NRW meets... International Dance #4: Emerging, Then What? International Visibility for Emerging Artists from NRW

23 September 2026| 13:00 – 13:50 CEST
Guest: Joanna Leśnierowska (choreographic curator, visual dramaturg, co-founder of the European Dance Development Network EDN, Aerowaves partner for Poland)
Moderators: Leonie Wichmann, Anna-Mareen Henke (with a practical update from Mia Emilia Löwener, nrw landesbuero tanz)

The fourth edition of NRW meets... International Dance looked at how emerging choreographers can find visibility beyond their national borders. Joanna Leśnierowska drew on her many years of curatorial experience to give insight on what it takes for an emerging artist to be noticed.

How Aerowaves works
Founded in 1996 as an informal gathering initiated by The Place's John Ashford, Aerowaves has grown into a formal EU-supported network of curatorial experts (not venues) across 34 countries and 46 partners. Each year, artists answer an open call to submit an unedited, full-length recording of a work under 40 minutes, suitable for touring on a triple bill. From these submissions, partners select the "Aerowaves Twenty", presented at the annual Spring Forward festival, alongside a wider shortlist of recommended works. Other ways to participate in the festival include the Springback Academy for young writers, a podcast, and the Aerowaves Startup Forum for emerging curators.

Leśnierowska outlined that due to the many widespread curators involved in the selection process, an application might give you great visibility, even if the work doesn’t make it to the “Aerowaves Twenty”. Particular attention when applying should be brought to the detailed formal requirements.

“No golden formula” to gain international visibility – but three key strategies
Leśnierowska stressed that shrinking public funding has made things harder for newcomers than a decade ago, and that curators can no longer review unsolicited submissions. Her core advice:
(1) Build real, personal relationships with curators and colleagues rather than relying on emails or portfolios. Attend festivals, platforms and conferences, and engage in genuine dialogue about your artistic vision rather than "pitching" aggressively.
(2) Find a local "buddy" – a mentor or connector in your own context who can introduce you further, since strong local relationships are the foundation for international ones.
(3) Be ready to pitch: Programmers are increasingly interested in future collaborations rather than existing productions. Being able to talk convincingly about your artistic vision (in formats from 7-minute elevator pitches to 20-minute presentations) is now as important as the work itself.

Apply here now: TANZRECHERCHE × SPRUNGBRETT
A new residency format combining the former international Tanzrecherche with the regional Sprungbrett programme was introduced by nrw landesbuero tanz. TANZRECHERCHE × SPRUNGBRETT is a two-week, non-production-related residency open to NRW-based emerging artists and international choreographers/dance artists from abroad, with participation in the festival immediately afterwards. Single artists and two artists, performing as a duo, may apply.
Residency period: 26 April – 10 May 2027, in Wuppertal or Essen
Festival period: 12 – 23 May 2027

Key takeaways

Visibility today is built through sustained personal relationships, not mass outreach.

Strong local networks are the basis for international ones. Don't overlook your own city or region.
Prepare to know and fight for the conditions your work needs (stage, technical, audience set-up …): How is your work well presented?
Being able to articulate your artistic vision (pitching) is as important as the work itself.
Structural funding cuts mean fewer open doors, but also more value placed on genuine dialogue and advice.