We are thrilled to invite choreographers to apply for the ACDC Duet Exchange 2026 (DX2026), taking place at the prestigious Star Theatre in Cape Town, South Africa. This international platform celebrates the art of the duet, offering selected choreographers a chance to perform on a major stage and compete for the ACDC DI2027  Award and Audience Awards.

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Event Date: 22, 23 May 2026

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1. ELIGIBILITY & PIECE REQUIREMENTS

 

Style: Open to all dance styles that merge with contemporary dance.

Format: The piece must be a duet (exactly two performers on stage).

Duration: Must be a minimum of 7 minutes and a maximum of 10 minutes.

Premiere Status: The piece must not have premiered on stage before May 2026.

Content: Choreographers have complete artistic freedom regarding subject matter and music choice. Choreographers may perform in their own work.

 

2. APPLICATION & VIDEO SUBMISSION

 

Deadline: All applications must be submitted online by Saturday, 17 January 2026, at 23:59 (SAST). Submission received after deadline will not be considered.

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Please email the following materials to opencall@andersoncarvalho.info with the subject line: “ACDC DX2026 | [Name, Surname]”. Applications with an incorrect subject line will not be considered.

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Video Requirements:

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1. CV (1-page maximum) 

2. Submit a single link to a video of the full duet you intend to perform. The video must not exceed 10 minutes. Ensure the video link is functional and remains active throughout the selection process. Please upload videos to YouTube, Vimeo, or a private webpage. Include links and passwords.

3. Professional Headshot.

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3. SELECTION PROCESS

The selection will be a multi-stage process:

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Online Selection: Applicants submit a video of their proposed duet. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for the final event.

Live Selection: 7 selected duets will be invited to perform in the final event at Star Theatre in Cape Town, South Africa.

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4. AWARDS

 

Jury Award: ZAR 30, 000

This award, selected by the jury, includes a ZAR 30,000 grant to fund the creation of a new choreographic work. The winning work will premiere at the ACDC Dance Intersect 2027, and the recipient will also have the opportunity to lead a creative intersection with the ACDC Dancers 2027.

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This award represents a significant investment in the winner's creative future.

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Audience Award: ZAR 15,000

This prize is decided by a live audience vote. 

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Both awards will be presented at the ceremony on May 23, 2026.

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Important Information & Dates

 

Application Deadline: Saturday, 17 January 2026 at 23:59 (SAST)

Notification Date: Selected choreographers will be informed by Monday, 2 February 2026.

 

Please note: Due to the anticipated volume of applications, we regret that we cannot provide individual feedback.