Bucharest, a hub for the European contemporary dance scene. The CNDB hosted the Aerowaves Annual Selection Meeting 2026
From October 18–21, 2026, Bucharest became a gathering place for European contemporary dance professionals with the Aerowaves Annual Selection Meeting, an event organized by the National Center for Dance Bucharest (CNDB) together with the European Aerowaves network, and in partnership with ARCUB. Held at Casa Eliad, the annual meeting was dedicated to identifying and supporting new choreographic voices, contributing to the development of a diverse, dynamic, and internationally connected European contemporary dance scene.
The event brought together 56 international guests from across Europe, including curators, theater and festival directors, as well as other professionals involved in the presentation, promotion, and development of the performing arts. Over the course of three working days, participants analyzed and contributed to the selection process for new choreographic productions, drawing from over 600 applications. The process aimed to identify artists and performances with the potential to bring fresh perspectives, innovative artistic languages, and new directions for exploration to European contemporary dance.
The Aerowaves Annual Selection Meeting is an important occasion for discovering and supporting emerging artists, providing a framework for evaluation and dialogue among professionals who closely follow developments in the international dance scene. Beyond the selection process, the meeting facilitates the exchange of ideas and experiences among cultural organizations, institutions, festivals, and performance venues, contributing to the development of collaborative opportunities and increasing the visibility of new works.
Hosting the event in Bucharest provided a valuable context for strengthening professional relationships among European specialists and for connecting the local contemporary dance scene to international collaboration networks. The presence of guests from numerous countries laid the groundwork for a dialogue on current trends in contemporary dance, the role of institutions and festivals in supporting artists, and the importance of touring performances and cross-border cultural exchanges.
For the National Centre for Dance in Bucharest, organizing this event reaffirms its commitment to supporting the development of contemporary dance and strengthening ties between artists and professionals in Romania and those on the international scene. Participation in the Aerowaves network helps create new opportunities for visibility for choreographic works, facilitates artist mobility, and fosters opportunities to present performances in European contexts.
Through such initiatives, Bucharest is strengthening its role as a space for encounter and dialogue for the international artistic community, and the local scene is gaining new opportunities to connect with the processes and networks that are shaping the future of European contemporary dance.
The National Centre for Dance in Bucharest would like to thank ARCUB for its partnership, as well as all the guests, collaborators, and professionals who contributed to the organization of the Aerowaves Annual Selection Meeting 2026.
Aerowaves is a European network dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging artists and choreographers in the field of dance. With partners in 34 countries, Aerowaves creates opportunities for dance performances to be presented across borders and to reach new audiences.
The network connects artists, programmers, curators, and dance professionals across Europe, facilitating the exchange of experiences, collaborations, and the international presentation of choreographic works.
One of Aerowaves’ main initiatives is Spring Forward, a European festival that presents selected performances by emerging choreographers from across Europe. Aerowaves also supports the development of dance criticism and writing, offers opportunities to early-career curators, and develops other international initiatives that connect artists and dance organizations.
Event co-funded by the European Union through the Creative Europe program. The support provided by the European Commission for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its content, which reflects solely the views of the authors. The European Commission cannot be held responsible for any use of the information contained in this publication.
Event organized in partnership with the Bucharest City Hall, through ARCUB—the Bucharest Municipal Cultural Center. ARCUB is a public cultural institution funded by the Bucharest City Hall. In 2026, ARCUB will celebrate 30 years of activity dedicated to developing, supporting, and promoting the cultural life of the capital.
