Where movement, culture, and talent meet: International Dance Day Fest returns to Circuit Makati

The International Dance Day Fest (IDDF) returns on April 22 - 26 to bring together artists, communities, and audiences in a celebration of dance as a universal language. To be held at Circuit Makati, IDDF is part of its organizer, Ayala Land’s continued commitment to nurture the local arts scene through the creation of meaningful cultural experiences in Makati City.

In its third year, IDDF once again brings together a wide spectrum of dance forms and talents from across the Philippines and beyond. From classical ballet and contemporary works to street dance and cultural performances, the program reflects the richness and diversity of the global dance community. Through a dynamic lineup of performances that highlight different styles and traditions of dance, the festival gives audiences a chance to experience the art form’s various genres across several days.

During the festival’s media launch at the Black Box Theater in Circuit Makati, Chris Mohnani, Samsung Performing Arts Theater Managing Director and Circuit Makati Arts and Culture Manager, acknowledged, “The dance festival is not a novel idea. Ayala Land is not the first one to think of it, as we have a lot of cultural institutions like the Cultural Center of the Philippines already doing similar initiatives through the years. But this event is really more about making sure everybody gets access to a stage—a space where they are celebrated, where their talents are given a platform to shine, where they see each other, and understand that if one person can do it, then all of us can do it as well.” That means talents from regional dance companies also get the crucial exposure they need and deserve. 

Filipino dancers benefit as well from interacting with international dancers who come and join IDDF as guests. “Our standards here in the Philippines are amazing, very high, but it’s still incredibly important that we get to see what’s going on in other parts of the world, and vice versa,” Steps Dance Studio founder and director Sofia Zobel Elizalde remarked. “This festival simply brings all dancers together, and it’s just a beautiful exchange of dance and energy.”

A week of storytelling through movement

Through the additional support from the Ayala Foundation and Steps Dance Foundation, IDDF 2026 opens with a highly anticipated Opening Gala on April 22, Wednesday, featuring the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company and its principal dancers, Thomas Forster and Christine Shevchenko. It sets the tone for the rest of the week with a powerful showcase of classical excellence on an international stage. 

Zobel Elizalde revealed during the media preview that Forster and Shevchenko “will be doing the balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet from Kenneth MacMillan” for the festival’s Opening Gala. “I know that they’re also doing the beautiful Grand Pas de Deux of The Nutcracker choreography by Alexei Ratmansky, very different from the classic one,” she added. In addition, the ABT is going to be doing work by Twyla Tharp, making their festival participation a can’t-miss event. Audiences can also look forward to guest couples from the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Tokyo Ballet, and Australian Ballet. 

On April 23, Thursday, Filipino heritage gets the spotlight with the Folk Dance Gala, under the expert guidance and curation of Ronnie Mirabueno. Coming together to celebrate the richness of Filipino culture through traditional movement and storytelling are:

• Bayanihan, The National Folk Dance Company
• Philippine Normal University Kislap Sining Dance Troupe
• University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe
• Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild
• University of the Philippines Filipiniana
• Kaloob Philippine Music and Dance Ministry
• ALUN ALUN DANCE CIRCLE with Marikina Dance Guild
• Likhang Sining Dance Company from Batangas
• Perpetual Sanlahi Pangkat Mananayaw
• Sining Tanglawan ng San Jose Del Monte Performing Group

Mirabueno addressed the unique challenge that folk dance faces in contemporary culture, saying, “Our creative process is always difficult because we have to find that balance between portraying our rootedness in our culture and engaging with the younger generations in terms of storytelling and narrative development.” Cultural context is always at the heart of each dance, but sticking only to tradition, especially when it comes to staging and choreography, could make the genre feel disconnected from the youth. “Our work does not start from a blank canvas, because there is always an established tradition, history, and identity behind it. So whenever we innovate the way we share these Filipino stories, we always consult with our cultural bearers so we can portray a very close narrative that respects their particular identities and histories.”

On April 24, Friday, the center stage gets electric with the high-energy Street Dance Gala that will bring together some of the most dynamic crews and performers in the local scene:

• Unrlvd
• W3
• Mixed nuts
• Eleven 11

The Ballet Gala on April 25, Saturday, will highlight the precision and grace of classical dance. The evening is one of the rare ones where all of the Philippines’ professional ballet companies come together in one space: 

• Ballet Manila Inc.
• Philippine Ballet Theater
• Ballet Philippines
• Alice Reyes Dance Philippines
• Steps Dance Studio
• Association of Ballet Academies in the Philippines

The festival concludes on April 26. Sunday, with the Contemporary Gala that will present innovative and expressive works reflecting the evolving language of modern dance, as curated by dance artist and choreographer Myra Beltran:

• Hiraya
• University of the Philippines Dance Company
• Galaw.Co Dance Theater
• Benilde Experimental Dance
• Airdance
• Daloy Dance Company
• The Project DP
• Rhosam Prudenciado
• Far Eastern University Dance Company
• Dance Forum

Meaningful cultural exchange

Beyond the performances, audiences can look forward to educational and interactive experiences that will bring them closer to the world of dance. 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 festival. This initiative also makes it possible for Filipino dance students to learn pieces from a world-renowned choreographer and further hone their craft. 

At the center of the IDDF celebration is the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, a world-class venue known for hosting acclaimed productions while championing Filipino talent. As it opens its doors once again to a diverse lineup of performers, it reinforces its role as a platform for artistic expression that bridges local and international stages. It also strengthens Ayala Land’s vision to make Makati City a creative hub for culture and the arts. “We want Circuit Makati to be a place where creatives meet, work, play, live, and be creative,” said Misha Quimpo, Ayala Land Project Development Manager for Makati. “We really want to invite artists from both the local and international scenes to be here and to do their craft, and showcase the end product for all Filipinos to see.”

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