Festivals, performing arts markets and networking events – what is their role in shaping an artist’s international profile and visibility? How do these kind of events foster exchange, collaboration and international distribution within contemporary dance? With the second edition of the digital format ‘NRW meets… International Dance’, the nrw landesbuero tanz once again invites the dance community of North Rhine-Westphalia to engage in dialogue about international networking and professional exchange formats.This edition brings together three perspectives: artistic practice, festival and market structures, and personal experiences with international platforms.

Catherine Launay (PAP – Performing Arts Programme Berlin) on performing arts markets as meeting places for curators, organisers and artists.
Karen Toftegaard (WILDTOPIA) on festivals as places of encounter and potential career steps in an international context.
Renae Shadler (Choreographer) on her personal experiences with international festivals and networks.

Afterwards, there will be time for questions and discussion: How can artists specifically use festivals, markets and networking events for the development of their own work?

Participation limited (50 participants). The format NRW meets... International Dance is aimed at dance professionals from the region of North Rhine-Westphalia. Other German or international dance professionals are also welcome if there are still spots available.

Renae Shadler

Originally from Australia, Renae Shadler is a Berlin-based choreographer, performer, and researcher whose work explores the interconnections between bodies and environments. She approaches choreography as a social tool to highlight marginalised bodies and challenge dominant structures through close collaboration with materials. Her works span stage, museums, and outdoor contexts. As the founder of “Renae Shadler & Collaborators”, she has presented work at PuSh Festival (Canada), Dancehouse (Australia), Palais de Tokyo (France), New Baltic Dance (Lithuania), and Radialsystem (Germany), among others. Shadler received the George Fairfax Memorial Award and the Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarship. Her duet “SKIN” with Roland Walter was selected for Perform Europe (2024–25), Tanzplattform Deutschland (2022), and Aerowaves (2021).

Karen Toftegaard

Karen Toftegaard is a Copenhagen-based cultural entrepreneur, specializing in creative processes, festival- and industry development. As founding CEO of WILDTOPIA, she created the #DANISH showcase at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (2020–), in partnership with the Embassy of Denmark in the UK and supported by the Danish Arts Foundation and Denmark's Ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs. At CPH STAGE (2017–2024), she built the festival’s international profile, connecting artists from Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands with the global scene. Her workshop SHINE YOUR WORK, featured at Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringes, offers a holistic approach to self-promotion. Karen is a published author, holds an MA in Modern Culture and certifications in Shadow Facilitation and Future Leadership.

Catherine Launay

Catherine Launay lives and works in Berlin since 1999. Production manager and distributor since 26 years for theater, dance and sound art in Berlin and France. Catherine works with artists who cross boundaries and experiment with new forms, especially through types of collaboration and interaction with the audience. Specialized in disseminating interdisciplinary, experimental projects and coordinating such projects, especially between Germany and France. She 's working in (inter)national relations at the Performing Arts Programme Berlin, a project of LAFT Berlin e.V., since 2022.