Aerowaves is a hub for dance discovery in Europe. We identify the most promising new work by emerging dance artists and then promote it through cross-border performances. Aerowaves’ network of partners in 34 countries enables these younger choreographers to bring brand new dance to brand new audiences.
Aerowaves prides itself on its unique role as a connector between choreographers, dance programmers and dance enthusiasts across Europe.
From a London office in 1996 to 46 partners in an A-Z of cities, an idea remains bright: supporting emerging artists who are at the vanguard of dance thinking and moving.
Discover 30 years of impactFounded by John Ashford in London in 1996, Aerowaves currently has partners in 34 countries. As a network, it brings together the professional knowledge and personal insight of 46 members. Each year in October, these partners gather to select twenty artists.
After three decades, many choreographers promoted by Aerowaves have built successful international careers. Thanks to the Creative Europe Platform scheme of the European Union, Aerowaves supports more than 100 cross-border presentations each year.
Since 2011, Aerowaves has organised Spring Forward, a platform to promote its twenty selected artists. Key programmers from across the world attend Spring Forward to discover the latest in European dance.
Aerowaves also supports emerging dance professionals, developing other essential elements in the field of dance. Since 2014, Springback Academy has championed quality writing and dance criticism. In 2023, Aerowaves launched its own podcast channel and On Record, a documentary project in partnership with regional dance festivals.
In order to grow as a network and reach new audiences, Aerowaves offers opportunities to emerging curators through Startup Forum, and connects with independent choreographers in different contexts through Artists Encounter.
In addition, Aerowaves looks beyond Europe to exchange vivid and distinct dance cultures, is committed to green actions and has led the Creative Europe cooperation ‘Moving Borders’ (2023-2025).
