Next Steps
“Next Steps” enables choreography talents based in Switzerland to undertake long-term collaboration with an institutional dance ensemble. Over three years, Steps, Bern Ballett and St.Gallen Dance Company will accompany two artists in their creative process and support them in realising their choreographic vision with the companies’ dancers.
The project initiated by Migros Culture Percentage Dance Festival Steps supports artists who are at the end of their dance careers and seeking a path into choreography. In doing so, it aims to fill a gap in the support landscape. “Next Steps” enables choreographic work with a larger number of dancers, something that often fails outside institutional frameworks due to financial constraints. With Bern Ballett and the St.Gallen Dance Company, “Next Steps” has gained two Swiss dance ensembles that are supporting the pilot project.
Made in Switzerland: Between 2025 and 2027, “Next Steps” artists Rachelle Anaïs Scott and Marioenrico D’Angelo will create several works for both ensembles. In March 2026, the pieces created so far — “Vanishing Point” (Scott) and “Night Shining Clouds” (D’Angelo) — will be presented as a double bill at Steps. Danse Suisse members benefit from reduced-price tickets through partner theatres. A list of the venues can be found here.
The test phase has been successful. Valeria Felder, festival director of Steps, notes: “It is wonderful to see how the pilot project is unfolding and what new opportunities are emerging.” “Next Steps” will continue, with an open call planned for April 2026. Two additional Swiss companies will join the next round. Details will be available soon on the Steps website.