Bangladeshi choreographer and dance educator S M Hasan Ishtiaque Imran has been selected to participate in the prestigious 2026 International Young Choreographers Project (IYCP) in from 28 June- 19 July 2026. Kaohsiung, Taiwan, hosted by the World Dance Alliance Asia–Pacific (WDA AP) Taiwan Chapter.
The International Young Choreographers Project is a highly regarded platform that brings together emerging choreographers and dancers from different countries across the Asia–Pacific region, fostering artistic exchange, collaboration, and innovation in contemporary dance practice. Earlier this year, Ausdance National invited applications from across the world for the 2026 edition of the project.
Following a rigorous selection process, a panel of experts carefully reviewed numerous outstanding proposals submitted by artists from various countries. S M Hasan Ishtiaque Imran was selected as one of only eight choreographers from the Asia–Pacific region to participate in this distinguished international program.
S M Hasan Ishtiaque is now at Teipei, Taiwan attending the International Dance conference & Festival 2026 where he is present his production ‘Ontoheen’ and will also take Masterclass on Kathak dance. After that, he will travel to Kaohsiung where the he will work with selected dancers from Taiwan for three weeks, culminating in two public performances in that city. The program ‘highlights the diversity of dance in both styles and cultures, and how local and international choreographers perceive their daily lives and the world.
Born and raised in Bangladesh, Hasan Ishtiaque Imran has devoted the last 25 years to the study and practice of dance. He began his training under M. R. Wasek and Saju Ahmad in Bangladesh and later pursued his his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Kathak Dance as an ICCR Scholar at Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, India and subsequently received advanced training under Guru Sri Ashimbandhu Bhattacharya.
Throughout his artistic journey, Hasan has expanded his creative language through workshops and training in diverse dance forms in Bangladesh and India. He has also had the privilege of working under the direction of internationally acclaimed artists including Akram Khan (United Kingdom) and Sashar Zarif (Canada), among others. A distinguished performer and choreographer, Hasan has presented solo Kathak recitals at renowned festivals across India. His choreographic works have been showcased on international platforms in the United States, Switzerland, South Korea, Türkiye, and Japan. In recognition of his artistic excellence, he received the Championship Gold Medal in the National Child Artist Award Competition in 2005.
Currently, Hasan serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Dance at Rabindra Srijankala University and as a Part-time Lecturer in the Department of Dance at the University of Dhaka. He is also a Dance Instructor and Choreographer at Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (BIPA). Additionally, he leads his own dance organization, Katthakiya – The Centre of Arts. His selection for the 2026 International Young Choreographers Project marks a significant achievement for Bangladesh’s dance community and highlights the growing international recognition of Bangladeshi contemporary and classical dance practitioners.
