Danzainfiera 2026, programme and guests at the big event dedicated to dance and dancing
From 20 to 22 February at the Fortezza da Basso auditions and shows with world-famous dancers and choreographers
From February 20 to 22, the Fortezza da Basso will once again become the beating heart of international dance with the 20th edition of Danzainfiera, the event organized by Pitti Immagine that for twenty years has brought together training, performance, competitions, and business in a format that is unique in Europe. Not just a simple trade fair, but a true cultural and professional platform that brings together academies, companies, choreographers, talent scouts, brands, and enthusiasts, transforming Florence into a global hub of movement.
A very dense program includes: 370 events, 13 rooms and 3 stages active throughout the day, over 21,800 seats in the auditorium, 1,000 choreographies on stage, and 54 events dedicated exclusively to teachers.
The 2026 slogan, Believe. Dance to become, is an invitation to believe in your talent and in the possibility of turning your passion into a profession. "In an increasingly technological world, with the accelerated development of AI, dance remains a human space. Danzainfiera is a key event for us,“ says Raffaello Napoleone, CEO of Pitti Immagine, ”because it is dedicated in particular to young people who aspire to realize their dreams by participating in auditions that can change their lives, as the 2026 slogan suggests: Believe. Dance to become, an invitation to believe in ourselves and realize our aspirations."
DIF Dance Beyond, The Gala, Sergio Bernal, The-SwanFor its twentieth anniversary, the geography of the event is also changing. Visitors will enter through Porta Faenza, the Padiglione delle Ghiaia will be used as a theater for the first time, and the Salone M will make its debut, hosting new classrooms next to the Sala delle Nazioni and the Sala della Ronda. There will also be something new for the Sala della Volta, which will host the UniCredit Talk Arena.
The Cavaniglia Pavilion will host 62 Italian and foreign academies, companies, and dance event organizers. Among the most prestigious institutions are the Accademia Teatro alla Scala, The Ailey School, and the Joffrey Ballet School in New York, together with leading organizations such as DanceHaus Più, a production center recognized by the Ministry of Culture.
For three days, you will have the opportunity to meet artistic directors and committees in person, participate in auditions, obtain scholarships, and start your professional career. There will be no shortage of familiar faces from television talent shows and big names on the international scene.
On the ground floor of the Central Pavilion, the Brand & Store area will bring together 75 specialized brands, half of which are international. These include historic names such as Capezio, Bloch, Gaynor Minden, Grishko, So Danca, and Harlequin Floors. Alongside these historic brands are new companies focused on sustainability and technical innovation, such as Balance—a men's clothing brand founded by principal dancer Denys Cherevychko—and companies specializing in new-generation costumes and leotards.
Video Flying Pole, Whirl Pole, Sergey GorbachevAmong the most eagerly awaited new features is a focus on health and wellness, with innovative techniques dedicated to body awareness and performance enhancement.
There will also be space for the global phenomenon of K-Pop, with workshops inspired by iconic international groups such as BTS, Blackpink, Stray Kids, and TWICE, as well as the Florence leg of the K-Pop Dance League and the exciting Random Dance finale.
There will also be emerging disciplines such as Flying Pole in THEPOLE Village and a special show dedicated to tap dance, The Sound of Shoes, featuring international stars.