The anniversary edition of the Federal Competition: Variation – Precision and Limitlessness
Evenings of dance performances by graduating classes from national and international dance training institutions. Two evenings, one stage, national and international training institutions – and diverse perspectives on the dance of tomorrow.
Image gallery
As part of the 10th Berlin Dance Education Biennial 2026, graduating classes from German state-accredited dance training institutions, as well as invited guest institutions from abroad, will present their latest artistic works. They will open the anniversary edition of the national competition and bring a vibrant panorama of contemporary dance art to the stage – full of diversity, curiosity, and a bold sense of movement.
Under the motto "Variation – Precision and Boundlessness," classical and contemporary styles, individual signatures, and choreographic concepts converge. The stage becomes a space for exchange and encounter, where different body images, aesthetics, and forms of expression merge into an intense dialogue.
Program
Monday, February 2, 2026
From 7:00 p.m.
Inter-University Center for Dance Berlin
Palucca University of Dance Dresden
Royal Danish Ballet School Copenhagen
Intermission
Rambert School London
Cologne University of Music and Dance, Center for Contemporary Dance
Princess Grace Dance Academy Monaco
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
From 7:00 p.m.
Codarts Rotterdam
Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts
Munich University of Music and Performing Arts, Ballet Academy
Intermission
Rosella Hightower School of Dance Cannes
Folkwang University of the Arts Essen
Berlin State Ballet School
The dance evenings at the Theater an der Parkaue mark the beginning of a biennial festival that fosters exchange between artists, institutions, and generations—a celebration of young dance that focuses on movement, encounter, and community.
About the Dance Education Biennial
The Federal Dance Education Biennial Competition is the central platform for emerging dancers in Germany and the flagship project of the Dance Education Conference (AK|T). The 10th Dance Education Biennial 2026 in Berlin marks the anniversary edition and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ).
The host is the Berlin State Ballet School in cooperation with the Theater an der Parkaue.
Further Program Highlights of the 10th Dance Education Biennial 2026 in Berlin
The accompanying internal symposium, conceived by Elisabeth Nehring, will explore the Biennial theme in greater depth with students, faculty, workshop leaders, and guests.
Nicholas Palmquist (USA) is responsible for the innovative workshop choreography project, which will be developed digitally in advance and throughout the week and will be performed on the afternoon of February 7, 2026, at the Humboldt Forum.
The Biennial Dance Education Biennial 2026 is being developed digitally in advance and during the week, and will be performed on the afternoon of February 7, 2026, at the Humboldt Forum.
... Free admission
The internal B.A. and M.A. workshops will be led by: Komoco, Pau Aran, Marguerite Donlon, Rémy Fichet, Liane Simmel, and Marzena Sobanska.
Additional information
Dates
February 2026
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