Cannes Vignette Dance FestivalCannes Vignette Dance Festival
©Cannes Vignette Dance Festival

Cannes 2025 Dance Festival

The must-see contemporary dance event on the Côte d'Azur

The 2025 International Dance Festival, from 22 November to 7 December 2025, is one of the major choreographic events in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Every year, the emblematic city of cinema welcomes dancers, choreographers and enthusiasts to celebrate the art of movement in all its forms. This international cultural event transforms the city of festivals into a world stage for dance, offering audiences a total immersion in the world of contemporary choreography. For several days, high-quality performances, master classes with renowned artists and professional meetings punctuate the dance festival programme. The city of Cannes vibrates to the sound of music and is decked out in the colours of movement, creating a unique atmosphere where art meets the exceptional heritage of the Côte d’Azur.

An exceptional artistic programme in the heart of Cannes

The 2025 dance festival is distinguished by its eclectic and demanding programme, which gives pride of place to all forms of choreography. The diversity of the shows on offer appeals to a wide range of audiences, from classical dance enthusiasts to fans of avant-garde performances.

Contemporary dance and innovative creations

Contemporary dance occupies a central place in the programme of the cannes dance festival. Internationally acclaimed choreographers present their latest creations, exploring the boundaries of the art of movement. These daring performances question our relationship with the body, space and time, offering audiences intense and memorable experiences. The guest companies are selected for their technical excellence and their ability to propose a singular vision that challenges established codes.

Classical ballet revisited and urban dance

The Cannes Dance Festival does not neglect more traditional forms of dance. Classical ballet finds its place here through interpretations revisited by young companies who breathe new energy into the great classics. At the same time, urban dance and hip-hop occupy an important place, reflecting the vitality of today’s choreographic scene. These popular disciplines help to broaden the festival’s audience and build bridges between generations and cultures.

Experimental performances and multidisciplinary creations

Innovation is at the heart of the DNA of the cannes dance festival. Experimental performances explore the boundaries between dance, theatre, visual arts and new technologies. These multi-disciplinary creations offer immersive experiences that shake up the codes of live performance. The guest artists have no hesitation in taking over unconventional spaces and integrating video, electronic music and the digital arts to enrich their choreography.

Prestigious venues and a unique audience experience

One of the major assets of the Cannes Dance Festival lies in the exceptional quality of its venues and its ability to create a real connection between artists and spectators.

The Palais des Festivals and emblematic sites

The performances at the Cannes dance festival take place in prestigious venues that contribute to the magic of the event. The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, famous for hosting the Cannes Festival, opens its doors to the dancers and offers exceptional technical conditions. But the festival is not confined to traditional venues: the beaches of the Croisette, public gardens, historic squares and heritage sites become open-air stages where dance enters into dialogue with the Mediterranean landscape. These open-air performances, often free of charge, help to democratise access to dance and reach audiences who don’t usually go to theatres.

Meetings with artists and participatory workshops

The Cannes Dance Festival cultivates a participatory dimension that considerably enriches the audience experience. After the performances, the audience is given the opportunity to talk directly with the choreographers and dancers. Open rehearsals offer a privileged insight into the creative process, revealing what goes on behind the scenes at the festival. The festival also offers introductory workshops for all levels, led by the programmed artists. These workshops give participants the opportunity to physically take on certain techniques and to understand the language of choreography from the inside.

A not-to-be-missed event in Cannes

This international festival has established itself as a not-to-be-missed event on the French and international choreographic calendar. Thanks to the exceptional quality of its programme, the beauty of its venues and the richness of the encounters it generates, it offers a complete experience that appeals to dance enthusiasts and newcomers alike. This event contributes to Cannes’ cultural influence, reinforces its identity as a major artistic destination and plays an active part in making contemporary dance accessible to all audiences.

Practical information for enjoying the Dance Festival

To make the most of this exceptional experience, here is all the information you need to know about coming to the Cannes Dance Festival.

Dates, ticketing and prices

The dance festival generally takes place during the summer, taking advantage of the exceptional Mediterranean climate of the Côte d’Azur. The precise dates are announced several months in advance, allowing festival-goers to plan their stay accordingly. Ticket sales traditionally open in the spring, and early booking is strongly recommended for the most eagerly awaited screenings. There are a number of ticket options to suit all budgets: single tickets, day passes giving access to several performances, and festival packages for the most regular attendees. Reduced rates are systematically offered to students, jobseekers and groups, in line with the cultural accessibility that has guided the event since its inception.