Let's Dance International Frontiers

Let’s Dance International Frontiers (LDIF) is a vibrant and dynamic annual dance festival that launches each year on 29 April, coinciding with International Dance Day.  At its core, LDIF is dedicated to celebrating the art of dance while also pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and cultural discourse, with a focus on cultural heritage rooted in the African, African Caribbean and Latine Diaspora.  The festival offers a diverse and innovative programme that encapsulates the rich international tapestry of Leicester, featuring an array of performances, engaging discussion seminars, hands-on masterclasses, and an insightful annual conference.

Over the past sixteen years, LDIF has emerged as a crucial platform for the arts, showcasing over 340 artists and dance companies.  This includes an impressive tally of 92 UK premieres and 49 world premieres, highlighting its role as a launchpad for new works and talent in the dance community.  In addition, LDIF has prioritised the development of emerging artists through various initiatives such as Signatures and the Black British Dance Platform, in partnership with FABRIC.  The festival also features masterclasses, discussions, film and local, national and international networking.

New Works: Solos and Duets

New Works: Solos and Duets was first introduced for LDIF26.  This platform seeks to present emerging artists sharing new and developing works.  Works should feature one or two dancers and be between 5-15 minutes in duration and be suitable for performance in a studio space.  New Works: Solos and Duets will take place on Friday 30 April 2027.

Signatures 

Signatures is LDIF's flagship platform supporting emerging dance artists to showcase new finished works.  Works should feature a maximum of five company members, be no longer that 15-20 minutes in duration and be suitable for performance in a mid-scale theatre space.  Signatures will take place on Wednesday 5 May 2027.

Support for Artists 

Subject to confirmation, successful artists will receive:

• The opportunity to showcase work as part of Let's Dance International Frontiers 2027.
• Receive audience feedback and network with dance professionals and practitioners based in the UK and internationally.
• ITC / Equity Minimum Day Rate (£139 per company member for the date of the performance, to a maximum of five company members).
• ITC / Equity Minimum Subsistence Allowance (£35.84 per diem per company member for the date of the performance, to a maximum five company members).
• Up to two nights' accommodation in Leicester (if required) for up to five company members.
• UK Ground Travel for up to five company members.
• International Travel (international airport to UK airport, if required) for up to five company members.

Timeline

• Sunday 4 October 2026, 11.59pm BST: Deadline for applications.
• October - November 2026: Expected decision made on applications.
• Friday 30 April 2027 and Wednesday 5 May 2027: Performances as part of Let’s Dance International Frontiers 2027.

To be eligible you must:

• Be an independent artist.
• Be committed to working responsibly within Serendipity and partners’ health and safety measures where applicable.
• Complete the application form.
• Submit documentation of the proposed and previous works with your application.
• Be available for performances dates.
  • New Works: Solos and Duets will take place on Friday 30 April 2027.
  • Signatures will take place on Wednesday 5 May 2027.
• Follow the performance specifications:
  • New Work: Solos and Duets - Works should feature one or two dancers and be between 5-15 minutes in duration and be suitable for performance in a studio space.  New Works: Solos and Duets will take place on Friday 30 April 2027.
  • Signatures - Works should feature a maximum of five company members and be no longer that 15-20 minutes in duration and be suitable for performance in a mid-scale theatre space.  

Selection Criteria

The selection is made by a panel including artistic leadership from Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, independent artists and international partners.  Works may be considered for either platform, subject to the suitability established by the selection panel based on the information provided.

Criteria for selection is based on:

• Quality - Work with a clear sense of purpose and integrity that has the highest artistic performance standards.
• Engagement - Work that has the ability to interact and engage audiences through a clear and successful conceptual framework.
• Technique - Strong demonstration of dance style or genre and chosen techniques. If applicable, with accomplished self-development of approaches.
• Innovation - Work that pushes the boundaries of dance and choreographic practice, platforming pioneering artists and ideas.
• Suitability - Work that is practically suited to the venue and platform.

Deadline: Sunday 4 October 2026, 11.59pm BST

For more information, please email info@serendipity-uk.com or call +44(0)116 482 1395.

Application Form