Described as “a creative tour de force,” Loughlan Prior is an award-winning choreographer renowned for his visually compelling and dynamic works across stage and film. After graduating from the New Zealand School of Dance, Prior joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) in 2010, where he enjoyed a decade-long performance career both in New Zealand and internationally. In 2018, he was appointed RNZB’s Choreographer in Residence, where he has crafted numerous full-length narrative works. He is also the co-founder and Artistic Director of the project company Lo|Co Arts. Prior’s critically acclaimed productions include Hansel & Gretel, The Firebird, Cinderella, Half | Life, Woman of Words and Macaroni. He has enjoyed commissions with Alberta Ballet, Ballet Ireland, BalletX, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Queensland Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Singapore Ballet and West Australian Ballet, among others. Beyond the stage, his projects have included collaborations with Weta Digital, Vogue Australia, and Dancing with the Stars. His dance-films have screened at numerous international film festivals, including the Film Society of Lincoln Center, San Francisco Dance Film Festival, and Cannes Film Festival. His film Inklings received first prize in the dance category at the Berlin Filmhaus Awards. Prior has been named one of Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch” in 2025.