The Keir Choreographic Award has become synonymous with experimentation; where the boundaries aren’t just pushed, but altogether redrawn. This year’s edition was no different and confirmed that choreography remains one of the most surprising artforms.

Now in its fourth iteration, the biennial competition invites dance artists to pitch an idea for a 20-minute choreographic performance. Only eight artists are commissioned to present their work in Melbourne and Sydney, before an international jury made up of critics, curators and choreographers selects a winner. With a $50,000 prize up for grabs, it’s the country’s biggest (and only) cash award in the field.

Amrita Hepi. Photograph © Gregory Lorenzutti

But the KCA is no dance competition. The award – a public-private partnership between the Keir Foundation and the Australia Council – seeks to illuminate the most urgent and experimental choreographic practices occurring in Australia today. The focus is on the art of choreography – not dance – and the many different modes, aesthetics and perspectives it can embody.

Although past competitions have been Melbourne-centric, this year’s commissioned artists represent a healthy cross-section of the field. Alison Currie & David Cross (SA/Vic), The Farm (Qld), Angela Goh (NSW), Riana...