Longiano in Danza
International festival-stage of classical and contemporary dance in the village of Longiano
About Longiano in Danza
The dance festival that makes Longiano a capital
Every year, in July, the medieval village of Longiano — a jewel perched on the Rubicone hills, in the province of Forlì-Cesena, Emilia-Romagna — transforms into a large open-air laboratory dedicated to dance. Longiano in Danza is both a high-level training stage and a festival open to the public: an event that attracts students, young professionals, and world-renowned masters, culminating in a highly anticipated evening gala.
A high-profile international stage
The heart of the event is an intensive stage that brings together about 150 students divided by level, from young dancers to advanced dancers ready to enter the professional world. The days are marked by lessons in classical technique (pointe, pas de deux, repertoire, male technique), contemporary dance, choreographic workshop, as well as complementary disciplines such as the history of music and dance, ballet body progressive technique, and postural yoga.
The courses are led by a roster of teachers and étoiles from the most prestigious institutions: Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, the Royal Ballet. Over the years, Longiano has hosted names like Frederic Olivieri (director of the Ballet School of Teatro alla Scala), former prima ballerina Paola Vismara, choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti, and Scala soloist Mattia Semperboni.
Heidi Pasini and the Laboratorio Danza e Teatro
The event is conceived and directed by Heidi Pasini, choreographer and founder of the Laboratorio Danza e Teatro in Crocetta di Longiano, who for over a decade has brought some of the greatest performers on the international scene to Romagna. The project is sponsored by the Municipality of Longiano and has contributed to building the town's image as an authentic "city of dance.".
The gala of stars
The highlight is the gala performance, traditionally titled "Stelle di Danza" (Stars of Dance), which concludes the week of the stage: a very high-level evening where guest étoile and young talents from the stage perform together, between classical repertoire and contemporary creations. The setting is the Teatro Comunale Petrella, a splendid 19th-century Italian-style theatre, and in some editions, the evocative Rocca Malatestiana.
A village that lives on dance
During the festival week, the event venues multiply throughout the town: in addition to the Petrella Theatre, the stage uses the Palazzetto gym, the Ilario Fioravanti hall, and the Pertini hall. Walking through the alleys of Longiano during these days means encountering dancers in warm-up gear, hearing music from the practice rooms, and breathing in the atmosphere of a community that, for a week, makes dance its common language.
Longiano in Danza — edition 2026
Longiano in Danza 2026 — 12th Edition
From July 19 to 24, 2026, Longiano hosts the twelfth edition of its international dance festival-stage, confirmed by the organization of ASD Laboratorio Danza e Teatro di Heidi Pasini. As every year, the village welcomes about 150 students divided by level for a week of intensive lessons in classical technique, pointe work, repertoire, pas de deux, and contemporary dance, alongside choreographic workshops and complementary disciplines.
The stage is led by teachers and étoiles from major dance institutions (Teatro alla Scala, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Royal Ballet) and concludes with the usual gala performance at the Teatro Comunale Petrella.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition — including the complete list of guest teachers, the étoile for the final gala, and the performance schedule — will be announced by the organization in the weeks preceding the event on the official Instagram and Facebook channels "Longiano in Danza".
Programme Longiano in Danza 2026
The detailed program for the 12th edition (guest teachers, gala étoile, lesson and performance schedules) will be announced by the organization in the weeks preceding the event on the official Instagram and Facebook channels "Longiano in Danza".
The usual structure includes a week of intensive stage (July 19-24) with classes divided by levels and disciplines ranging from classical technique — pointe work, repertoire, pas de deux, male technique — to contemporary dance, up to choreographic workshop and complementary subjects (history of music and dance, ballet body progressive technique, postural yoga). Closing the week is the grand evening gala "Stelle di Danza" at the Teatro Comunale Petrella.
Highlights Longiano in Danza 2026
- 12th edition of the international dance festival-stage
- About 150 students divided by level, from all over Italy and abroad
- Teachers and étoile from major institutions (Teatro alla Scala, Opera di Roma, Royal Ballet)
- Grand evening gala "Stelle di Danza" at the Teatro Comunale Petrella
Prices Longiano in Danza 2026
Practical information — Longiano in Danza
Where
The activities take place in Longiano (FC), Emilia-Romagna. The main venue for the performances is the Teatro Comunale Petrella, in the historic center; the stage lessons also use the Palazzetto gym, the Ilario Fioravanti hall, and the Pertini hall.
How to get there
Longiano is located in the hills between Cesena and Rimini, a few kilometers from the Via Emilia and the A14 motorway (Valle del Rubicone or Cesena exit). The nearest train station is Longiano on the Bologna-Rimini line, while the closest airport is Federico Fellini Airport in Rimini.
Registration and tickets
Participation in the stage is by registration through ASD Laboratorio Danza e Teatro of Heidi Pasini. For the final gala and updated information on dates, teachers, and ticketing, it is advisable to follow the official Instagram and Facebook channels "Longiano in Danza".
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Where does it take place — Longiano in Danza
Teatro Comunale Petrella
Via Borgo Fausto Fabbri 19, 47020 Longiano