Exciting twists and turns of American ballet

Since its premiere edition in 2024, we have never missed the annual International Dance Day Festival at Samsung Performing Arts Theater simply because we get to see a wide spectrum of dance forms from the most important companies from across the Philippines and abroad (last year a total of 1,200 dancers), many we have never seen before and even if we have, they always have new works which are some of the most innovative.

This year is particularly exciting since the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company with special guest principal dancers Thomas Forster and Christine Shevchenko are opening the Gala on April 22. Audiences will get to see novel works from the likes of the living dance legend Twyla Tharp and acclaimed choreographer Alexei Ratmansky. The ABT principals, known for their high-quality partnering and chemistry onstage, will be doing Ratmansky’s technically demanding and emotive version of the pas de deux from The Nutcracker, which is a surprising departure from the classical one that Manila is familiar with.

April 23 is the Folk Dance Gala which always has an array of some fascinating pieces that showcase our culture in movement, music and costumes. The teaser at the media launch was Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild’s Jota Caviteña which is unlike previous Jotas we have seen, with innovations in pacing and sequencing but with all the grace of the traditional. Joining them are Bayanihan, PNU Kislap Sining Dance Troupe, UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, UP Filipiniana, Kaloob Philippine Music and Dance Ministry, Alun Alun Dance Circle with Marikina Dance Guild, Likhang Sining Dance Company (Batangas), Perpetual Sanlahi Pangkat Mananayaw and Sining Tanglawan ng San Jose del Monte Performing Group.

We weren’t really fans of street dance but when we gave it a chance at the first fest, we became hooked with the energy of the dancers and some amazing choreography so will definitely watch the Street Dance Gala on April 24 with Unrlvd, W3, Mixed Nuts and Eleven 11.

The Ballet Gala on April 25, of course, is a no-brainer. When else can you see all the professional ballet dance companies—Ballet Manila Inc., Philippine Ballet Theater, Ballet Philippines, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Steps Dance Studio and Association of Ballet Academies in the Philippines—all on one stage? Another major reason to go is the performance of special guest dancers from the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Tokyo Ballet and Australian Ballet.

On April 26, it’s the Contemporary Gala for some intriguing concepts and inventive choreography. Sowing, the teaser from Hiraya, overwhelmed everyone with its take on farmers and their labors. We can’t wait to see the new works from UP Dance Company, Galaw.Co Dance Theater, Benilde Experimental Dance, Airdance, Daloy Dance Company, The Project DP, Rhosam Prudenciado, FEU Dance Company and Dance Forum.

Beyond the performances, audiences can look forward to educational and interactive experiences. On April 21 at 2 p.m. at Samsung Performing Arts Theater, ABT Studio Company artistic director Sascha Radetsky will lead a special lecture-demonstration for public school students, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how a performance comes to life.

In addition, The Joffrey Ballet and Gerald Arpino Foundation répétiteur Christine Rocas will stage and teach excerpts from two of Arpino’s well-known works, further highlighting the cultural exchange initiatives championed by the festival.

“It’s really a beautiful exchange of dance just coming together. It’s good for us to see what’s going on in other parts of the world and international dancers also love to come here to see what we’re doing,” shares Sofia Zobel-Elizalde, founder and artistic director of Steps Dance Studio.

“The more exposed our dancers are, the more inspired they are to get globally competitive and see what’s out there. It’s knowing where you are and how much more you can push,” says Christopher Mohnani, managing director of Samsung Performing Arts Theater and Circuit Makati Arts and Culture manager.

But aside from its educational aspects, the festival is really a chance for artists and practitioners from different backgrounds to come together as a community and celebrate dance in one meaningful platform.

The evolution of the International Dance Day Festival actually mirrors the journey of Circuit Makati as a center of arts and culture with world-class performances at its theaters, visual arts exhibits including the recent Art Fair, the coming museum by the river and the renovation of the retail row around the Power Mac Black Box theater to accommodate spaces for artists. “We want to make this a place where inspiration is in the air,” says Misha Quimpo, Ayala Land Project development manager. 

Mohnani adds that “Here, creativity is not only showcased but continues to be nurtured and elevated, where the arts are accessible, dynamic and deeply embedded in the everyday experience of the community.” 

Tickets available at Ticketworld. Follow @cpatofficial International Dance Day Fest 2026 is brought to you by Ayala Land, Make it Makati, Circuit Makati, the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, with additional partnership support from Ayala Corporation, and Steps Dance Foundation.