Bolzano Danza / Tanz Bozen
The international contemporary dance festival in Bolzano
About Bolzano Danza
Bolzano Danza / Tanz Bozen, contemporary dance in the heart of South Tyrol
Every summer, Bolzano Danza / Tanz Bozen brings the best of international choreography to the capital of South Tyrol. Born in 1985 as a spin-off of the classical dance section of Bolzano Estate, the festival has evolved over the years into a major contemporary dance event, becoming one of the most prestigious of its kind in Italy and a true bridge between Central European and Mediterranean cultures. The event is organized by the Haydn Foundation of Bolzano and Trento and takes place in the Municipality of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region.
A city that becomes a stage
The strength of Bolzano Danza lies in its ability to transform the entire city into an open-air stage. Performances are not confined to theaters but inhabit historically rich and evocative locations: the 12th-century Castel Mareccio, Bunker H (a 1943 military structure), the Dominican Cloister, the Museion contemporary art museum, the NOI Techpark, the Antonio Dalle Nogare Foundation, and the vast open spaces of the Talvera Meadows. Dance, architecture, and urban landscape engage in a dialogue that invites discovery of Bolzano from a fresh perspective.
National premieres and great choreographers
Every year, the program brings together dozens of events, including evening shows, outdoor performances, world and national premieres, artist talks, and projects that intertwine dance, science, and community. World-renowned companies and choreographers share the stage with emerging voices, with a program ranging from radical research to more accessible languages, from hip-hop to auteur dance. The workshops, the festival's historic training core, continue to attract dancers and enthusiasts from all over Europe to Bolzano.
A festival for everyone
Alongside the performances, Bolzano Danza offers participatory formats such as ExtraDanza, a day of free dance for everyone at the Talvera Meadows, and meeting spaces dedicated to the public and artists. The bilingual Italian-German dimension, typical of South Tyrol, is also reflected in the festival's name, Tanz Bozen, and in the collaboration with local cultural institutions such as the Südtiroler Kulturinstitut.
- Where: Bolzano/Bozen (South Tyrol), various locations throughout the city
- When: every year in July
- Organizer: Haydn Foundation of Bolzano and Trento
- Genre: contemporary dance, live performance, international
With its international identity and its commitment to taking dance out of theaters, Bolzano Danza / Tanz Bozen is an unmissable event for those who love live performance and wish to experience the cultural summer of Trentino-Alto Adige.
Bolzano Danza — edition 2026
Bolzano Danza 2026: The Horizon
The 42nd edition of Bolzano Danza / Tanz Bozen, from July 16 to 31, 2026, revolves around the theme 'The Horizon', the second chapter of the 'Trilogy of Passion' conceived by artistic directors Anouk Aspisi and Olivier Dubois. Over 40 events will animate 17 venues throughout the city, from Castel Mareccio to Bunker H, from the Dominican Cloister to the Museion, and the Talvera Meadows.
Announced protagonists include Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker with the Italian premiere of 'Rosas danst Rosas' at the Waltherhaus, CCN/Aterballetto opening at Castel Mareccio, Peeping Tom with 'Diptych', Louise Lecavalier, Chiara Bersani, Leïla Ka, and the Compagnie Olivier Dubois. The closing on July 31 is entrusted to Studio48 with 'Badke(remix)' at the Municipal Theater.
Participatory formats will also be featured, with ExtraDanza on July 18 at the Talvera Meadows, workshops coordinated by the Südtiroler Kulturinstitut, and the BoDA meeting space at the Capuchin Park.
Programme Bolzano Danza 2026
2026 Program (selection)
- July 16 - Opening: CCN/Aterballetto, 'MicroDanze' (world premiere) and 'The Combat of Tancred and Clorinda' at Castel Mareccio; Louise Lecavalier, 'Danses vagabondes' at Teatro Studio
- July 17 - Peeping Tom, 'Diptych'
- July 18 - ExtraDanza at Talvera Meadows
- July 19 - Chiara Bersani, 'Michel - The Animals I am' at Teatro Studio
- July 20 - Leïla Ka, 'Maldonne'
- July 22 - Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, 'Rosas danst Rosas' (Italian premiere) at Waltherhaus
- July 23 - Cult of Magic, 'Fear of the Dark' at Bunker H; Alexander Vantournhout, 'Through the Grapevine Live'
- July 24 - Compagnie Olivier Dubois, 'Les Mémoires d'une seigneure' (Italian premiere)
- July 25 - Compagnia Abbondanza/Bertoni, 'Replica' (world premiere)
- July 27 - Ayelen Parolin, 'Irresistible Revolution'
- July 28 - Annamaria Ajmone and Industria Indipendente; Daniele Ninarello, 'Rise'
- July 29 - Camilla Parini, 'Je suisse (or not)' at Museion; Mohamed Toukabri
- July 30-31 - Mk/Michele Di Stefano, 'Veduta_Atlante Mediterraneo'
- July 31 - Closing: Studio48, 'Badke(remix)' at the Municipal Theater; final DJ set by ADAN
Highlights Bolzano Danza 2026
- Theme 'The Horizon', second chapter of the Trilogy of Passion
- Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, 'Rosas danst Rosas' (Italian premiere)
- Over 40 events in 17 venues across the city
- 36 artists and companies, 7 Italian premieres and 2 world premieres
- ExtraDanza, a day of free dance at the Talvera Meadows
Prices Bolzano Danza 2026
Practical information — Bolzano Danza
How to get there
Bolzano is easily accessible by train along the Brenner line (Bolzano/Bozen station) and by car via the A22 Brenner motorway, taking the Bolzano South or Bolzano North exit. The nearest airports are Verona, Innsbruck, and Bergamo.
Tickets
Tickets for individual shows and season passes (including the Be Bold and Be Cool formulas) are available on the official website bolzanodanza.it. Many outdoor events, such as ExtraDanza, are free to access.
Information
Haydn Foundation of Bolzano and Trento, Via Gilm 1/A, 39100 Bolzano. Tel. +39 0471 975031, e-mail [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Bolzano Danza
Castel Mareccio e sedi diffuse
Via Gilm 1/A, 39100 Bolzano/Bozen