International Dance Day Fest 2025: Celebrating Movement at Circuit Makati
‘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,” said Samsung Performing Arts Theater and Circuit Makati Arts and Culture managing director Christopher Mohnani.’
(From left) Steps Dance Studio managing directdor Sofia Zobel Elizalde, Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Circuit Makati Arts and Culture managing directdor Christopher Mohnani.
Circuit Makati continues to solidify its role as a cultural hub with the launch of its second annual International Dance Day (IDD) Fest, set to run from 23 to 27 April at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. The weeklong festival will showcase dance across a range of genres, from classical ballet to street dance and paradance, featuring over 1,200 local and international artists. The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of movement, bringing together performers and audiences in a shared appreciation of dance as a universal language.
“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,” said Samsung Performing Arts Theater and Circuit Makati Arts and Culture managing director Christopher Mohnani.
“We’re proud to offer a platform where artists can shine together, demonstrating the unifying power of movement on a global stage.”
The festival will kick off on 23 April with an exclusive Opening Gala, featuring a performance by the UK’s renowned Company Wayne McGregor. The highlight of the evening will be the Philippine premiere of Autobiography (v105), a groundbreaking dance inspired by McGregor’s genetic code. The gala will also include a workshop hosted by McGregor for local dancers, offering a unique opportunity for Filipino artists to engage with one of the leading figures in contemporary dance.
The 2025 International Dance Day fest promises to bring together over a thousand artists to showcase their immense talents.
Photographs by Larry Cruz for the Daily Tribune
A celebration of inclusivity
In addition to world-class performances, the IDD Fest will place a strong emphasis on inclusivity, with paradance — a discipline that integrates dancers with disabilities — playing a central role throughout the festival. “Dance has the power to bring people together, and we want to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to experience the magic of movement,” Mohnani added.
A portion of the proceeds from the gala will benefit the Artists Welfare Project Inc.’s HMO fund, which supports the healthcare needs of dancers, further underscoring the festival’s commitment to both artistic excellence and social responsibility.
The festival will feature a diverse range of performances, showcasing the richness and variety of dance styles. Here’s the full lineup:
April 23 — Opening Gala: Featuring Company Wayne McGregor’s Autobiography (v105), along with the workshop by McGregor.
April 24 — Folk Dance Gala: A celebration of traditional dance from the Philippines and around the world, highlighting the beauty of cultural heritage through movement.
April 25 — Street Dance Gala: A high-energy showcase of urban dance styles, celebrating the creativity and innovation of street dancers.
April 26 — Ballet Gala: A graceful and elegant evening dedicated to the classical art form of ballet, featuring performances from leading ballet companies and dancers.
April 27 — Contemporary Gala: A cutting-edge performance of contemporary dance, pushing the boundaries of movement and storytelling in the modern dance world.