Sanremo Dance Festival
Edition 2026 Dance Contemporary dance Ballet

Sanremo Dance Festival

The great international dance festival on the stage of the Ariston Theatre

Sanremo — Imperia (008)
Dates 01 May — 03 May 2026
Location Sanremo (008)
Prices —
Status Confirmed

About Sanremo Dance Festival

For three days, the Ariston Theatre in Sanremo becomes the temple of dance with the Sanremo Dance Festival: thousands of dancers and dozens of schools from three continents compete in hundreds of choreographies, including classical, contemporary, modern, and open style. Workshops with internationally renowned masters, a world-class jury, and the final flash mob in front of the theatre make this competition one of the most important events in the Italian choreographic scene.

Dance takes centre stage at the Ariston

The Sanremo Dance Festival is the major dance competition that enlivens the Ariston Theatre in Sanremo (province of Imperia) every spring. Organized by CSEN (National Sports and Educational Centre) in collaboration with the Municipality, it brings together thousands of dancers and dozens of schools from Italy, Europe, and South America.

Record-breaking numbers

The festival features hundreds of choreographies in numerous disciplines: classical, contemporary, modern dance, choreographic composition, and open style. Alongside the competition, workshops with internationally renowned masters offer young dancers the opportunity to train with professionals from prestigious institutions such as the Royal Ballet and the Nederlands Dans Theater.

A celebration for the city

More than just a competition, the Sanremo Dance Festival is a grand celebration of dance that involves the entire city, with the traditional final flash mob in front of the theatre and spaces dedicated to young Ligurian talents. An event that reinforces Sanremo's role as a capital of entertainment, far beyond the Song Festival.

Sanremo Dance Festival — edition 2026

The 18th edition of the Sanremo Dance Festival takes place from May 1 to 3, 2026, at the Ariston Theatre, with record numbers: 1,850 dancers, 97 schools from three continents, and 451 choreographies. On May 1, workshops with the international jury (from institutions like the Royal Ballet and Nederlands Dans Theater) and Modern and Festival categories; on May 2, classical and contemporary dance; on May 3, choreographic composition, open style, 'Tutti Ballano Sanremo,' and the final flash mob. Organized by CSEN.

The 18th edition takes place from May 1 to 3, 2026, at the Ariston Theatre, with record-breaking figures: 1,850 dancers, 97 schools from Italy, Europe, and South America, and 451 choreographies. The event was sold out even before registration closed.

The jury brings together internationally renowned choreographers and artists with experience in institutions like the Royal Ballet and the Nederlands Dans Theater. Organized by CSEN, with the patronage of the Liguria Region and CONI.

Programme Sanremo Dance Festival 2026

Friday, May 1

  • Workshops with masters from the international jury;
  • Modern and Festival categories (a tribute to Sanremo's musical tradition).

Saturday, May 2

  • Classical and contemporary dance sections.

Sunday, May 3

  • Choreographic composition and open style categories;
  • 'Tutti Ballano Sanremo', a showcase for young Ligurian talents;
  • Final flash mob in front of the theatre.

Highlights Sanremo Dance Festival 2026

The workshops with masters from the Royal Ballet and Nederlands Dans Theater, and the final flash mob.

Prices Sanremo Dance Festival 2026

Competition reserved for registered participants; shows with tickets. Final flash mob is free.

Practical information — Sanremo Dance Festival

Getting there

The Ariston Theatre is in the centre of Sanremo, reachable on foot from the train station. By car, take the Sanremo exit on the A10 motorway.

Admission

Competition reserved for registered participants; evening shows open to the public with tickets. The final outdoor flash mob is free.

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Where does it take place — Sanremo Dance Festival

Teatro Ariston

Via Matteotti 212, 18038 Sanremo

Sanremo Dance Festival in brief

Dance Contemporary dance Ballet Young audience Sport dance Multidisciplinary International Imperia

History of Sanremo Dance Festival