Sadler's Wells Announces Shortlist for Inaugural Global Dance Prize

Sadler's Wells theatre in London has unveiled the shortlist for the first-ever Rose international dance prize, a new global award aimed at raising the profile of contemporary dance. The seven shortlisted works, hailing from choreographers in Brazil, the United States, Greece, France, Israel, Portugal, and Taiwan, explore a range of pressing themes, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, identity, and conflict.

The prize, divided into two categories, will recognize both established and emerging talent in the dance world. The Rose category, carrying a £40,000 prize, is dedicated to established choreographers, while the Bloom category, with a £15,000 prize, focuses on emerging choreographers. The winners will be announced on February 10, 2025, following a rigorous evaluation process by a jury at Sadler's Wells in early 2025.

Alistair Spalding, artistic director and chief executive of Sadler's Wells, expressed his enthusiasm for the prize, stating, "The creation of this new award has been hailed as a rare opportunity to 'put a spotlight on the importance of storytelling through movement' in the dance world." The shortlisted works showcase the diversity and depth of contemporary dance, with choreographers tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time through the medium of movement.

Why this matters: The Rose international dance prize not only celebrates the artistry and innovation in contemporary dance but also highlights the power of dance to address critical social, political, and environmental issues. By recognizing and supporting both established and emerging choreographers from around the world, the prize aims to nurture a global community of dance creators and enthusiasts, ensuring that this vital art form continues to thrive and evolve.

The inaugural Rose international dance prize has attracted significant attention within the dance community, with many eagerly anticipating the announcement of the winners in February 2025. As Spalding noted, "The shortlisted works demonstrate the incredible talent and creativity of choreographers from across the globe, and we are thrilled to provide a platform for their voices to be heard." The prize serves as an enduring testament to the power of dance to inspire, challenge, and unite audiences worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• Sadler's Wells announces first-ever Rose international dance prize
• Prize recognizes established (£40k) and emerging (£15k) choreographers
• Shortlisted works explore themes like COVID-19, climate change, identity
• Prize aims to raise profile of contemporary dance globally
• Winners to be announced in February 2025 after jury evaluation