Ausdance National has announced Perth-based interdisciplinary artist Xin Ong and Melbourne dance artist Chung Nguyen as the recipients of its 2026 Keith Bain Choreographic Travel Fellowship and Peggy van Praagh Choreographic Fellowship.

Xin Ong and Chung Nguyen. Portraits supplied

The fellowships, which provide $20,000 each in direct support, have been reinstated after a hiatus following the COVID-19 pandemic. They are designed to give choreographers dedicated resources for research, travel, experimentation, artistic relationships and professional development.

Ong, based in Boorloo/Perth, receives the Keith Bain Choreographic Travel Fellowship. An interdisciplinary artist, Ong has been invited to assist Farooq Chaudhry, Artistic Director, on his development of The Bridge in Shenzhen, China. The fellowship will support Ong’s choreographic enquiry through the intercultural and interdisciplinary project and the opportunity to work under Chaudhry’s mentorship.

Nguyen, a Vietnamese/Australian dance artist, somatic movement facilitator and Biodynamic Craniosacral therapist based in Naarm/Melbourne, receives the Peggy van Praagh Choreographic Fellowship. Their practice spans live performance, video installation, choreography and community engagement.

Nguyen will use the fellowship to develop Breathing is Remembering, exploring their Australian migrant journey through residencies and research across Victoria, NSW, Queensland and Tasmania. The work will consider communities and sites connected to Agent Orange, the agricultural chemical that was weaponised during the Vietnam War.