World-Class Dance Talents to Grace the International Dance Day Fest 2025
The stage is set for the International Dance Day Fest, celebrating dance’s innate influence on culture, creativity, and community.
Words Randolf Maala-Resueño
Photos courtesy of Ayala Land and Ravi Deepres
April 8, 2025
Company Wayne McGregor (Jasiah Marshall), Théâtre de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France (2023)
The body says what words cannot. Dance’s universality to invoke artistic expression has long been utilized by many not only to showcase their talents but also to navigate their experiences through movement. And this year’s line-up of performances at the International Dance Day Fest will surely demonstrate dance and its diversity to its highest glory.
In its second year, IDDF 2025 capsulizes the theme “Dance For All”–underscoring the inclusivity of dance in all its forms. Filipino talents will be at the forefront, adhering to Ayala Land and the Samsung Performing Arts Theater’s mission to spotlight our dancers to the international dance purveyors.
"International Dance Day is more than just a celebration of movement—it's a powerful reminder of how dance connects us all, transcending boundaries and uniting us through shared expression. We’re proud to offer a platform where they can shine together, demonstrating the unifying power of movement on a global stage," shared Christopher Mohnani, the Managing Director of the Samsung Performing Arts Theater and the Arts and Culture Manager of Circuit Makati.
Spectacular Dance: A Weeklong Showcase
The International Dance Day Fest will feature a weeklong exploration of performances from different genres:
April 23, Wednesday. The festival opens with the highly anticipated Opening Night Gala, featuring the UK’s Company Wayne McGregor and the Philippine premiere of Autobiography (v105), a groundbreaking work by multi-award-winning British choreographer Wayne McGregor CBE and his renowned company.
Made possible in part by The British Embassy Manila, The British Council, and Ayala Corporation, Company Wayne McGregor will also host a special workshop and masterclass, offering dancers a rare opportunity to learn from one of contemporary dance’s most innovative figures. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit the Artists Welfare Project Inc. (AWPI) HMO fund, providing vital healthcare support for dancers.
April 24, Thursday. Presented in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the spotlight shines on Filipino cultural heritage with the Folk and Traditional Dance Gala, featuring the country’s national dance companies—esteemed cultural ambassadors who have represented the Philippines on the world stage.
April 25, Friday. The energy builds with the Street Dance Gala, bringing together some of the biggest and most active street dance groups in the country today, showcasing the electrifying movement and rhythm of urban dance.
April 26, Saturday. Classical artistry takes center stage in the Ballet Gala, uniting all four of the Philippines’ professional ballet companies alongside guest artists from Hong Kong Ballet and American Ballet Theatre in an evening of grace and technical excellence.
April 27, Sunday. The Contemporary Dance Gala spotlights some of the country’s finest contemporary dancers, with a special focus on artists from outside Metro Manila, bringing fresh perspectives and distinct movement styles to the stage.
The festival also marks a focus on paradance—an inclusive form of dance that integrates dancers with disabilities, a unique and transformative form of artistic expression that promotes inclusion, equality, and the celebration of diversity. This feature will highlight the beauty of adaptive dance and demonstrate how the arts can be a powerful tool for breaking barriers.
Celebrate Dance in All Its Forms
A memorable week of artistry and expression awaits. The International Dance Day Fest elevates the experience with a dance market and bazaar, open throughout the festival, offering dance paraphernalia, exclusive merchandise, and dance-related gadgets.
Be part of a celebration that champions dance as a unifying art form, where world-class performances connect cultures and invite you to immerse yourself in the magic of movement. Get your tickets now at Ticketworld and be part of this extraordinary celebration of dance!
