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DDF News — 7 Nov 2025

First programme announcement for DDF2026

2026 Highlights Announcement LEAD

We're delighted to make the first announcement about our 2026 Edition of the Festival, which will take place 30 April – 16 May 2026.

Tickets on sale from 9am Friday 14th November 2025.

The world’s foremost gender-skewing comic ballet company will return to Dublin on their 50th Anniversary Tour to open the Festival at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. For 50 years, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (affectionately known as the Trocks) have been delighting audiences of all ages with sell-out performances showcasing their fabulous sense of fun and flawless classical technique. This convention-breaking corps de ballet pirouettes their way through beloved classics, turning tradition on its head with dazzling precision and uproarious humour. Founded in New York in 1974, the Trocks have become an international sensation – beloved by ballet aficionados and newcomers alike. Audiences can expect sassy spoofs, fierce false eyelashes and larger-than-life personas paired with virtuosic pointe work and immaculate technique, all combining to create pure theatrical joy. For two nights only, Thursday 30th April and Friday 1st May.

“The funniest night you’ll ever have at the ballet” – The Guardian
Four male ballerinas dance to Swan Lake
Male ballerinas pose together wearing pink and purple tutus
© Zoran Jelenic
A male ballerina peeps out for the stage curtains and laughs with a melodramatic flair
© Ralph Arvesen
Group party photo of male ballerinas in bright colour tutus, holding balloons, party hats and a cake with a 50 sign on it
© Zoran Jelenic
Four male ballerinas pose in classical style wearing soft pink dresses against a black backdrop
© José Luis Marrero Medina

At The Ark, Northern Ireland’s Maiden Voyage Dance will be presenting Moonlight Dream, a magical adventure to the moon for children aged 3-6 and their grownups. Inspired by the soothing rituals of bedtime with cozy stories, quiet moments and soft lullabies, this ethereal dance and music experience has been created by choreographer Georgia Tegou with original music by composer Ursula Burns. A sensory-rich adventure with live music, flowing movement, and glowing lightscapes, Moonlight Dream follows a curious child, a caring bear and a mischievous fox as they explore the night sky and discover the limitless possibilities of the dream world. With performances at The Ark Thursday 7th May – Sunday 10th May (including relaxed and audio-described performances and touch tours) this inclusive performance is perfect as a first theatre experience and a joyful way to snuggle up, spark imagination, and bond.

“A gorgeous snuggle of a show” – ‘Alan in Belfast’ Blog
On stage, a performers dressed in white lies with her head on a glowing globe with another shining in the background
© Ciarán Bagnall
A woman with red hair plays the harp
© Ciarán Bagnall
A dancer leans back on one leg with the other high in the air and arms outstretched. A full moon glows in the background.
© Ciarán Bagnall
Three performers in a huddle on stage with a full moon behind them
© Ciarán Bagnall
Two performers lift a third high above their heads as she reaches for the full moon in the distance
© Ciarán Bagnall

Tickets on sale from 9am Friday 14th November 2025.

The full programme for Dublin Dance Festival’s 2026 Edition will be announced in early March 2026.

MEDIA INFORMATION
For further media information please contact Stephanie Dickenson | 087 993 7650 | stephaniedickenson12@gmail.com.


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