In the organizer's words:

tanz.tausch - dance and performance festival - January 14-17, 2026 - TanzFaktur Cologne

With its 13th edition, tanz.tausch returns to its January date and opens the 2026 festival season at TanzFaktur. As in the previous year, the program was curated together with TanzFaktur - a process that makes the uncertain situation of many dance makers particularly visible in January.

Despite challenging conditions, we are presenting 7 productions in 10 performances and showcasing the diversity of contemporary dance. Among others, VAYA Art of Human Movement, Alexandra Waierstall, INTER-ACTIONS, ZOE, Lisa Kaschubat, Jonas Frey and Reut Shemesh will be taking part.

In the network forum "Let's create happier", participants will discuss new distribution channels and sustainable structures - a format dedicated to cohesion.

Two focal points characterize 2026: Works from Baden-Württemberg in dialog with positions from NRW as well as productions by women and FLINTA* artists. In doing so, we are putting the spotlight on perspectives that shape dance in Germany but often receive too little visibility.

tanz.tausch sees itself as a platform for exchange, reflection and shared experiences. The accompanying program with introductions and post-performance discussions reinforces this idea. We would like to shape this year's edition together with the audience, artists and team.

We look forward to seeing you!
Mechtild Tellmann, Alec Ernst and the tanz.tausch & TanzFaktur team