The Dramaturgical Council of the Czech Dance Platform is composed of international dance experts who select productions for the main program. The purpose of the Dramaturgical Council is to put together a program that will inspire both local and foreign professionals, open up space for dialogue, and support the further development of Czech dance in an international environment.
Oliver James Anwyl (GB-SCT)
Oliver is a Scotland-based producer and cultural leader working across contemporary dance and international performance. He has a strong commitment to championing independent artists, fostering creative exchange and building connections across the international dance sector through his creative producing organsiation Dance Horizons. Since 2014, he has been the creative director of Innovations Dance Platform – one of the UK’s largest, independent dance events, which presents annual programmes of bold, boundary-pushing work.
How did Oliver select performances for the Czech Dance Platform?
When looking at performance submissions, I look for the artist’s voice, what they are trying to say and how they intend to move their audiences. Opportunities such as Czech Dance Platform allow artists at all stages of their careers to raise their game, be bold and challenge themselves.
What does Oliver look for in performances, and what is key for her?
I want to see work that is making waves and is ready to go. Clarity of ideas and direction, detailed choices and awareness of the world outside the artist’s creative bubble. CDP would be an important, beneficial stepping stone on the artist’s journey.
Jaciel Neri (MX)
Jaciel Neri is a Mexican choreographer, curator, and stage designer who was a member of the Dramaturgical Council in 2025. He is the founder and director of the moving borders platform and the CAMP_IN initiative, which support creativity, international cooperation, and the development of the dance community in Mexico and abroad. In his work, he combines contemporary dance with elements of traditional Mexican folklore and has also been involved in curatorial and consulting activities in the field of cultural projects and festivals for many years. His work has been recognized at international competitions and presented at festivals in Europe and America.
How do Czech artists influence Jaciel?
Czech artists are distinguished by their originality and unmistakable artistic language, elements that are paramount in their current scene. Their works are not merely technical achievements, but rather propose a captivating dialogue between diverse creative worlds.
What does Jaciel look for in performances, and what is key for him?
I usually look for something unique in a choreographic work, something that can transcend current times. A work that lingers in our memory and helps us imagine a world of possibilities.
Ryszard Kalinowski (PL)
Ryszard Kalinowski is a dancer, choreographer, curator. Head of National Choreographic Centre in Lublin. Initiator, programmer and co-organiser of numerous contemporary dance and interdisciplinary events in Poland and abroad, a.o. International Dance Theatres Festival in Lublin (since 1997). „Tour d’Europe des choregraphes: Poland, France, Spain, Ireland, Germany” (2009-2011), „Choreographic territories: Central and Eastern Europe” (2016, 2018), „Artil: Ukraine, Poland, Austria” (2019), „Spaces of Art – Dance in Poland” (2020-2025), “Visiting Artists Programme” (2025-27).
How did Ryszard select performances for the Czech Dance Platform?
I think the works I chose represent a rich variety of styles, with strong contemporary attitude to the composition of the dance pieces. They are different from each other and are made in a very personal way: both the solos and the group works. In each piece you can find a personality, a real human being moving and “telling” you something personal, even when the choreographic form is strictly composed (“Rapture”) or inspired by strong “classic” dance technique (“The Swind”). You can observe high class dancers performing their roles with a deep consciousness and understanding of the theme.All the choreographers and performers brought to the stage risk that I appreciate a lot, especially when it’s combined with clever and intelligent vision that leads them to the unknown, unexpected but very much appreciated and deeply sensed aim (e.g. “Frekvence”) And the distance to themselves – it is crucial and really seen in the works. Using humour, paradox and even grotesque (“Let There Be The Light” , “Refuge” “Lysistrata Reloaded”) When you add imagination, original and strong movement technique and interest in making contact with the spectator, not abstract “audience” but real people, who are the most important partners and addressee of your work when you come to the stage: no doubt you do a great job. Like in this case. I think the programme of this year’s CDP is really interesting, rich and full of very good shows. Congratulations to ALL artists.
What does Ryszard look for in performances, and what is key for him?
“What I value in dance is a personal attitude, strong technique, and real devotion in performance — all in service of a clear personal message. This message is delivered here and now, in the direct encounter with the audience. Within a short time, the performer has the chance to draw spectators in and share something that truly matters.
We are all different, and our stories are different too. Yet when watching a strong performance, we may suddenly realise that we are not so different after all — that we share much more than we expected. The language of movement, dance, and choreography may not be immediately familiar to us. It can feel demanding, strange, or not conventionally “beautiful,” as we often expect dance to be. But this, for me, is precisely where art begins.
I value and appreciate performances that are delivered personally and performed at a high level. Most often, this depth and clarity come from thorough rehearsal — from the time and dedication needed to achieve a strong and honest final effect. This message is delivered here and now, in a direct encounter with the audience”.