Contemporary Dance Festival
Two months of authorial dance between theatres and historic sites of Ferrara
About Contemporary Dance Festival Ferrara
Contemporary dance takes centre stage in Ferrara
Every autumn, the Contemporary Dance Festival transforms Ferrara into a capital of authorial dance. Promoted by the Teatro Comunale Claudio Abbado, the festival spans approximately two months, from September to November, showcasing choreographers and companies of national and international renown, absolute premieres, and creations designed specifically for the city's spaces.
A festival spread throughout the heart of the Este city
The showcase is not limited to the Teatro Comunale hall: dance moves out of the theatres and invades the most evocative locations in the Municipality of Ferrara, in the Province of Ferrara. From Parco Coletta to Palazzina Marfisa d'Este, from Rotonda Foschini to the Ex Teatro Verdi, and the garden of Palazzo Giulio d'Este, the site-specific performances engage with the historical and monumental heritage of the city centre, where Renaissance palaces become natural stages.
Between great masters and new generations
The festival is known for its balance between established choreographers and emerging young talents. Over the years, Ferrara has welcomed world-famous companies and national premieres, alongside participatory projects that directly involve citizens and local dance schools, such as the traditional Festa della Danza dedicated to Ferrara's dance scene.
An event for the city and for Emilia-Romagna
In addition to evening performances, the programme includes urban performances, workshops, and opportunities to meet the artists. The result is an event that combines high artistic quality with strong local roots, capable of attracting an audience of enthusiasts from all over Emilia-Romagna and beyond to Ferrara, confirming itself as one of the most anticipated contemporary dance events in the region.
Contemporary Dance Festival Ferrara — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Ferrara's Contemporary Dance Festival, under the artistic direction of Marcello Corvino, offers twelve events spread over two months, from September 11 to November 8. The program blends major international names, national and world premieres, participatory urban performances, and site-specific projects designed for the historic sites of the Este city. The subscription campaign opened on May 19, 2026, while single ticket sales began on May 30.
Programme Contemporary Dance Festival Ferrara 2026
September 11 — Opening
- "La città che danza" — participatory urban performance conceived by Eugenio Barba and Marco Luciano, at Parco Coletta
September 12-13 — Site-specific performances
- "Her" by Yalan Lin and William Serrano
- "Sweat Sweat Sweat" by Giorgia Lolli
- "You Elsewhere" by Francesca Siracusa
- "Swan" by Gaetano Palermo
- "Everybody Has a Fate Out" by Riccardo De Simone
- "That's All" by Davide Tagliavini
September 13
- Debut of the Eugenio Barba Award for Performing Arts
September 19-20
- "Le nuvole di Amleto" (Hamlet's Clouds) by Eugenio Barba
September 27
- Dance Party — Festa della Danza
October 25
- "Deledda. Ash and the Songs of the Silent Revolution" by Mvula Sungani Physical Dance, with Emanuela Bianchini (national premiere)
November 8 — Closing
- "Dear Son," by the Riva&Repele company
- "Anna Karenina" by Anželika Cholina, Anželika Cholina Dance Theatre of Vilnius
Venues: Teatro Comunale Claudio Abbado, Parco Coletta, Ex Teatro Verdi, Palazzina Marfisa d'Este, Rotonda Foschini, and Palazzo Giulio d'Este.
Highlights Contemporary Dance Festival Ferrara 2026
Opening with the grand participatory urban performance "La città che danza" by Eugenio Barba and Marco Luciano. Among the most anticipated moments: the national premiere of "Deledda" by Mvula Sungani Physical Dance, "Le nuvole di Amleto" by Eugenio Barba, and the closing with "Anna Karenina" by the Anželika Cholina company from Vilnius. Also noteworthy is the debut of the Eugenio Barba Award for Performing Arts.
Prices Contemporary Dance Festival Ferrara 2026
Practical information — Contemporary Dance Festival Ferrara
Where
Main venue: Teatro Comunale Claudio Abbado, Corso Martiri della Libertà 5, 44121 Ferrara. Site-specific performances take place in various historic locations in the city centre (Parco Coletta, Palazzina Marfisa d'Este, Rotonda Foschini, Ex Teatro Verdi, Palazzo Giulio d'Este).
Tickets
Teatro Comunale Ticket Office, Corso Martiri della Libertà. Online sales via Vivaticket. Season tickets, discounts, and tickets for site-specific events are available.
Contacts
Phone +39 0532 202675 — email [email protected]. Information and updated schedule at teatrocomunaleferrara.it.
How to get here
The Teatro Comunale is located in the historic centre of Ferrara, a short walk from the Este Castle. Ferrara train station is about a 15-minute walk away. By car, parking is available near the city centre.
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Where does it take place — Contemporary Dance Festival Ferrara
Teatro Comunale Claudio Abbado
Corso Martiri della Libertà 5, 44121 Ferrara