2026 Cre8Dance Choreographic Competition Winners
First Prize & PBTS Choreographic Commission. Xavier Nuñez — Trace of Grace
Cre8Dance is thrilled to announce Xavier Nuñez as the recipient of the 2026 Cre8Dance First Prize as well as the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School Choreographic Commission for his work Trace of Grace. Danced by Joffrey Ballet artists Dylan Gutierrez and Jeraldine Mendoza, with lighting design by @storykdesigns and originally created for @paramardance.
The work stood out for its craft, emotional depth, and powerful choreographic voice. We are incredibly excited to see Xavier continue developing his work through the PBTS commission.
SECOND PRIZE MADISON RUSSO — SPINA
Cre8Dance is proud to announce Madison Russo as the recipient of the 2026 Cre8Dance Second Prize for her work Spina. Madison’s bold and compelling choreographic voice left a strong impression on both the judges and audience alike. We are honored to have featured her work in this year’s competition.
THIRD PRIZE & AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD. ANDE GODWIN — LOVERS
Cre8Dance is delighted to announce Ande Godwin as the recipient of the 2026 Cre8Dance Third Prize and the Audience Choice Award for her work Lovers. Ande’s piece captured hearts, balancing emotional resonance with dynamic energy. We are thrilled to have celebrated her artistry on our stage.
2026 Choreographers
The 2026 choreographers brought remarkable artistry to the stage. Discover more about these talented creators and their work by visiting their bios.
our 2026 Guest Judge JENNIFER ARCHIBALD
Cre8Dance welcomes Jennifer Archibald
Toronto-born JENNIFER ARCHIBALD is the founder and Artistic Director of the Arch Dance Company and Program Director of ArchCore40 Dance Intensives. Archibald has choreographed for the Ailey II, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet West, Grand Rapids Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, among others. She has worked commercially for NIKE, MAC Cosmetics, Tommy Hilfiger, as well as chart-listed artists. She will return to the Crypto Arena to choreograph the opening for KCON's KPOP annual conference.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR FULL BIO.
About Cre8Dance
Our Mission
Cre8Dance is a nonprofit organization whose primary focus is to unearth exceptional choreographic talent. Cre8Dance will provide emerging choreographic artists with resources that will enable unique showcases, enrich the community, and nurture the world of dance.
We believe in providing accessibility to choreographers and developing their artistic voices. Cre8Dance is committed to dance and its future.
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Cre8Dance and its Choreographic development is made possible by the generous contributions from you. Every donation represents real value to our mission and we look forward to partnering with you in this pursuit. Thank you!
Cre8Dance Inc is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation.
possible in part by individual donations and event sponsors
