The contemporary dance contest contact.energy '26 takes place at November 14, 2026. We invite all dancers and coreographers to apply with an unique and meaningful contribution to this year’s edition of contact.energy. After the success of the first contest during the 2. International Dance in 2010 we continue under the motto contact.energy. The aim is to create a creative and exciting connection between the artist and the audience.
The contest is part of the 10. International Dance Theatre Festival. A professional jury will evaluate the performances. The three most outstanding and compelling performances will receive an award. There will be also an audience award. Please look at the contest conditions below.
Contest Conditions:
1. All national and international dancers and choreographers aged 18 years and older are invited to apply.
2. The performance can be presented in form of a solo, duo or trio. A time frame of 5-10 minutes may not be exceeded. It is the choreographers decision who will present the piece (The choreographers can perform themselves.)
3. In order to apply for the contest, dancers and choreographers need to fill out and submit the application form. Please also include:
- artistic curriculum vitae of all participating dancers and choreographers
- video of the performance (final production or rehearsal) on DVD or online link - a brief description that reflects the intentions of the piece (maximum of one page)
4. Key performance criteria of the contest presentations are:
- overall impression of the artistic performance in relation to the choreography
- handwriting and the dancing skills of the performer(s)
- dramaturgy of the piece
- creative potential
- personality
5. Applicants will be notified upon acceptance or rejection in every case. If there should be a return of submitted documents (curriculum vitae, CD/DVD, application form) an envelope with a return address and proper postage must be provided.
6. Depending on the quality of the submissions, 8 – 10 works will be selected for presentation the contest.
7. Each group is given a maximum of 45 minutes on the day of the contest or before the contest for preparation and rehearsal on stage.
8. Complex stage sceneries that require elaborate equipment and light set-up are not possible, but you may use equipment that can easily be moved and does not interrupt the program execution.
9. The organizer accepts no responsibility for any copyright problems.
10. The dance contest organizers are not responsible for travel expenses.
11. The following prizes are awarded:
- 1. Prize: 1000,00 €
- 2. Prize: 500,00 €
- 3. Prize: 250,00 €
- Audience Award: 250,00 € There is no application fee.
12. Application deadline is September 15, 2026 (postmarked or by e-mail). Later submitted applications are not considered.
13. Each performance presented on the evening of November 14th will receive an allowance for expenses of 100 Euros.
14. The legal process is excluded.
For applications you can use:
Tanztheater Erfurt e.V. contest Lachsgasse 3
99084 Erfurt
contestnoSpam@tanztheater-erfurt.de
You will find the online application form and further information about the 10.
International Dance Theatre Festival 2026 on our website:
www.tanztheaterfestival-erfurt.de
Application Deadlines / Open Calls
Tanztheater Festival Erfurt: Seeking Performances for a Dance Competition
Application deadline: September 15, 2026