Noé Chapsal wins the XL Production Award RIDCC 2025

Following a spectacular finale of the Rotterdam International Duet Choreography Competition (RIDCC), the winners have been announced. Noé Chapsal (FR) impressed the jury with his debut creation, VISCUM, and took home the prestigious grand prize: the XL Production Award, an impressive production budget valued at €100,000.

The intensity of movement within his duet brought the audience to thunderous applause and convinced the jury to grant him the XL Award. This exceptional opportunity is made possible thanks to the generous support of Stichting Droom en Daad and Scapino Ballet Rotterdam.

This year, RIDCC was proud to feature an all-female jury. Led by chairwoman Kristin de Groot, Sarah Baltzinger, Anna-Kay Alicia Gayle, Bonnie Doets and Janine Dijkmeijer brought their expertise together to assess the dance talent.

The jury was deeply impressed by VISCUM, praising its sharp, strong, powerful physicality as well as the clear intentions visible throughout the performance. The energy remained constant, with subtle details that kept the audience engaged. The connection between the performers was bold and confident. They were able to charge the space with expectation and energy while simultaneously bringing nuance to the movement quality. The piece reflected the choreographer’s maturity and a clear vision for the work, showcasing clear tools, skills, and artistic qualities. The jury saw great potential in this voice and is curious to see how it will continue to develop in future creations.

Also, during this seventh edition of RIDCC, renowned companies and dance institutions were present to scout new talent. RIDCC’s partners presented their prestigious Partner Awards to the choreographers listed below, to foster new work and support their artistic development. Thanks to these awards, the partners help the participants professionally develop further under guidance and make a name for themselves in the dance world.

The winners of the Partner Awards are:

Centre Chorégraphique National de Créteil et du Val-du-Marne | EMKA – Louis Thuriot & Patricia George (RAKKE)

Club Guy and Roni – Noé Chapsal (VISCUM)

Codarts Rotterdam – Hung-chung Lai (Push and Pull)

Conny Janssen Danst – Maciej Kuzminski (For what is to come)

Dansateliers – Noé Chapsal (VISCUM)

Dutch National Ballet – Giovanni Napoli (Whispers of an Ending)

FORM Dance Projects – Hung-chung Lai (Push and Pull)

MiR dance Company Gelsenkirchen – Noé Chapsal (VISCUM)

Nederlands Dans Theater – Hung-chung Lai (Push and Pull)

SALLY Dansgezelschap Maastricht – Justin de Jager & Sem Deliveyne (Brothers)

TANZ Bielefeld – Louis Thuriot & Patricia George (RAKKE)

TanzLabor ROXY Ulm – Hung-chung Lai (Push and Pull)

Louis Thuriot & Patricia George (mother and son) are going home with this year’s Audience Award, consisting of the donations collected at the final. This year the audience managed to collect above €1500 to support the favorite duet of the night. More than the financial reward, it is the honor this award brings that is so valuable. 

RIDCC is a unique, annual choreography competition that focuses entirely on duets in all possible dance styles. They stimulate talent development in the art of dance from around the world. It’s not just a competition, RIDCC is a driving force for talent development, cultural exchange and education. The next edition of RIDCC is from June 18 to 20, 2026. They’re looking forward to see duets from the next generation of choreographers in their upcoming edition. Learn more at ridcc.com

RIDCC 2025. Photo credit Marco De Swart