Ayala Land’s Circuit Makati continues to make its mark as a dynamic cultural hub, bringing together art, creativity, and community in the heart of the city. As home to some of the country’s most anticipated arts and culture events, Makati has cemented its reputation with signature annual events like Art Fair Philippines—and now, the International Dance Day Fest.
Designed to foster artistic expression, Circuit Makati is more than just a venue—it’s a thriving ecosystem that cultivates collaboration among artists and engages audiences through innovative programs. By focusing on Filipino talent, it’s quickly becoming an essential part of the Philippines’ cultural landscape.
Among the standout venues in this district is the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Known for hosting world-class productions, it continues to serve as a platform for both local and international artists to showcase their craft. As a key player in the arts and culture scene, the theater is set to host a spectacular event that celebrates one of the most universal forms of artistic expression—dance.
Celebrating Dance Across Generations and Genres
This year, the Samsung Performing Arts Theater will proudly host a weeklong festival in honor of International Dance Day (IDD), running from April 23 to April 27. The festival will showcase the best of Filipino and international dance talents, bringing together over 1,200 artists from various dance companies and styles. From traditional folkloric dances to urban beats, classical ballet, contemporary movement, and even paradance—an inclusive discipline that blends dance with wheelchair accessibility—this event offers something for every kind of dance enthusiast.
“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. By showcasing the artistry of Filipino dancers alongside global performers, we highlight dance as a universal language that connects cultures. We’re proud to offer a platform where they can shine together, demonstrating the unifying power of movement on a global stage.” — Christopher Mohnani, Managing Director, Samsung Performing Arts Theater Managing Director and Circuit Makati Arts and Culture Manager.
The Spirit of International Dance Day
International Dance Day (IDD) was initiated by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1982. Celebrated annually on April 29 in tribute to Jean-Georges Noverre, the “father of modern ballet,” this global event recognizes dance as a universal language that transcends cultural and political boundaries. Through performances, workshops, and gatherings, IDD honors the profound impact of dance on societies worldwide and celebrates the work of dancers and choreographers who contribute to this timeless art form.
Now in its second year, Ayala Land’s International Dance Day Fest has become a signature event, reinforcing its commitment to arts, culture, and community engagement. This initiative fosters creativity and inclusivity by showcasing dance as a powerful form of artistic expression.
The International Dance Day Fest in the Philippines embraces the theme “Dance For All,” underscoring the accessibility of dance in all its forms. From the energy of street dance to the grace of classical ballet, the festival creates a space where people from all walks of life can connect through movement. As a cultural initiative of Ayala Land, this annual celebration reinforces its vision of making arts and culture more vibrant and accessible to the Filipino community.
A Rich Tapestry of Performances
Kicking off this year’s International Dance Day Fest is a highly anticipated opening night gala featuring one of the world’s most renowned names in dance—multi-award-winning British choreographer Sir Wayne McGregor CBE and his acclaimed Company Wayne McGregor. On April 23 at 7:30 PM, the company will present the Philippine premiere of Autobiography (v105), a groundbreaking dance portrait inspired by the sequencing of McGregor’s own genetic code. This specially arranged performance, unique to the Philippine gala, marks a milestone moment for the festival. As part of their engagement, Company Wayne McGregor will also conduct a special workshop and masterclass, providing a rare opportunity for dancers to learn from one of the most innovative forces in contemporary dance. To further support the dance community, a portion of the proceeds from the opening night gala will benefit the Artists Welfare Project Inc. (AWPI) HMO fund, which provides vital healthcare support for dancers. The premiere of Company Wayne McGregor is made possible in part by The British Embassy Manila, the British Council, and Ayala Corporation.
The festival also marks a special focus on paradance—an inclusive form of dance that integrates dancers with disabilities, enabling them to experience the joy of movement alongside their able-bodied peers. Paradance is a unique and transformative form of artistic expression that promotes inclusion, equality, and the celebration of diversity. This special feature will highlight the beauty of adaptive dance and demonstrate how the arts can be a powerful tool for breaking barriers.
A Week of Spectacular Dance
Each day of the International Dance Day Fest promises a different exploration of dance. Here’s a sneak peek at the exciting schedule:
- April 23: The festival opens with a highly anticipated Opening Night Gala featuring the UK’s Company Wayne McGregor and the Philippine premiere of Autobiography (v105)—a groundbreaking work by Sir Wayne McGregor CBE.
- April 24: The spotlight shines on our 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: 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: 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: The Contemporary Dance Gala spotlights some of the country’s finest contemporary dancers, with a special focus on artists from outside Metro Manila. This evening highlights the rich diversity of contemporary dance in the Philippines, bringing fresh perspectives and distinct movement styles to the stage.
With its diverse lineup, the International Dance Day Fest promises to be a memorable week of artistry and expression. In addition to the live performances, Fifth Wall Fest, the country’s only multidisciplinary movement group, will showcase site-specific works, demonstrating that dance can transcend the confines of traditional performance spaces. To complement the experience, a dance market and bazaar will be open throughout the festival, offering dance paraphernalia, exclusive merchandise, and dance-related gadgets. Be part of a celebration that champions dance as a universal and 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! International Dance Day Fest 2025 is brought to you by Ayala Land, Make it Makati, Circuit Makati, the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, with additional partnership support from Ayala Corporation, the British Embassy Manila, and the British Council.
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