The 19th International Festival of Contemporary Dance

The 19th International Festival of Contemporary Dance, titled “Myth Makers / Creatori di miti”, takes place in Venice from 17 July to 2 August 2025. Directed by Wayne McGregor, the Festival explores mythmaking not as mere storytelling, but as a vital creative force—one that shapes our deepest fears, aspirations, and collective imagination, while forging new narratives for an evolving world.

This year’s programme features eight world premieres, seven European premieres and five Italian premieres across live performances, installations, workshops and talks. Over 160 artists participate in 75 public events during the 17-day festival. Biennale Danza continues its investment in future creativity through open calls, residencies and co-productions, with selected choreographers including Bullyache (Courtney Garratt and Jacob Samuel) presenting A Good Man is Hard to Find and Nuovo Balletto di Toscana performing Philippe Kratz’s Sisifo felice.

The Biennale College programme offers two focal points. First, The Herds (previewing 17 June), a site-specific collaboration with hip-hop artist Anthony Matsena that forms part of a global climate change initiative featuring migrating puppet animals. Second, young artists work with Sasha Waltz on an adaptation of Terry Riley’s In C, exploring the relationship between movement and musical structure.

Notable new works include Marcos Morau and La Veronal’s world premiere La Mort i la Primavera, inspired by myths of death and rebirth, and Tânia Carvalho’s solo Ventre do Vulcão, which combines classical precision with chaotic movement. The festival also presents the Italian premiere of Kor’sia’s Simulacro, examining digital-era identity through dance and technology, and Friends of Forsythe, a celebration of dance’s unifying power featuring William Forsythe and collaborators.

Cutting-edge intersections of dance and technology feature prominently. On the Other Earth, an immersive AI-driven installation by Wayne McGregor and Jeffrey Shaw, runs throughout the festival, while Australian company ChunkyMove presents the European premiere of U>N>I>T>E>D, blending robotics with performance.

This year’s Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement honours legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp, who opens the festival with Slacktide alongside her 1998 work Diabelli. The Silver Lion recognises Carolina Bianchi, who presents Cadela Força: The Brotherhood, an examination of masculinity and the male gaze.

Complementing the performances, the festival offers public workshops and talks with guest artists, along with a photography exhibition by Indigo Lewis documenting four years of Biennale Danza. This rich programme continues Venice’s tradition as a crucible for contemporary dance innovation, bringing together established masters and emerging voices in a celebration of movement’s enduring power to shape our collective imagination.