Happy Birthday, Tanztage!

In 2026, the city’s longest-standing producing platform for emerging dance artists turns 30 — together with its home, Sophiensæle. At a time when the future of cultural life is acutely threatened here and elsewhere, the resilient history of Tanztage Berlin and its continuation feels anything but guaranteed. As we leave our messy twenties behind and look with hope toward what lies ahead (and yes, secured festival funding and basic income for the arts are very much on our birthday wish list), we are presenting an anniversary program that celebrates our generous audiences and the many brilliant performers working across Berlin. Above all, we take joy in the many ways dance and choreography keep us present and connected when it might feel easier to retreat into despair, denial, or mistrust.

This edition of Tanztage Berlin invites us backstage, offering a glimpse into the realities of independent artistic work. Ten performances, seven of them premieres, along with workshops, discourse formats, and the first part of our anniversary publication Sophiensæle Forever, offer perspectives on what the labour of art making is worth today. What are the consequences for work in general when the body – the primary site of labor – becomes at once more invisible and more exploited? What does it mean when bodies are shaped by uncertainty and financial strain, yet are still expected to be disciplined, capable, and free of weakness? The festival casts light on the demanding, sweaty, and often uncomfortable work of coming together to meet halfway – despite our differences – and find a shared trajectory. In doing so, it gives attention to fear, anger, and overwhelm to uncover the tender layer beneath them.

At Tanztage Berlin we trust in the organic intelligence, the knowledge stored in our tissues. So, switch on “Do Not Disturb” mode, take a deep breath, and don’t be afraid to allow the things you see and hear to change you. Like it or not, we share more than we care to admit.

Kuration: Mateusz Szymanówka
Dramaturgische Unterstützung/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.