About The Company

At the heart of the DWC Contemporary Ballet Company lies a powerful and ambitious mission: to bring together young dancers from around the world and immerse them in the professional experience of company life. More than just a performance opportunity, this initiative offers emerging artists a platform for creative growth, collaboration, and the chance to work under the direction of internationally acclaimed choreographer Richard Wherlock.

The primary aim of the company is to give talented dancers, aged 16 to 25, a unique opportunity to train, rehearse, and perform in a setting that mirrors the demands and rewards of a professional dance company. Work ethic, professionalism, and commitment are key qualities we look for in participants, and the experience is designed to build these values into every aspect of the process. Eligibility is based on results at the Dance World Cup Finals, with dancers selected either by invitation or audition. Chaperones are present throughout each season to provide a safe and supportive environment for all participants. Both Richard Wherlock and the Dance World Cup are deeply committed to offering dancers more than just the chance to perform, they are committed to passing on the foundations of a professional career, the spirit of artistic excellence, and the legacy of international collaboration. With a focus on longevity and vision, this initiative is already shaping future generations of dancers who will continue to grow through this platform.

The origins of the company stem from an introduction by Niall McMahon, which led to a meeting in Basel between Dance World Cup Chairman John Grimshaw and Richard Wherlock, following a performance of Richard’s stunning full-length ballet Heidi. Their conversations, along with Niall’s support, quickly revealed a shared passion: to nurture young dance talent and provide authentic access to the inner workings of a professional company. This vision extended far beyond choreography it included real exposure to production elements such as lighting design, costume supervision by a wardrobe mistress, and the guidance of experienced rehearsal assistants. It was from this shared vision that the DWC Contemporary Ballet Company was born. The project had its introduction in Braga and its full debut in Prague, 2024, with a performance of new works by Richard. The overwhelming success of that launch confirmed the importance of expanding the programme in future years.

In 2025, the company expanded to 26 dancers, chosen based on results at the DWC Finals. With the generous support of the Escuela Profesional de Danza Castilla y León in Burgos, under the direction of Ana Laguna, the company came together in Spain for an intensive two-week residency in July. During this period, dancers rehearsed and performed Richard’s iconic choreography Bolero, a celebrated piece that has received universal acclaim from the international dance press. This performance was presented at the Junior/Senior Grand Finals in Burgos, a major highlight of the 2025 Dance World Cup season. As part of the event, Richard also offered a free public lecture entitled “Debunking the Myths of Choreography”, featuring live demonstrations from company dancers. The 2025 company was proud to represent 14 different countries, truly embodying the international spirit at the core of this initiative.

Looking ahead to June–July 2026, the company will launch an ambitious three-week training and rehearsal programme, culminating in four public performances at a prestigious theatre in Dublin. These performances will present a full evening of Richard’s work, running alongside the Dance World Cup Finals, which will be held at a separate venue. In addition to the performance season, plans are underway to establish a platform for emerging choreographers, providing space for young creators to develop and present original work under the guidance of the company’s artistic team.

If sponsorship permits, 2027 will mark the launch of a three-month European tour, bringing Richard’s choreography and potentially works by other selected choreographers to audiences across continental Europe and beyond.