Danzainfiera 2025, programme and guests at the big event dedicated to dance and dancing

From 21 to 23 February at the Fortezza da Basso auditions and shows with world-famous dancers and choreographers

From February 21 to 23, Florence will once again become the world capital of dance with the 19th edition of Danzainfiera, the most anticipated event for dancers, professionals, and enthusiasts. The Fortezza da Basso will host three days of performances, auditions, workshops, and meetings with top industry figures.

The theme chosen for 2025 is DANCE BEYOND, an invitation to break stereotypes and experience dance in its purest form. Freedom of expression, inclusion, and diversity will be the pillars of this edition, bringing together artists and schools from around the world on a single, grand stage.

Danzainfiera 2025 boasts record-breaking numbers: over 270 events, more than 7,500 dancers performing, 80 international brands, and a packed schedule of talks and workshops.

As every year, the event will feature Musical: Il Concorso, an internationally renowned competition by Professione Danza Parma, dedicated to the musical theater repertoire from all eras. Designed for non-professional performers, the competition aims to discover new talent and support their artistic growth.

This year, the competition will kick off with performances by the cast of Cats, directed by Massimo Romeo Piparo, a hugely successful production that has achieved record-breaking numbers in past seasons. The show will return to Italian theaters, including Teatro Verdi in Florence from February 21 to 23 and Teatro Sistina in Rome starting May 8.

CATS di Massimo Romeo Piparo

Among the most anticipated moments are the auditions for some of the world's most prestigious academies, including the Joffrey Ballet School in New York, the Ballettakademie Wiener Staatsoper in Vienna, and the Youth America Grand Prix, the largest international classical dance competition.

The Gala is the most spectacular event of the festival. The stage will welcome international stars such as Sergio Bernal, who will perform The Swan and Obertura, and Maia Makhateli, principal dancer of the Dutch National Ballet, who will take the stage in a pas de deux from Romeo and Juliet.

Maia Makhateli

For the first time, ArtVillage, Italy’s largest artistic campus, will be part of Danzainfiera. This renowned institution, dedicated to training in dance, singing, acting, and musical theater, is led by Luciano Cannito, a celebrated choreographer and director of two major theaters in Turin, Teatro Gioiello and Teatro Alfieri. Joining ArtVillage will be Fabrizio Prolli, a choreographer known for his collaborations with some of the biggest names in pop theater and television. The campus will also offer scholarships to promising talents.

Excitement is also high for Let’s Dance, a project directed by Rocco Greco from Tu Si Que Vales, featuring Alessandra Celentano and Emanuel Lò, both instructors from Amici di Maria De Filippi. They will lead an exclusive masterclass, joined by former Amici contestants Gaia De Martino, Carola Puddu, and Samuel Segreto.

Another highlight is the Calimala competition, dedicated to young choreographers under 25, along with new sections focused on Aerial & Pole Dance and body awareness, offering specialized training for dancers and performers.

Sergio Bernal (ph. Massimo Danza)

One of the key innovations of this edition is Calimala, a groundbreaking project that blends dance, music, and video art. Presented by Fondazione Pitti Discovery in collaboration with Nutida Festival (Stazione Utopia) and Musicus Concentus, this multidisciplinary initiative unfolds in two phases, offering a fresh perspective on artistic fusion.

The highlight will be the world premiere of Calimala on Saturday, February 22, at 10:00 PM at Fortezza da Basso (Padiglione Cavaniglia). The live concert, featuring Studio Batsumi (Federico Bigonzetti), Silvia Belà, and Maxime Obadia, draws a fascinating parallel between Florentine Renaissance merchants and today’s digital musicians, both seen as creative revolutionaries of their time. During the performance—free and open to the public with reservation—audiences will witness original choreographies crafted by the selected DanzAutori, set to exclusive compositions created for the event.

Danzainfiera 2025 is more than just an event; it's an immersive experience that combines performance, education, and opportunity. A must-attend for anyone passionate about dance in all its forms. Check out the full event schedule and book your spot now!