Florence Dance Festival 2026: ‘Projection of Light’

The Kinesis Contemporary Dance Company

Until July 21: FLORENCE DANCE FESTIVAL.  Chiostro Maggiore (Main Cloister), Santa Maria Novella

The Florence Dance Festival returns for its 37th edition, bringing an exciting lineup of international dance performances to the Chiostro Maggiore (Main Cloister) of Santa Maria Novella. This year’s festival, titled Proiezione di Luce (Projection of Light), is inspired by the legacy of former Florence mayor Giorgio La Pira, celebrating the centennial of his arrival in the city and honoring his lasting impact on Florence’s cultural and civic life.

Throughout the month-long festival, audiences can enjoy performances by internationally recognized companies alongside emerging artists in one of Florence’s most beautiful historic venues. This year’s edition also continues its collaboration with the San Marco Museum, allowing visitors to purchase discounted tickets to festival performances and encouraging guests to experience both Florence’s artistic heritage and contemporary performing arts.

Featured Dance Companies

This year’s program highlights companies from across the globe reflecting the festival’s international reputation.

Returning from Australia, Lewis Major Projects presents Present Tense, a production that blends dance with cinematic and digital elements. Italy is represented by Equilibrio Dinamico Repertoire Dance Company, Mystes Dance Company, and Florence-based Kinesis Contemporary Dance Company, each showcasing innovative contemporary choreography.

Closing the festival is its traditional classical ballet performance with Balletto di Venezia and Stelle di Domani 2026. Directed by former Paris Opera Ballet premier danseur Alessio Carbone, the gala features some of the world’s most promising young dancers from internationally renowned ballet schools, providing a fitting grand finale to this year’s festival.

(Maquinna Peglow)

Program

Monday, July 6

  • SÛR, ME SÛR
  • Bellanda
  • Equal to Men / Simple Love – Equilibrio Dinamico Repertoire Dance Company (9:30 pm)

Thursday, July 9

  • Secret Garden – Kinesis Contemporary Dance Company
  • Loop – Mystes Dance Company (9:30 pm)

Saturday, July 11

  • Twilight in the Round – Call for Artists (8 pm)

Monday, July 13

  • La Sicilia dei Fratelli Florio – L’Inizio – FloDance (9:30 pm)

Thursday, July 16

  • Present Tense – Lewis Major Projects (Australia) (9:30 pm)

Saturday, July 18

  • Style and Culture – A Celebration in Dance featuring Lewis Major Projects (Australia) (9:30 pm)

Monday, July 20

  • Twilight in the Round – Call for Artists (8 pm)

Tuesday, July 21

  • Stelle di Domani 2026 – Balletto di Venezia (9:30 pm)