The Dublin Dance Festival (DDF) returns for its 21st edition from May 13-24, showcasing the talents of both Irish and international artists, with an eclectic programme that explores themes of community, chaos, and ritual.
the festival presents a bold and diverse program that invites audiences to engage with dance in thrilling and unexpected ways.
The Abbey Theatre will serve as the stage for a trio of distinct Irish premieres. Northern Irish choreographer Oona Doherty presents Specky Clark (May 14-17), an evocative journey through Irish folklore and family history. Blending fiction with biography, the piece follows the lives of Doherty's ancestors in Belfast, underscored by a haunting music score from Lankum.
Nigeria’s QDance Company brings Re:INCARNATION (May 20-21), a vibrant spectacle celebrating the energy of Lagos. Choreographed by Qudus Onikeku, the production fuses dance, music, fashion, and visual art in an electrifying showcase of Nigerian culture, past and present.
Closing out the Abbey’s offerings, Luke Murphy’s Scorched Earth (May 23-24) offers a gripping tale of ambition, land and legacy inspired by John B. Keane’s classic play The Field. This intense crime drama transports audiences to an interrogation room where a detective and a suspect unravel the ghosts of a long-unsolved murder.
Dublin Dance Festival presents a historic moment for Irish dance as Ireland’s new National Dance Company, Luail, makes its debut with Chora (May 13) at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre. This triple bill, featuring works by Liz Roche, Mufutau Yusuf, and Maria Campos & Guy Nader, explores themes of home and memory through an interplay of dance and live orchestral music performed by the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
The festival also welcomes back Matthew Bourne’s groundbreaking production of Swan Lake (May 20-24) to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre. A revolutionary take on the classic ballet, this production replaces the traditional female corps de ballet with an all-male ensemble, bringing a bold and dramatic energy to Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece.
Project Arts Centre will host compelling productions from both French and Irish artists. Acclaimed French choreographer Boris Charmatz presents Somnole (May 15-16), a mesmerizing solo piece exploring the border between wakefulness and sleep, while Rachel Ní Bhraonáin’s Mosh (May 23-24) takes a deep dive into the raw energy of mosh pits, blending dance, music, and interviews to examine the exhilarating and chaotic nature of the ritualistic dance form.
(Pic: Pete Woodhead)
On May 21, Disco Neurotico, a neuro-inclusive club night, makes its Irish debut at the Project, offering a welcoming space for those who find traditional nightlife overwhelming. The event features DJs, sensory-friendly zones, and a commitment to inclusivity.
DDF also caters to young audiences with When the Moon Spun Round (May 22-24) at the Samuel Beckett Theatre. This magical aerial dance performance, inspired by W.B. Yeats’ poetry, is designed for children aged six and up.
In addition to performances, the festival offers workshops, masterclasses, and discussions, including a series of lunchtime talks with choreographers Oona Doherty, Boris Charmatz, and Qudus Onikeku.
With accessibility in mind, DDF’s 21st edition includes captioned, audio-described, signed, and relaxed events, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with dance.
The Dublin Dance Festival 2025 runs from May 13-24 - find out more here
