligible Applicants
Applicants are not eligible if they have previously received certain major awards from the Yokohama Dance Collection.
Restricted award recipients include those who have received:
- Jury Prize (since 2011)
- French Embassy in Japan Award for Young Choreographers
- Yokohama Award for Soaring Towards the Future
- Best Newcomer Award
Exception:
- Previous Best Newcomer Award recipients may still apply in the Professional Category.
Additional restrictions include:
- Applicants cannot enter both categories simultaneously.
- Only one submission is permitted per applicant or group.
Competition Requirements
Participants must:
- Submit only one work.
- Be available for the designated rehearsal day.
- Be available for the performance day.
- Follow all technical and administrative requirements.
- Comply with file submission guidelines.
There is no restriction on the number of performers involved in a work.
Funding and Awards
The competition provides recognition and exposure opportunities through:
- Professional performance presentation
- Jury evaluation
- Industry visibility
- Networking opportunities
- Award recognition
- Career development opportunities
Specific awards and recognition are presented during the competition cycle, culminating in the awards ceremony on January 31, 2027.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the following steps:
Step 1: Complete Online Registration
- Submit the required online registration form.
- Select either the Professional or Under 25 category.
Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
Gather all required documents and supporting materials according to competition guidelines.
Step 3: Create a ZIP File
- Combine all required materials into a single ZIP file.
- Ensure documents follow prescribed formatting requirements.
Step 4: Upload Materials
- Upload the ZIP file through Dropbox.
- Upload must be completed within 24 hours of receiving the upload link.
Step 5: Verify File Naming Requirements
- Follow all required file naming conventions.
- Ensure files are clearly labeled and properly organized.
Step 6: Await Review
Applications are reviewed according to eligibility requirements and artistic evaluation criteria.
Selection Criteria
Applications may be assessed based on:
- Artistic quality
- Originality
- Choreographic vision
- Creative execution
- Technical presentation
- Innovation
- Performance potential
- Compliance with competition regulations
Why This Competition Matters
Contemporary dance competitions provide valuable opportunities for choreographers to test ideas, gain recognition, and expand professional networks.
The Yokohama Dance Collection Competition contributes to:
- Growth of contemporary dance practice
- International artistic exchange
- Development of emerging talent
- Professional visibility for choreographers
- Innovation in performing arts
- Strengthening of Japan’s contemporary dance sector
Tips for a Strong Application
- Submit a clear and original choreographic concept.
- Ensure the work meets duration requirements.
- Carefully follow technical submission guidelines.
- Present high-quality supporting materials.
- Demonstrate artistic vision and creativity.
- Verify eligibility before applying.
- Upload files within the required timeframe.
- Review all application materials before submission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to both categories simultaneously.
- Submitting more than one entry.
- Missing the 24-hour upload deadline.
- Uploading incorrectly named files.
- Submitting a work previously presented at Yokohama Dance Collection.
- Exceeding the permitted work duration.
- Failing to meet category eligibility requirements.
- Providing incomplete application materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply to the Professional Category?
Choreographers with domestic and international performance experience may apply regardless of age.
Who can apply to the Under 25 Category?
Residents of Japan who are 25 years old or younger and born on or after April 2, 2001 are eligible.
Can I submit a group performance?
Yes. Solo, duo, and group works are accepted in both categories.
Can I apply to both categories?
No. Applicants may only apply to one category.
Are collaborative choreography projects allowed?
Yes. Joint choreography submissions by multiple individuals or companies are accepted.
Can I submit a work that was previously presented at the Yokohama Dance Collection?
No. Previously presented works are not eligible.
When will the awards ceremony take place?
The awards ceremony is scheduled for January 31, 2027.
Conclusion
The Yokohama Dance Collection Competition 2027 offers an important opportunity for contemporary choreographers to showcase original works, gain professional recognition, and contribute to the evolving landscape of dance performance. With dedicated categories for both experienced choreographers and emerging young artists, the competition continues to support innovation, artistic excellence, and the development of contemporary dance in Japan and internationally.
For more information, visit Yokohama Dance Collection.