Dance Days 2026: Exploring Identity Through Movement in Latvia
Latvia’s Dance Days 2026 will center around the theme of identity, encompassing personal experiences, values, and the art of contemporary dance. The festival will feature a series of free events, including workshops, performances, and discussions, designed to be inclusive and accessible to both seasoned dance enthusiasts and newcomers.
Dance Greenhouse at Ågenskalns Market
On Sunday, April 12, from 12:00 to 15:30, the Ågenskalns market will host Dance Greenhouse. This event will showcase various Latvian contemporary dance organizations, offering information about their activities and opportunities. Attendees can participate in master classes and enjoy performances.
Master Classes Across Riga
April 18, from 10:30 to 16:00, ten dance master classes will be held at three locations in Riga: Riga Circus, E. Dārziņš Music School, and Strazdumuiža Club. These classes are designed to be accessible to individuals of all experience levels. Classes held at the Strazdumuiža club are part of the Latvian New Theater Institute’s Magic Carpets residency. In collaboration with the youth organization of the Blind Society of Latvia, dance classes specifically tailored for the blind community will be developed and offered to the wider public, led by foreign dance artists and four Latvian choreographers.
Closing Event at Hangar
The closing event of the creative workshops will take place at 18:00 on April 18 at the Tallinn street block concert hall Hangar. Three performances will be presented: Marijas Saveiko’s Own and foreign, Vladimir Goršantov’s I am also from Latvia, and Sabine Neilands’ Femina – fragment reconstructions. These performances explore identity through different lenses, addressing themes of belonging, nationality, same-sex relationships, and the role of women in society and art. A closing party, led by DJ Puce, will follow at 20:00 at the same location.
Satellite Program in Rundale
From May 8 to 10, a satellite program will be held in Rundale, Bauska region, featuring Vladimir Gorshantov’s performance voluntary slavery, creative workshops, and free master classes led by professional contemporary dance choreographers Polina Filippova, Aneta Tambak, Sabine Neiland, Edvadras Kurmin, and Laura Gorodko.
Free and Accessible Events
All Dance Day 2026 events are free to attend. Further information about the events can be found on the festival’s homepage, as well as on their Instagram and Facebook profiles.
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