Founded in 1998 in Biarritz at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture and the City of Biarritz, with the support of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques Departmental Council, Malandain Ballet Biarritz is one of the nineteen National Choreographic Centres (CCN) in France. The company is notably distinguished by the permanence of its artistic ensemble, composed of 22 dancers.
As of 1 January 2027, choreographer Martin Harriague will succeed Thierry Malandain as Director of the CCN – Ballet Biarritz. As part of this artistic and leadership transition, the CCN – Ballet Biarritz is organising an audition to recruit high-level choreographic artists in classical and contemporary dance.
The selected artists will be required to perform works from Thierry Malandain’s repertoire as well as creations by Martin Harriague. This coexistence of repertoires may extend over at least one artistic season, within the framework of the company’s programming and activities.
In this context, Martin Harriague is expected to begin the creation of a new work from August 2026, with its premiere scheduled for late December 2026.
Profile Sought
– Proven professional experience (minimum 3 years)
– Excellent level in classical dance, contemporary dance, and improvisation
– Strong ability to memorise choreographic material
– A taste for collective work, precision in performance, and adaptability to different creative methodologies
– Willingness to tour in France and internationally
The CCN – Ballet Biarritz pays particular attention to the diversity of artistic backgrounds, origins, and physical expressions. Applications are welcome from all individuals who meet the artistic criteria, without distinction of origin, gender identity or expression, physical appearance, nationality, or beliefs.
Engagement Conditions
– Contract type: Fixed-term contract for intermittent work (CDDU), in accordance with regulations applicable to the performing arts
– Contractual development: Further development may be considered depending on artistic needs, company organisation, and the applicable regulatory framework
– Expected start date: 21 July 2026
– Applicable collective agreement: National Collective Agreement for Artistic and Cultural Enterprises (CCNEAC)
– Remuneration: According to the current CCNEAC pay scale
Application Procedure
Pre-selection based on application materials. Pre-selected candidates will be invited to attend the audition in Biarritz.
Documents to provide:
Curriculum vitae, headshot photograph, full-body photograph, cover letter, and a video of approximately 2 minutes maximum, including classical technique, contemporary technique, and improvisation.
The video must be submitted exclusively via a YouTube or Vimeo link. No other formats will be accepted.
Personal data submitted as part of the application process will be used exclusively for recruitment purposes and retained only for the duration strictly necessary, in accordance with applicable regulations. Artists pre-selected for the audition will receive an invitation by email.
Application deadline: 15 February 2026
Submission address: audition@malandainballet.com
Audition
The audition will take place on Sunday 8 March 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Grand Studio of the Théâtre de la Gare du Midi, 23 avenue Foch, 64200 Biarritz.
The audition will include a classical dance class, repertoire by Thierry Malandain and Martin Harriague, and improvisation.
At the end of the audition, a final interview may be offered to a maximum of six candidates, before a jury.
