Makati strengthens its position as a premier cultural destination as the International Dance Day Fest returns to the Samsung Performing Arts Theater from 22 to 26 April 2026.

Spearheaded by Ayala Land, Make It Makati, and the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, the festival brings together over 1,200 artists in an ambitious celebration of movement and cultural exchange.

The festival follows a disciplined "one style per day" format, allowing each genre a dedicated spotlight.

The week opens on 22 April with a prestigious gala featuring the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Studio Company. Joined by guest principals Thomas Forster and Christine Shevchenko, the New York-based rising stars bring a global standard of technical precision to the Manila stage. The momentum continues on 23 April with the Folk and Traditional Dance Gala, featuring a deep roster of national companies including Bayanihan and UP Filipiniana.

The energy shifts on 24 April for the Street Dance Gala, showcasing the athleticism of local crews like Unrlvd and Eleven 11. One of the most significant moments for the local dance community arrives on 25 April with the Ballet Gala, a rare unification of the country’s four major pillars: Ballet Manila, Philippine Ballet Theatre, Ballet Philippines, and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines.