Bigger, more exciting International Dance Day Festival set for April
The International Dance Day Festival (IDDF) is set to stage its third edition this April. “This year will be even more exciting as we gather passionate artists and communities to one meaningful platform where people from different backgrounds come together through a shared love for dance,” says Christopher Mohnani, Managing Director of the Samsung Performing Arts Theater and Arts & Culture Manager for Ayala Land’s Makati Estates. “We are trying to really elevate the IDDF as a true flagship event of Ayala Land to make sure that dance can be really inspiring and will allow a lot of people, especially the Timothée Chalamets of the world, to realize that it is enduring, it is relevant to this day.”
While still relatively young, the IDDF has already become one of the most anticipated dance events in the country, with a unique lineup that offers something different each night.
The Opening Gala on April 22 will feature the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, joined by special guest principal dancers Thomas Forster and Christine Shevchenko, setting the tone for the festival week. The appearance of the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company is made possible through additional support from Ayala Foundation and Steps Dance Foundation.
The importance of heritage takes center stage with the Folk Dance Gala on April 23, celebrating Filipino culture through traditional movement and storytelling. Participating groups include: Bayanihan, The National Folk Dance Company, PNU Kislap Sining Dance Troupe, UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild, UP Filipiniana, Kaloob Philippine Music and Dance Ministry, ALUN ALUN DANCE CIRCLE with Marikina Dance Guild, Likhang Sining Dance Company (Batangas), Perpetual Sanlahi Pangkat Mananayaw, and Sining Tanglawan ng San Jose Del Monte Performing Group.
The Street Dance Gala on April 24 shines the spotlight on four groups, Unrlvd, W3, Mixed nuts, and Eleven 11 as they bring their high-energy and off-the-wall moves to the festival.
On April 25, the Ballet Gala highlights classical dance, featuring some of the country’s leading ballet talents from Ballet Manila, Philippine Ballet Theatre, Ballet Philippines, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Steps Dance Studio, and the Association of Ballet Academies in the Philippines. Recently confirmed to participate as well are the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Tokyo Ballet, and Australian Ballet.
The festival concludes on April 26 with the Contemporary Gala. Showcasing their moves are: Hiraya Contemporary Dance Company, UP Dance Company, Galaw.Co Dance Theater, Benilde Experimental Dance, Airdance, Daloy Dance Company, The Project DP, Rhosam Prudenciado, FEU Dance Company, and Dance Forum.
“We’ve always envisioned Circuit Makati to be more than just a destination,” Mohnani said. “Today we are seeing it come to life as a true center for arts and culture, a space for creativity. Through initiatives like the International Dance Day Festival, alongside the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, and our growing lineup of cultural and creative programs, we’re building a district where arts are accessible, dynamic, and deeply embedded in the everyday experience of the community. The IDDF is a strong reflection of that vision.”
Outreach
Aside from the performances from the different dance groups, festival goers have the opportunity as well to follow their dreams and learn from renowned dance experts.
On April 21, ABT Studio Company Artistic Director Sascha Radetsky will lead a special lecture-demonstration for public school students, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how a performance comes to life. This free school presentation will be held at 2:00 PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
In addition, The Joffrey Ballet and Gerald Arpino Foundation répétiteur Christine Rocas will stage and teach excerpts from two of Gerald Arpino’s well-known works, further highlighting the cultural exchange initiatives championed by the International Dance Day Festival.
Sofia Zobel Elizalde, Founder and Director of Steps Dance Studio, praised this special collaboration with The Joffrey Ballet. “It’s a big learning opportunity for everyone involved,” she said. “And to do a piece by Arpino… it’s quite challenging for the students but they stepped up a lot. Our standards here are amazing, very high. But it’s also very good for us to see what’s going on in other parts of the world. With IDDF, we learn from one another… It’s all about exposure and education. It’s a beautiful exchange of dance.”
Established in 1982 by the International Theatre Institute, International Dance Day is celebrated every April 29 in honor of Jean-Georges Noverre, widely regarded as the father of modern ballet. The occasion serves as a reminder that dance transcends borders, cultures, and language—connecting people through shared expression.
Tickets may be purchased via TicketWorld.
International Dance Day Fest 2026 is brought to you by Ayala Land, Make it Makati, Circuit Makati, the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, with additional partnership support from Ayala Corporation, and Steps Dance Foundation.
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