International Dance Day Fest Returns for a Second Year this April

International Dance Day Fest Returns for a Second Year this April

The International Dance Day Fest returns for its second year from April 23 to 27 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati.

The festival will showcase the best of Filipino and international dance talents, bringing together over 1,200 artists from various dance companies and styles. From traditional folkloric dances to urban beats, classical ballet, contemporary movement, and even paradance—an inclusive discipline that blends dance with wheelchair accessibility—this event aims to offer something for every kind of dance enthusiast.

International Dance Day (IDD) was initiated by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1982. Celebrated annually on April 29 as a tribute to Jean-Georges Noverre, the “father of modern ballet,” this global event recognizes dance as a universal language that transcends cultural and political boundaries.

The International Dance Day Fest in the Philippines embraces the theme “Dance For All,” underscoring the accessibility of dance in all its forms. From the energy of street dance to the grace of classical ballet, the festival aims to create a space where people from all walks of life can connect through movement. As a cultural initiative of Ayala Land, this annual celebration reinforces its vision of making arts and culture more vibrant and accessible to the Filipino community.

Performance Line-up

Each day of the International Dance Day Fest promises a different exploration of dance.

April 23: The festival opens with the UK’s Company Wayne McGregor and the Philippine premiere of Autobiography (v105) by Sir Wayne McGregor CBE.

As part of their engagement, Company Wayne McGregor will also conduct a special workshop and masterclass. To further support the dance community, a portion of the proceeds from the opening night gala will benefit the Artists Welfare Project Inc. (AWPI) HMO fund, which provides healthcare support for dancers. The premiere of Company Wayne McGregor is made possible in part by The British Embassy Manila, the British Council, and Ayala Corporation.

April 24: The spotlight shines on our cultural heritage with the Folk and Traditional Dance Gala, featuring the country’s national dance companies– Bayanihan, The National Folk Dance Company, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, The Kalilayan Folkloric Dance Troupe, PNU Kislap Sining Dance Troupe, RTU Kultura Rizalia Dance Troupe, Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild, CEU Folk Dance Troupe, UE Silanganan Dance Troupe, and Kaloob Philippine Music and Dance Ministry.

April 25: The energy builds with the Street Dance Gala, bringing together some of the biggest and most active street dance groups in the country today– Femme MNL, Upeepz, Vpeepz, Ateam, TPM (Team Package Makers), Electrogroovers, PID (Power Impact Dancers), and UNRVLD.

April 26: Classical artistry takes center stage in the Ballet Gala, uniting all four of the Philippines’ professional ballet companies– Ballet Manila, Ballet Philippines, Philippine Ballet Theater, and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, with Steps Dance Studio and the Association of Ballet Academies in the Philippines, alongside guest artists from Hong Kong Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.

April 27: The Contemporary Dance Gala spotlights some of the country’s finest contemporary dancers, with a special focus on artists from outside Metro Manila– Dance Forum, UP Dance Company, Daloy Dance, Galaw, Guang Ming, Hiraya, Nude Floor, Airdance, Mari Dance, and Para Dance.

 

In addition to the live performances, Fifth Wall Fest, the country’s only multidisciplinary movement group, will showcase site-specific works, demonstrating that dance can transcend the confines of traditional performance spaces. To complement the experience, a dance market and bazaar will be open throughout the festival, offering dance paraphernalia, exclusive merchandise, and dance-related gadgets.

Tickets are available via Ticketworld.