Berlin’s Tanztage Festival Marks 30 Years of Bold Contemporary Dance

From drag to breakdance, this festival has launched careers and redefined performance art. Now, a rare grant fuels its next bold chapter.

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2026 January 13 . 4:07 PM

1 min read

The image shows a group of people in colorful dresses dancing on a stage, with a wall in the... — The image shows a group of people in colorful dresses dancing on a stage, with a wall in the background. The people are wearing traditional Bulgarian costumes, with vibrant colors and intricate designs. They are energetically moving to the beat of the music, creating a lively atmosphere.

Berlin’s Tanztage Festival Marks 30 Years of Bold Contemporary Dance

The Tanztage festival, a renowned event for emerging choreographers and performance artists, celebrates its 30th year. Held at Berlin’s Sophiensæle, this contemporary dance festival has launched many famous artists' careers. This year, organizers received a one-off grant of €148,000 from the city’s Senate to support its 2026 edition.

The festival's core budget has remained at €120,000 annually since 2017. Despite no regular increase, the extra funding for 2026 will help sustain its role in showcasing bold and experimental work.

This year’s programme includes Carro Sharkey’s solo Did4Luv, a piece blending tumbling, breakdance, and audience interaction. Through shifting roles and costumes, Sharkey examines the instability of a performer’s life, both on and off stage. Alvin Collantes brings his drag persona, Bibingka, to the festival, exposing the relentless effort behind drag artistry. The performance strips away glamour to reveal the physical and emotional toll of the craft. Jee Chan and Naniek K. present Ratu, a duet tracing Naniek K.’s journey from traditional court dancer to model. The work explores cultural shifts and the intersections of identity in movement and storytelling.

The additional €148,000 grant will aid Tanztage in continuing its mission to platform emerging talent. With performances ranging from drag to contemporary dance, the festival remains a vital space for artists to experiment and grow. The 2026 edition runs at Sophiensæle, offering audiences a mix of raw energy and reflective storytelling.