Dancing The Revolution: three audition/workshop days for politically and ecologically engaged dancers

Sunday 19th April 2026, 0900-1700 - Largo Residências (Sala de Ensaios) - Lisbon (Portugal)

Saturday 23rd May 2026, 1000-1730 - WeCreate (Upstairs Space) - Cloughjordan Ecovillage (Ireland)

Monday 20th July 2026, 0900-1700 - The Dance Studio Leeds (Studio 3) - Leeds (England)
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‘This is an invitation to connect, with a view to future collaborations. I look forward to meeting you, learn how you move, and hear what matters to you.’
(Rita Marcalo)

Rita Marcalo is looking to widen the pool of dancers Instant Dissidence works with: people for whom dance is not separate from the political and ecological crises of our time, but a way of responding to them.

For this reason Instant Dissidence is inviting dancers in Portugal, Ireland and the UK to join Rita Marcalo, and other current company members, for three workshop days in the three different countries. Although it could lead to an immediate contract with the company, this is not an audition for a specific piece, but an invitation to meet, move together, and explore what drives us.

Plan for each workshop
We will move together through a warm-up, followed by a workshop with creative tasks. After lunch there will be an exchange of ideas through a facilitated conversation workshop.

Who we are looking for
We are interested in dancers with a strong contemporary dance practice, who also possess a clear, personal engagement with the world around them. This might be reflected in your previous artistic work/projects, your involvement in community organising, activism, or advocacy, or your lived experience and/or political consciousness.
All, independently of disability, gender, ethnicity and age, are welcome to apply.

How to apply
If this resonates please email info@instantdissidence.org by Wednesday 25th March 2026 with:
- A short CV and biography.
- A video of you dancing.
- A brief statement: in a few sentences tell us which political, social or ecological issue feels most urgent to you right now, and share one example of how this issue has shown up in your practice.

Please indicate which location you are applying for: Lisbon 19th April, Cloughjordan 23rd May or Leeds 20th July.

Access/inclusion
The workshop venues in Lisbon and Leeds are fully accessible. The workshop space in Cloughjordan Ecovillage is upstairs, with no lift access. We don't want this to be a barrier, so if this would be a problem for you please let us know and we will find a way to adapt or accommodate your participation.

Please note that unfortunately Instant Dissidence is unable to cover fees, travel, accommodation or subsistence for participants.