Danza in Puglia

A national competition in the heart of Puglia

Danza in Puglia is the choreographic event that brings the best of Italian amateur and pre-professional dance to Lucera, in the province of Foggia, every spring. Organized by Mercati di Città - La Prima under the artistic direction of master and choreographer Roberto Procaccini, the event takes place at the Cineteatro dell'Opera on Via Giordano Bruno, transforming the Daunian city into a national hub for dance for two days.

Competition categories

The competition is open to schools, academies, and individual dancers who compete in various disciplines, judged by a panel of choreographers and entertainment industry professionals:

• Classical dance and ballet
• Modern and contemporary dance
• Hip hop and urban dance
• Group choreographies and solos

The best performers are awarded cash prizes and, most importantly, national and international scholarships, designed as gateways to prestigious academies and advanced training programs.

More than just a competition

Beyond the performances on the Cineteatro dell'Opera stage, Danza in Puglia offers training opportunities with major national guests and a festive atmosphere that involves the entire city. An outdoor food area is set up outside the theater, while the streets of Lucera's historic center, between Porta Troia and Porta Croce, welcome families and enthusiasts arriving from all over Italy.

Lucera, the city of dance

With record-breaking numbers exceeding 5,000 participating dancers, the event has become one of the most anticipated dates on the Apulian dance calendar. The bond with Lucera, an art city in northern Puglia known for its Roman amphitheater and Swabian-Angevin fortress, provides the event with a stunning backdrop that blends culture, tradition, and live performance.