22nd Busan International Dance Festival Kicks Off June 5
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22nd Busan International Dance Festival Kicks Off June 5
□ Busan Metropolitan City, along with the Busan International Dance Festival Organizing Committee, hosts the 22nd Busan International Dance Festival (hereinafter ‘the Dance Festival’) for six days from June 2 to 7, 2026, at the Busan Cinema Center, Haeundae Beach, the Busan Cultural Center, Busan Station, and multiple locations.
○ A total of 44 troupes from 13 countries—Korea, Canada, France, Denmark, Mongolia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Argentina, Taiwan, Spain, Japan, Lithuania, and Estonia—bring over 60 varied performances to the public.
□ Two works representing contemporary dance and ballet from Quebec, Canada, under the theme ‘In an Era of Crisis, Questioning Existence,’ open this year’s event.
○ On the first stage, ‘ÊTRE DE BOIS,’ choreographed by Chantal Caron, delves into the relationship between nature and humanity and examines the roots of being. The second piece, ‘BURN BABY, BURN,’ choreographed by Guillaume Côté, powerfully portrays the urgency and desire to live through intense and dynamic movement.
○ The two works form a striking contrast between ‘return to nature’ and ‘a reality in decline’ and craft a unified narrative. This remarkable journey—from the quiet rhythm of life to an age of ardent passion—takes audiences on a profound sensory experience of existence.
□ The Invited Performance is slated for June 6 and 7 at the Haeundae Beach stage.
○ The 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of the Busan-Ulaanbaatar friendship agreement are celebrated with combined performances by dance companies from France and Mongolia. The Beach-Specific Program, launched through an open call, introduces ‘ÊTRE DE BOIS’ by Quebec, Canada, breaking down the boundaries between nature and art.
○ On June 4 and 7 in Gunam-ro of Haeundae and Busan Station, street performances provide opportunities for international performers to interact directly with people in everyday urban settings.
□ A new featured program, the BIDF Fringe, serves as an open creative platform. The Dance Festival gathers French artists on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic ties to expand artistic exchange.
○ The BIDF Fringe solicits participation from emerging and established choreographers alike and supports innovative experimentation beyond genre and form.
□ The Dance Festival also nurtures next-generation choreographers through the AK 21 Choreographer Development Competition and curates a diverse lineup of offerings, such as the Outreach Art Appreciation Program, the Open Stage with the Busan Dance Association and Local Dancers, and the Busan-Japan Joint Creative Residency Showcase.
□ The Invited Performance and the BIDF Fringe held at the Busan Cinema Center can be booked via NOL Interpark (nol.interpark.com/ticket) and the Busan Cinema Center website (www.dureraum.org). All outdoor productions at the Haeundae Beach stage and street venues are free of charge.
○ Learn more at www.bidf.kr or call 051-868-7881.
