LE DANZATRICI en plein air: Menhir unveils the 2026 International

LE DANZATRICI en plein air: sixth edition returns to Ruvo di Puglia

The program for the 2026 LE DANZATRICI en plein air International Contemporary Dance Festival, produced by Compagnia Menhir, has been announced. The festival runs from 11 June to 11 July 2026 and will animate the urban spaces of Ruvo di Puglia with a month-long series of performances and events.

Under the artistic co-direction of Giulio De Leo and Erika Guastamacchia, the edition features 25 companies and more than 100 artists from Italy and six European countries. The schedule includes over 50 events, among them 12 world premieres and 3 national previews.

• Opening night: Thursday 11 June with Zappalà Danza 2 presenting works including Lif and Body Teaches.
• Closing night: Saturday 11 July with Area Jeune Ballet Geneve performing Un autre jour and We will never give up on love.
• Highlights: the national premiere of Tight Dress (Jill Crovisier's revisited piece), the international co-production DARE! by Guilherme Miotto with Corpo Maquina Society, and a Spain focus with BAAL's Bebìbula.
• Notable Italian projects: Le Palestriti (Nexus), Romeo & Juliet Project (Borderlinedanza), and the two-part Petit 1 and Petit 2 staged by Arearea and Balletto Teatro di Torino.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture (FNSV 2025-27), the Puglia Region and the Municipality of Ruvo di Puglia, the festival emphasizes international co-productions, participatory projects and engagement with local communities, balancing established voices with emerging talents in contemporary dance.