Sabaudia City Dance Festival
Four days of masterclasses, performances, and leading figures of Italian dance on the Pontine coast
About Sabaudia Dance Festival
A widespread stage in the city of dunes
The Sabaudia City Dance Festival is the late-summer event that brings the best of Italian dance to the Pontine coast, in the province of Latina. For four days, the city founded in the 1930s—famous for its rationalist architecture and nestled between the sea, Lake Paola, and the Circeo National Park—transforms into a widespread stage: rehearsal rooms and squares fill with young dancers, professionals, teachers, and enthusiasts from all over Italy, from nine in the morning until late at night.
Training at the heart of the event
Born with a clear educational focus and grown edition after edition under the artistic direction of Piero Zinna, the festival is organized with the support of MSP Italia (Movimento Sportivo Popolare) and the municipal administration. The heart of the event consists of masterclasses and choreographic workshops led by over thirty national and international instructors, divided into six disciplinary sectors: classical, contemporary, modern, urban, and Latin dance, with academic paths accessible from the age of 7. Alongside the lessons, there are talks, cultural salons, and author meetings that foster dialogue between generations of artists.
Galas, contests, and battles
The evenings are the most spectacular part of the festival: in Piazza del Comune, under the stars, choreographic showcases, company performances, and the final Grand Gala take place, featuring Lifetime Achievement and Talent Awards, hosted by well-known television personalities like Rossella Brescia. The program also includes choreographic contests, urban battles for soloists, the Emerging Company Award, exhibition areas, wellness spaces, and a food area dedicated to sports nutrition. Over the years, the festival has welcomed and awarded leading figures in Italian dance, from Alessandra Celentano to Laccio, from Antonella Albano, principal dancer at La Scala, to Samuel Peron, curator of the Latin dance section.
A showcase for young talent
The festival also serves as a springboard for emerging dancers: every year, a jury of experts selects the best talent, among soloists and groups, who perform during the gala evening and receive recognition and opportunities for professional growth. It is this focus on youth, strongly championed by the Municipality of Sabaudia, that makes the event one of the most anticipated dance gatherings in southern Lazio.
Sabaudia, between sea and rationalism
Participating in the festival is also an opportunity to discover Sabaudia: the sandy dunes of its endless beach, the Circeo promontory, Lake Paola, and an urban center that acts as an open-air museum of Italian rationalist architecture. At the end of August, the city experiences its last great moment of the summer season, and dance becomes its backbone.
Sabaudia Dance Festival — edition 2026
7th edition: dance from 9 AM to midnight
From August 24 to 27, 2026, Sabaudia returns as the capital of dance with the seventh edition of the festival directed by Piero Zinna. The city comes alive from 9 AM until 12:30 AM with masterclasses, choreographic workshops, talks, and cultural salons, spread across four locations and six disciplinary sectors: classical, contemporary, modern, urban, and Latin dance, with academic paths open to ages 7 and up.
The guest lineup already announced includes Alessandra Celentano, Laccio, Alessia Lo Savio, Alessio La Padula, Samuel Peron, and Ricky Bonavita, with other artists to be announced. On Wednesday, August 26, the official DJ set is scheduled, while on Thursday, August 27, the event concludes with the Lifetime Achievement Award Grand Gala, featuring Rossella Brescia as the godmother. The program is completed by the Talent Award Gala, Choreographic Showcases, the Emerging Company Award, choreographic contests, and urban battles for soloists, in addition to the Urban Roots — Authentic Movement research workshop.
The 2026 edition, supported by MSP Italia and the Lazio Region, confirms the festival's educational vocation and investment in young dancers, with exhibition areas, wellness spaces, and a food area dedicated to sports nutrition.
Programme Sabaudia Dance Festival 2026
From Monday, August 24 to Thursday, August 27 — masterclasses and choreographic workshops with over 30 national and international instructors, across four locations and six sectors: classical, contemporary, modern, urban, and Latin dance (academic paths from age 7). The program also includes talks, cultural salons, choreographic contests, urban battles for soloists, and the Urban Roots — Authentic Movement workshop.
- Wednesday, August 26 — Official festival DJ set
- Thursday, August 27 — Lifetime Achievement Award Grand Gala, godmother Rossella Brescia; Talent Award Gala, Choreographic Showcases, and Emerging Company Award
Announced guests: Alessandra Celentano, Laccio, Alessia Lo Savio, Alessio La Padula, Samuel Peron, Ricky Bonavita. Exhibition areas, wellness spaces, and food area dedicated to sports nutrition. Activities from 9:00 AM to 12:30 AM.
Highlights Sabaudia Dance Festival 2026
- Over 30 national and international instructors in 6 disciplinary sectors
- Lifetime Achievement Award Grand Gala on August 27 with Rossella Brescia
- Guests: Alessandra Celentano, Laccio, Alessio La Padula, Samuel Peron
- Choreographic contests and urban battles for soloists
- Academic paths for young people aged 7 and up
Prices Sabaudia Dance Festival 2026
Practical information — Sabaudia Dance Festival
How to get there
Sabaudia can be reached by car from Rome via the SS148 Pontina (about 90 km). By train, the most convenient stations are Priverno-Fossanova and Latina, on the Rome-Naples line, with a connecting COTRAL bus to Sabaudia. Festival activities take place in multiple locations in the city center, with gala evenings held in Piazza del Comune.
Registration and tickets
Registration for masterclasses and contests is handled through the festival's official channels (website and social media profiles). Discounted rates are available for participants and their companions at partner accommodation facilities.
Tips
Late August in Sabaudia is still peak beach season: it is advisable to book accommodation well in advance.
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Where does it take place — Sabaudia Dance Festival
Piazza del Comune e varie sedi in città
Piazza del Comune, 04016 Sabaudia