We are planning the next WMDF. We know that making a true international reputation requires time. But the traditions of music and dance themselves embody the ability of ideas to survive in time, and to inspire future generations.
Dates are now set at August 6 - 11, with groups arriving on Aug 4-5 and leaving on Aug 12-13.
The welcome reception is on the evening of Aug 5. We recommend groups to travel on a schedule that allows them to comfortably attend this first event. Groups travelling long distances on long-haul flights with no stopovers should plan to arrive in Hakodate on Aug 4. Those travelling from nearby, or coming to Hakodate after spending some time elsewhere in Japan or similar timezone may choose to arrive by the afternoon of Aug 5. (Eg, the route we recommend from Europe is to use the direct Seoul --> Hakodate flight, with a stopover in Korea).
The application procedure is to send us both of the following electronic and physical materials:
1 Electronic
(Preferential attention may be given to applications that make a connection with
* Some original photos (reproduction quality)
2 Physical
* A DVD or DVD-R with performances (sorry, not DVD-RW)
* A CD or CD-R for promotion
* Any promotional fliers or publicity materials for events that the group has been involved in
You may also send us links to online videos, etc, but preference will be given to
applicants who send us professional physical materials.
Address: Committee of the WMDF
c/o Hitococochi, Inc.
52-1 Jinkawa-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido 041-0833 JAPAN
Phone: +81-138-51-5727 (apologies, but Japanese only)
Fax: +81-138-51-6465

Notes:
- Please confirm by e-mail when you send us a package by post.
- The WMDF office is typically only staffed on weekdays, from 9 to 5, Japanese time.
- Should your application be accepted by the Committee, the supplied information and materials will be used by WMDF for posters, fliers, TV broadcast, and other promotion.
Schedule:
30 Oct 09: Application deadline, 9am JST
7 Dec 09: Special extension deadline, 9am JST (to make a diverse program,
WMDF may consider extra applications from countries/continents
not represented among initally selected groups)
14-19 Dec 09: WMDF makes final selections of 2010 groups and waiting list
1 Feb 10: Deadline for provisional namelists from groups requiring visas to enter Japan
1 Mar 10: Deadline for submission of fully completed WMDF application forms
1 Apr 10: Latest cancellation deadline. To minimise disruption to the event, we ask
that groups do their utmost to ensure that their participation is guaranteed
by this date.
10 May 10: For countries that require visas to visit Japan, WMDF requires a visa
application number from an application successfully submitted to an
Embassy by this date. Failure to meet this deadline may result in
withdrawal of invitation letter.