Visiting Artist Programme goes to the Biennale de la Danse 2025
Following previous editions at VAP partner festivals including Dublin Dance Festival and One Dance Festival, the Visiting Artist Programme (VAP) travelled to Lyon for the Biennale de la Danse 2025, joining the professional week from 16 – 20 September.
This key event in the international choreographic calendar brought together more than 1200 professionals, including 326 programmers representing 55 countries – offering a vibrant context for artistic discovery, exchange and connection.
A flexible and open programme
During this dynamic week, seven international artists were hosted through the Visiting Artist Programme.
In response to the Biennale’s vibrant schedule, the programme was designed to be open and flexible, allowing each artist to tailor their experience to their interests and practices.
The programme opened on 16 September with a Welcome Lunch, creating a warm first encounter between the artists and the Biennale team.
In the afternoon, participants were invited to choose between a meeting with the Canadian network CINARS on international touring and export strategies, or a workshop led by choreographer Aina Alegre.
The artists were also offered five performances and explored the rich diversity of the Biennale programme, including showcases, performances, and professional workshops.
Encounters and networking
On Tuesday morning, Tiago Guedes, Artistic Director of the Biennale, welcomed the group for a presentation of the festival and its artistic vision, alongside other international delegates from Brazil and Canada.
Throughout the week, the artists took part in several networking and exchange opportunities, including a visit and presentation of the Centre national de la danse (CND) and its missions, two professional cocktails encouraging dialogue with programmers and peers and an informal meeting with directors from the Dance Festivals Network Europe
Immersion in FORUM
The artists also engaged with the first edition of FORUM, the new artistic project by Tiago Guedes at the core of the Biennale.
Designed as a space for dialogue, reflection, and exchange of practices, FORUM questions current models of international programming and explores how art and dance resonate with social, identity-based, and ecological shifts across different territories.
Five non-European countries – Australia, Brazil, the United States, Mozambique, and Taiwan – were represented, bringing a plurality of perspectives to the discussions.
Shared experiences and community
Between professional meetings, performances, and festive evenings, the artists developed a strong sense of community.
This cohesion and collective energy became particularly evident during informal moments – notably at Club Bingo, one of the Biennale’s iconic late-night venues.
Beyond the intensity of the Biennale’s schedule, the week offered the artists a moment of inspiration, reflection and connection.
An experience true to the essence of the Visiting Artist Programme: building bridges, fostering encounters, and nurturing international dialogue around contemporary dance creation.
Full list of participants and sending festivals
Inês Campos – Portugal, Dias da Dança
Stefanie Dimitrova Handjiiska – Bulgaria, One Dance Week Festival
Soňa Kudelova – Slovakia, Bratislava in Movement
Cécile Da Costa – Czech Republic, Tanec Praha
Rūta Pakalne – Estonia, Soltumatu Tantsu Lava
Carl Joseph Aquilizan – Norway, CODA
Adrijana Danchevska Rovchanin – North Macedonia, Dance Fest Skopje
