In the organizer's words:

Happy birthday, Tanztage!

In 2026, Berlin's oldest production platform for up-and-coming dance talent celebrates its 30th anniversary - together with its home, the Sophiensælen. At a time when the future of culture here and elsewhere is acutely threatened, the resilient history of Tanztage Berlin and its continuation seems anything but self-evident. As we leave our chaotic twenties behind us and look hopefully to the future (and yes, secured festival funding and basic income for artists are at the top of our birthday wish list), we present an anniversary program that celebrates our generous audiences and the many brilliant artists from across the city. Above all, we rejoice in the many ways that dance and choreography keep us present and connected - just when it might be easier to retreat into despair, avoidance or mistrust.

This year's edition of Tanztage Berlin invites us behind the scenes and offers insights into the realities of independent artistic work. Ten performances, including seven premieres, as well as workshops, discourse formats and the first part of our anniversary publication Sophiensæle Forever offer perspectives on what the work of creating art is worth today. What consequences does it have for work in general when the body - the primary site of work - is simultaneously made more invisible and more exploited? What does it mean when bodies are characterized by insecurity and financial strain, but are nevertheless supposed to appear disciplined, capable and free of weaknesses? The festival sheds light on the challenging, sweaty and often uncomfortable work of approaching each other and finding a common path despite our differences. It focuses on fear, anger and excessive demands in order to uncover the delicate layers underneath.

With Tanztage Berlin, we trust in the organic intelligence, the knowledge that is stored in our tissue. So switch on 'do not disturb' mode, take a deep breath and don't be afraid to let what you see and hear change you. Whether you like it or not, we share more than we'd like to admit.

With bottom up productions & Isabela Fernandes Santana, jee chan, Alvin Collantes, Colleen Ndemeh Fitzgerald, Elena Francalanci, Pooyesh Frozandeh, Dominique McDougal & Carro Sharkey, Pamela Moraga, PELUSIA, Dominique Tegho, among others.

Curation: Mateusz Szymanówka
Dramaturgical support: Polina Fenko, Nima Séne
&
Team Sophiensæle

The 35th Tanztage Berlin is a production of Sophiensæle. Funded by the Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion. With the kind support of Tanzfabrik Berlin e.V., Theaterhaus Berlin and HZT Berlin. Media partners: Berlin Art Link, Missy Magazine, Rausgegangen, Siegessäule, taz.

Price information:

Requested: 25€ Recommended: 20€ Regular: 15€ Reduced: 10€ Children up to 12 years: 5€