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Centre National de la Danse

Exploratory residency

Residency brief

A public institution, created at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture, the CN D, National Dance Center, brings together all resources serving the choreographic sector and audiences. It supports and trains professional dancers, promotes amateur practice, aids research, preserves and disseminates choreographic heritage, supports the creation of choreographic works in all its diversity, and engages in dialogue with other artistic fields.

The objective of this residency is to promote the mobility of an artist, expand their network, and provide an opportunity to showcase their work in France. With this program, the CN D is committed to supporting the laureate by providing privileged support, access to a working studio throughout the residency, as well as access to the CN D's networks and resources.

  • Thematic focus Performing arts (contemporary dance)
  • Location Pantin
  • Dates 31 January 2027 - 2 April 2027
  • Length of stay 8 weeks

Our Space

Located on the edge of the Ourcq canal, the building of the former administrative center of the city of Pantin was built in the 1970s by the architect Jacques Kalisz. Equipped with thirteen dance studios, three of which can accommodate audiences, a Media Library, several conference rooms, meeting rooms, editing rooms, and a rooftop, the CN D is an emblematic place whose action is based on a continuous circulation between creation, dissemination, heritage, training, information, advice to professionals, and access to choreographic culture.

Aishwarya Raut

Contemporary dancer

The residency gives me something I rarely have, an uninterrupted space to listen to and trust my instincts. My practice is held in instinct, intuition, and inner dialogues, and here I can fully follow those impulses. It allows me to slow down, play and take risks that shape my movement. During this time, I hope my new work can grow in an honest and intuitive way.

Aishwarya Raut is a Mumbai-born dance artist trained in India and the UK, holding an MA in Professional Dance Performance. She works internationally as a performer, choreographer, teacher and actor, and has danced with leading companies including Rambert, Akram Khan Company, GöteborgsOperans Danskompani, and Lost Dog. Her work spans theatre, site-specific performance, and screen, collaborating with renowned choreographers and global brands. She has performed with major music artists and has been featured in Dance Magazine and Nowness. Aishwarya has received critical acclaim including UK National Dance Award nominations for Best Female Dancer (2024) and Outstanding Female Modern Performance (2025), and was named one of Bachtrack’s 10 Rising Stars in Dance and Choreography (2024/25).

Residency conditions

  • The resident should be willing to give up to 20% of his/her residency time to participate in various public engagement events such as open studios, talks, performances, workshops, etc. organized by CN D.
  • The resident will be provided with a dance studio located at the CN D that has an area of 68m². A mobile sound control booth is also available in the studio. The studio will be reserved for the artist and accessible every day from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 8 pm.
  • The resident will be provided with on-site accommodation at the studio of the CN D, located within the CN D premises. It has an area of 40 m² and includes a furnished workspace and living area (living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen). The accommodation has internet connectivity (via cable).
  • The resident will receive a fixed stipend of INR. 60 000 per month to cover his/her food and living expenses.
  • The resident will receive a residency grant of INR. 50 000 per month.
  • The resident’s travel costs to and from his/her home address will be covered by the French Institute in India.

Eligibility criteria

  • Proficiency in English is required for the applicant
  • Be at least 25 years old at the application deadline.
  • Be able to demonstrate a professional artistic activity for the past three years.
  • Have already developed one or more choreographic creation projects.

Past Laureates

Third Edition (2025 - 2026)
Gayatri Shetty Dancer & Choreographer
Second Edition (2024 - 2025)
Ainesh Madan Dancer & Choreographer