Emerging dance choreographers brimming with original concepts now have the opportunity to take their ideas to the stage and win cash prizes in a new national competition, SPROUTS: New Works Platform for Budding Choreographers. Unlike dance competitions centred on techniques and performance qualities, this inaugural platform co-presented by the National Arts Council (NAC) and Frontier Danceland celebrates originality and creativity of choreographic concepts. The competition is now open for submissions, and will culminate in a final showcase on 3 October 2009.

A maximum of 16 works will be shortlisted to be performed to a live audience on 19 August at Frontier Danceland’s studio. The final showcase of up to 8 works will be held on 3 October in Victoria Theatre.

Three prizes will be awarded at the final showcase. A panel of judges comprising esteemed members of the dance community will select the Most Promising Work. The winning choreographer will receive a $2,000 cash prize and an opportunity to present a new work at the final showcase of the next edition in 2010. Judges will also choose the Best Dancer, who will be awarded a $500 cash prize. The competition will take an interactive turn as well, as audiences will get to vote for Most Popular Work. All finalists will receive a $500 cash prize each.

The competition welcomes all dance genres and styles, and is open to all Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents. Applicants are limited to 2 entries each, and must not have presented these works on a public platform before. Results of the shortlisted entries will be announced on 31 July 2009.

Registration forms can be downloaded at nac.gov.sg or dansing.org.sg. Applications close 23 July 2009, 5pm.