Centre National de la Danse

Exploratory residency

Residency brief

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 5 October 2025 - 30 November 2025 (Tentative)
  • Length of stay 2 months

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.

Gayatri Shetty

Dancer and choreographer

During this residency, I hope to deepen my ongoing exploration of fragility, systems, and presence by situating my project in a new cultural and architectural context. CN D’s unique environment offers the possibility to let the work evolve in dialogue with new spaces, histories, and conversations — challenging how I think about control, collapse, and choreography. I hope to come away with sharper questions and a more grounded choreographic voice.

Gayatri Shetty is a contemporary dancer, choreographer, and performer based in Bangalore, India.Her work explores fragility, repetition, and intimacy through task-based performance and improvisation. She trained at Attakkalari, Gibney Dance NYC, and Gaga Lab Tel Aviv, and has performed at Serendipity Arts Festival, PECDA, March Dance, and more. A member of Citizens ofStage Co-Lab, she is currently developing her solo choreographic voice through works that investigate care, failure, and presence, and was recently awarded the Serendipity Folios of Time grant for her duet-in-progress.

Past Laureates

Second Edition (2024 - 2025)
Ainesh Madan Dancer & Choreographer