With the help of the cultural network, the Institut français selected key professionals for this Dance Focus, who are well-recognized in the cultural landscape of their countries and motivated by the discovery and support of emerging talent in contemporary dance. They came from 13 countries across 4 continents: Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States, as well as China, Korea, and Japan, and from Egypt, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Italy, and Germany. This very diverse yet perfectly cohesive group found its own dynamic and promises to continue fruitful exchanges. 

The programming for the Focus, abundant and highly diverse, was based on two major festivals in France, both attentive to supporting artistic careers: June Events, organized by Atelier de Paris – CDCN, and the Rencontres Chorégraphiques Internationales de Seine-Saint-Denis. The program featured 14 very unique performances by renowned artists such as Gaëlle Bourges, Radhouane El Meddeb, Loïc Touzé, and Pierre Pontvianne, as well as by younger choreographers like Rebecca Journo, Solène Weinachter, Arthur Pérole, Capucine Dufour, Olga Dukhovna, Valéria Giuga, and Lénio Kakléa. There was also an evening dedicated to overseas territories with Myriam Soulanges (Martinique), Marlène Myrtil (Guadeloupe), and Lil’C (Mayotte). To complete the artistic landscape, the guests were able to discover 11 ongoing projects by equally notable artists: Amie Ami, Betty Tchomanga, Sylvain Riejou, Hélène Iratchet, Massimo Fusco, Vania Vaneau – Cie Arrangement Provisoire, Emmanuel Eggermont, Madeleine Fournier, Marine Colard, and Nosfell.

Three thematic meetings also allowed them to better understand the organization of the French choreographic sector. A presentation on international cooperation opportunities in the choreographic sector brought together the Institut français, the Ministry of Culture, and the Onda. A workshop on international choreographic residencies provided a platform to exchange experiences and best practices in France and Europe. This session involved the City of Paris and the Department of Seine-Saint-Denis, with whom the Institut français has partnerships. A debriefing and dialogue session on programming best practices further deepened exchanges between professionals. Finally, some guests extended their stay to explore the program of the Nuit Blanche in Paris.