Hofesh Shechter Company Announces 2026 Shechter II Cohort

Shechter II, the only paid professional development programme of its kind in the UK, returns in 2026. Following an intensive five-month global search that drew over 1,200 applications, the new company comprises Matilde Agostinone (Italy), Teige Bisnought (UK), Nagga Baldina (Italy), Skiye Nataliah (UK), Federica Fantuzi (Italy), Woojin Kwon (South Korea), Armand Lassus (France), and Ella Roberts (UK), with two of the dancers joining through the company’s continued partnership with Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

This January, these 8 exceptional dancers begin their transformative journey with Hofesh Shechter, creating IN THE BRAIN for stages around the world in a supportive environment that nurtures their growth as international artists and inspires the next generation to pursue a future career in dance.  

Brought to life by the fierce, unstoppable energy of Shechter II, IN THE BRAIN is a space to break free. To lose yourself. To surrender to the rush of movement, the weight of bass, and the euphoria of bodies locked in Shechter’s signature groove.

Here, the dancers don’t just perform – they unleash. They embody the rhythm, shattering the barrier between stage and audience, pulling you into a fevered, all-consuming experience that leaves you craving more.

Developed from CAVE, a shorter work originally produced by Martha Graham Company and Studio Simkin, which explored nightlife and human gathering through dance and its transcendental quality, IN THE BRAIN builds on this, transforming the theatre into a visceral, high-voltage celebration of movement, music, and pure, unfiltered energy.

IN THE BRAIN will receive its world premiere on 5–6 March 2026 at the Migros Culture Percentage Dance Festival Steps in Switzerland. The London premiere follows from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 July 2026 at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, with a UK tour scheduled for May and June 2026.

Tickets for the London premiere are on sale via southbankcentre.co.uk. For international Spring tour dates head over to Hofesh Shechter’s What’s On page

In addition, the 2026 cohort will benefit from Jerwood x SII, a dedicated Continued Professional Development programme funded by Jerwood Foundation. Delivered in partnership with The Place and informed by longitudinal research at London Contemporary Dance School, it offers training in health and wellbeing, workshop leadership, self-promotion, dance science and a week of creation with a guest choreographer – ensuring these young artists are equipped for sustainable, thriving careers.

Shechter II continues to set the benchmark for professional development in contemporary dance, nurturing fearless performers and creators who will shape the future of the art form.

Shechter II, image credit Hofesh Shechter Company