Main Stage Applications & Guidelines 2025

We are looking for a diverse range of talent to perform at our next show, taking place at ExCeL London from 7-9 March 2025.

If you want to expand your network, build your brand, or look for the next opportunity, this is the perfect opportunity for you. MOVE IT show is home to the breadth of dance, brought together under one roof. With 270+ industry professionals and over 32,000 visitors to engage with from the UK and internationally, this event is not one to miss. Come and be a part of this leading festival of DANCE!

The deadline to apply is 11.59pm, Friday 13th September 2024. The Creative team will be in touch when programming begins in.

Please read the application guidelines and top tips below, for everything you need to know before completing the form.

WHAT TO EXPECT  

The MOVE IT Main Stage Programme offers over 150+ performance opportunities across the 3-day event. It attracts a crowd of over 32,000 people and is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and expand your audience.
• Performance slot up to 4 minutes in length on the biggest stage on the show floor (10m x 10m)
• Up to 30 performers, 1 group leader and 3 chaperones. Chaperones only applicable to performances with dancers aged 16 and under.
• Access to a high-calibre technical team with stage show lighting, dedicated to making your work look incredible.
• Opportunity to have artistic graphics/video projected as part of your performance (no logos)
• Access to all free areas of the show for the whole day, valid only with your artist pass on the same day as your performance.
• Your group/organisation name in the line-up shared on our website and socials, with a reach of over 60k people as well as our merchandise and brochure (circulated to over 15K people).

We do not provide technical rehearsals, but you will have a chance to tell us what you’d like as part of your performance and our incredible technical team will ensure that it looks high production value.

Please note that we’re not able to accept applications for singing or acting for the Main Stage.

MOVE IT does not pay artists/contributors to perform at the show.

MAKE YOUR APPLICATION STAND OUT

The MOVE IT team are looking for talented artists to present an exciting Main Stage programme. To help us envisage how you might fit into the programme, please ensure your application covers the following:
• Tell us about your performance group, your background, skills, expertise and what you can bring to the Main Stage.
• A detailed and exciting performance idea: describe your theme or concept, your inspiration and what audiences can expect to see.
• If you are applying as part of an organisation, please provide detailed information on the organisation and what you currently offer.
• Share as much detail as possible: we want to know what you can bring to MOVE IT 2025.

HOW WE DECIDE

All applications are reviewed and selected by the MOVE IT Programming Team, taking into account the following principles:
• A range of different dance genres and concepts
• Performances that reflect the current trends in the industry
• New and exciting ideas that our visitors can experience
• High quality performances

The content in our main stage is editorially independent from the commercial side of MOVE IT. Programming decisions do not reflect stand purchases or other partnerships; decisions are based on what the team feel our visitors would enjoy most.

Due to high demand and competition for involvement in the MOVE IT Main Stage, we regret that it is not possible for us to accommodate all applicants. We are unable to offer feedback to unsuccessful applicants and encourage you to apply again next year.

Please note, unsuccessful applicants may be contacted closer to the show if a slot becomes available.

Please carefully read through the guidelines below before clicking through to the submissions page.

Applicants can submit up to a maximum of 3 performance ideas per application and you can submit more than one application. You will not be able to edit your answers once submitted.

Please ensure you have the following information ready before you start the form:
• Choreographer contact details
• Choreographer documents: CV/Portfolio, Video link footage of performances
• Performance details: chosen style/s, themes or concepts and exciting description of the piece.

COMPLETING THE FORM
• Applicants must complete all required fields in order to submit the form successfully.
• Please ensure all personal details including names and contact details are correct.
• Ensure that group and/or organisation names are correct as this will be used in promotional materials, if selected.
• The ‘LEAD CONTACT’ is responsible for all communication with the MOVE IT team. Application outcomes will be sent directly to the Lead Contact using the email provided.

MAIN STAGE DETAILS
Our ambition is to present high-quality work from a wide range of different styles, concepts and people from all walks of life. So regardless of whether you are a professional company, a community group or an independent choreographer, we want to hear from you!
• MOVE IT accepts and encourages applications for performances in any dance style.
• Please ensure you provide a detailed description of your performance. This will be used in decision making and to help with marketing purposes should your performance be programmed.
• You can select as many as applicable as we understand you may be influenced by many styles, but do ensure there is clarity in what you are proposing.

SHARING MEDIA
All applicants must provide video footage to support their application. Videos must be easily accessible online for the duration of applications. Videos sent via We Transfer will not be accepted.

REQUIREMENTS
MOVE IT makes it a requirement that ALL groups, individuals and organisations must have a valid Public Liability Insurance or international equivalent to be able to perform at the show. Should your application be successful, you will be required to provide these details.

VENUE
Our venue is fully accessible. Should you be programmed, please keep in touch with us and we will make sure you are well looked after by a member of our team.