Image credit: Olivia Wikner, O&J Wikner Photography
SPECIAL PROJECT
Quantum Leap is expanding our Emerging Choreographers Project (ECP) in 2027. In our most unique project, young Quantum Leap dance artists have the opportunity to create their own original short dance works for a public season in our theatre at Gorman Arts Centre with the mentorship of professional choreographers and artists.
For young artists, this project offers an invaluable experience to explore their curiosity and develop their unique artistry as emerging dance makers.
For audiences, the ECP is an opportunity to see innovative new works from curious, creative and talented young Canberrans.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2027
We are excited to share that in 2027, this special project includes week-long creative residency at Mirramu Creative Arts Centre for selected choreographers. This is a dedicated period for research and development - prior to starting rehearsals.
Mirramu Creative Arts Centre is a natural retreat for performing and visual artists and writers, founded in 1989 on the shores of Lake George / Weereewa near Bungendore by renowned Australian dance pioneer Dr Elizabeth Cameron Dalman OAM CdOAL. Elizabeth is an Australian choreographer, teacher, and performer. She founded Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) and was its Artistic Director for 10 years.
If you are interested in being a choreographer or dancer for the Special Project in 2027, please read the following information carefully and submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) no later than Friday 19 November.
PROJECT TIMELINE
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WHEN: Monday 18 - Friday 22 January 2027
FOR: CHOREOGRAPHERS ONLY
This residency is a focused period of creative dreaming and development to help crack open your initial ideas alongside your fellow choreographers. This will be supported by Creative Director of Mirramu Arts Dr Elizabeth Cameron Dalman AM CdOAL, Vivienne Rogis, and Quantum Leap Artistic Director Alice Lee Holland.
Please note this is an onsite residency – including four nights and five days at Mirramu. If selected, there will be an opportunity to discuss individual access requirements regarding this residency.
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WHEN: Wednesday 27 - Friday 29 January 2027
FOR: CHOREOGRAPHERS AND DANCERS
These sessions provide an opportunity to workshop your concept with the ECP dancers. Each choreographer will have dedicated time to trial their choreographic ideas. This is not rehearsal; it is development – an opportunity to try many things and seek out the essence of your work. These trials will help you develop your choreographic vision so that you can be clear when you get to rehearsals.
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WHEN: February 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, March 13-14, 20-21, April 3-4, 2027
FOR: CHOREOGRAPHERS AND DANCERS
There are six weekends of rehearsal time dedicated to creating your work with your dancers. Choreographers are required to nominate their availability for rehearsals on Saturdays OR Sundays consistently across this period.
Casting will be decided by the mentors according to the needs of each piece and the availability of young dance artists.
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WHEN: Monday 12 - Saturday 23 April 2027 (no rehearsals Sunday 18 April)
FOR: CHOREOGRAPHERS AND DANCERS
This school holiday intensive will include dedicated rehearsal sessions for each choreographer, plotting for lighting, and technical rehearsals.
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WHEN: Wednesday 28 April – Sunday 2 May 2027
ECP CHOREOGRAPHERS AND DANCERS
Production will take place in the Quantum Leap Theatre (schedule TBC).
Activities in Phase 1 through to Production will take place at Gorman Arts Centre.
ELIGIBILITY
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The opportunity to choreograph for the Emerging Choreographers Project 2027 is open to young artists who have participated in a Major Project in 2024, 2025 or 2026.
If you are not eligible to be a choreographer based on these guidelines, but would like to apply, please contact Quantum Leap to discuss.
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The opportunity to dance for the Emerging Choreographers Project 2027 is open to young artists turning 12 or older in 2027, who are Level 2 or 3 Quantum Leap members in 2026, OR who participated in The Chaos Project 2026.
ALL ECP 2027 choreographers and dancers must become 2027 Members.
PROJECT COST
The ECP is heavily subsidised. Participants pay $850 pp to participate as a choreographer (this includes all costs associated with the Mirramu residency, accommodation, food, onsite support) and $250 pp to participate as a dancer.
The project fee covers approximately 60 hours of contact time, including workshop, rehearsal and production time facilitated by professional mentors, a fully produced performance season in a theatre, including lighting and sound design, costumes, marketing, and professional photography. One on one mentorship is also provided.
Project fees are due before the project begins.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
You will need to submit an online application (Expression of Interest) via the links below to be considered as a choreographer or dancer, no later than Thursday 19 November, 2026.
Applications will be assessed by Quantum Leap staff. We have room for up to six (6) choreographers and up to 20 dancers to be part of the 2027 program.
CHOREOGRAPHERS
In your application, you are encouraged to articulate your inspiration/curiosity/vision as clearly as possible. If you have strong instincts regarding specific details, such as technical requirements please include them. Please note though, that Phase 1 (research and development) is dedicated to diving deeper into your concept and this may influence some details, such as the length of your piece and number of dancers you will work with – will be confirmed at the end of Phase 1.
DANCERS
For those young dance artists who are eligible and available please complete the below EOI, indicating the number of pieces you are interested in participating in.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Please note the following:
Application deadline: Midnight 19 November 2026
Applicant notification date: 3 December 2026
Deadline for applicants to accept their offer: 10 December 2026
Office closure: 11 December 2026