Spanning five days, the International Dance Day Fest promises a powerful showcase of local and international talent across a variety of genres.
“In dance, when we are performing, it’s a language that everybody understands and is able to relate with; it is a body moving in space—a body that will eventually move you,” shares Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, artistic director of Ballet Manila and former prima ballerina, during a press conference for the upcoming International Dance Day Fest. It’s a succinct way of describing an art form that transcends language barriers while bridging and preserving cultures. This April, Ayala Land continues to make its mark as a dynamic cultural hub through the second edition of its well-received International Dance Day Fest, which returns bigger and better than ever before.
The festival will take place at Circuit Makati’s world-class Samsung Performing Arts Theater from April 23 to 27, 2025 (with the Opening Gala on the 23rd). Throughout these five days, over 1,200 artists from various dance companies—both within and outside the country—will be performing a wide variety of styles or genres. In fact, each day will showcase a dedicated style, providing an exciting platform for dancers and dance enthusiasts of all kinds.
“By showcasing the artistry of Filipino dancers alongside global performers, we highlight dance as a universal language that connects cultures. We’re proud to offer a platform where they can shine together, demonstrating the unifying power of movement on a global stage,” shares Christopher Mohnani, Managing Director of the Samsung Performing Arts Theater and Circuit Makati Arts and Culture Manager.
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Dance For All
International Dance Day (IDD) was initiated by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute in 1982. Celebrated annually on April 29 in 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. Through performances, workshops, and gatherings, IDD honors the profound impact of dance on societies worldwide and celebrates the work of dancers and choreographers who contribute to this timeless art form.
Now in its second year, Ayala Land’s International Dance Day Fest has become a signature event, reinforcing its commitment to arts, culture, and community engagement. This initiative fosters creativity and inclusivity by showcasing dance as a powerful form of artistic expression.
The International Dance Day Fest in the Philippines embraces the theme “Dance For All,” underscoring the accessibility of dance in all its forms. This ethos is reflected in the many types of dance represented in the festival, namely traditional Filipino folk dance, high-energy street dance, classical ballet, contemporary movement, and even paradance—an inclusive discipline that blends dance with wheelchair accessibility.
The festival creates a space where people from all walks of life can connect through movement, reinforcing its vision of making arts and culture more vibrant and accessible to the Filipino community.
A Line-Up Of Talents
Kicking off this year’s International Dance Day Fest is a highly-anticipated opening night gala featuring one of the world’s most renowned names in dance: multi-award-winning British choreographer Sir Wayne McGregor CBE and his acclaimed Company Wayne McGregor.
On April 23 at 730 PM, the company will present the Philippine premiere of Autobiography (v105), a groundbreaking dance portrait inspired by the sequencing of McGregor’s own genetic code. This specially arranged performance, unique to the Philippine gala, marks a milestone moment for the festival.
As part of their engagement, Company Wayne McGregor will also conduct a special workshop and masterclass, providing a rare opportunity for dancers to learn from one of the most innovative forces in contemporary dance. To further support the dance community, a portion of the proceeds from the opening night gala will benefit the Artists Welfare Project Inc. HMO fund, which provides vital 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.
The festival also puts special focus on paradance, which features dancers with disabilities who highlight the beauty of adaptive dance. It demonstrates how the arts can be a powerful tool for breaking barriers—proving that dance, like any art form, is born from the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
Below is the schedule of the week-long event:
- The festival begins on April 23rd with an Opening Night Gala, featuring the UK’s Company Wayne McGregor and the Philippine premiere of Autobiography (v105).
- April 24: The Folk and Traditional Dance Gala will highlight the country’s cultural heritage through performances by national dance companies.
- April 25: The Street Dance Gala will feature some of the biggest street dance groups in the country.
- April 26: The Ballet Gala will unite the Philippines’s professional ballet companies with guest artists from Hong Kong Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.
- April 27: The festival will close with the Contemporary Dance Gala, which will spotlight contemporary dancers from across the Philippines, with a focus on artists from outside Metro Manila.
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.
With its diverse lineup, the International Dance Day Fest promises to be a truly memorable week of artistry, culture, and self-expression for anyone who appreciates the art of dance.
Get your tickets now at Ticketworld and be part of this extraordinary celebration of dance. International Dance Day Fest 2025 is brought to you by Ayala Land, Make it Makati, Circuit Makati, the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, with additional partnership support from Ayala Corporation, the British Embassy Manila, and the British Council.
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Photos courtesy of wVisions and Expressions.
