Dynamic Visionaries: ELEVATED, Erik Sosa & Azuki Umeda! December 2025

“We wanted to challenge ourselves, step outside our comfort zone, and see how far we could push our artistic voice.”

Inside Dance had a front row seat to one of the most exciting new events in the industry, the inaugural Choreographer’s Cup, held in Nashville at Dance Educators Collective. From the very first performance, it was clear this wasn’t just another competition.

Designed to highlight both emerging and established choreographers, the event brought together a strong lineup of artists. The judging panel included Jamal Sims, Alicia Graf Mack, and Jackie Sleight, raising the level of both performance and creativity.

At the center of it all were the creatives who made it stand out. ELEVĀTED, alongside Erik Sosa and Azuki Umeda, were recognized among the top three choreographers, presenting work that felt intentional, collaborative, and memorable. Their pieces reflect where the dance world is heading, where storytelling and meaning matter just as much as technique.

This issue takes a closer look at that process, from how these pieces came together to what it means to grow as a choreographer today. It’s not just about what you create—it’s about what you make people feel.

The December 2025 Career Issue of Inside Dance celebrates the artists who are shaping the future of choreography. We can’t wait for you to experience this issue and meet the creatives who are changing the game.

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