The Swiss Dance Days were a huge success. The promotion platform that supports the independent Swiss dance scene was organised in cooperation with Fabriktheater Rote Fabrik, Gessnerallee, Schauspielhaus, Theater Neumarkt, Tanzhaus, ZHdK and Reso – Dancenetwork Switzerland. Zirkusquartier served as an additional venue. Almost all the 26 public shows were sold out and welcomed – including the closing party – a total of 3800 visitors.

Lots of networking, lots of programmers
The vibrant atmosphere at the opening, the impressive turnout for the performances, engaging discussions and extensive networking opportunities have left us thoroughly delighted. We welcomed roughly 230 national and international presenters (incl. from Argentina, Haiti, South Korea, Tunisia and Nigeria) to Zurich – a third more than at the last edition in 2022. This all goes to show that Swiss-based artists and their works are in high demand. Over 160 artists were part of the Swiss Dance Days. We intentionally designed an intimate supporting program with the opening evening, a party, a dynamic festival centre and the Salons d'artistes, showcasing the work of four Swiss-based artists, to provide ample breakout space for networking. 

15 works from 218 entries
Out of the 218 productions entered, the five-person jury, consisting of Joanna Lesnierowska (curator and visual dramaturge, Grisons), Laurence Perez (curator, Marseille/Lausanne/Zurich), Emanuel Rosenberg (choreographer & festival director, Ticino), Simone Truong (choreographer, Zurich), Laurence Wagner (curator & director Festival Belluard Bollwerk, Fribourg), selected 15 inspiring works that were shown during the five days in Zurich. The notable increase in entries – surpassing the usual number by a significant margin – underscores the growing impact of dance within the world of performative arts.

We look forward to welcoming you in Zurich from February 28 to March 3! For a better overview of events, our website now features a calendar view of our programme. Ticket sales are ongoing, and there are still seats available. We recommend booking early. 

In the meantime, our brand-new Instagram account @swissdancedays offers a preview of the festival…

We look forward to welcoming you to Zurich from February 28 to March 3, 2024. Reso - Dance Network Switzerland joins its partner organizations – Fabriktheater Rote Fabrik, Gessnerallee, Schauspielhaus, Theater Neumarkt, Tanzhaus, ZHdK – in proudly presenting an exceptional programme of dance pieces by companies and artists from all over Switzerland.

Meet presenters from around the world and connect with Swiss choreographers, dancers and dance practitioners during the 2024 Swiss Dance Days.

For this year’s edition of the Swiss Dance Days, we offer an Early Bird and a Late Bird hotel accommodation policy for presenters, kindly supported by Pro Helvetia - Swiss Arts Council. The booking process starts today. Be sure to take advantage of our offers in good time. Book your tour and hotel accommodation now! The Early Bird period lasts until 14 January.

Among 218 productions viewed, the jury has chosen 15 inspiring pieces reflecting the current diversity of contemporary Swiss creativity in dance. The Swiss Dance Days will take place from February 28 to March 3, 2024. The partner organizations – Fabriktheater Rote Fabrik, Gessnerallee, Theater Neumarkt, Schauspielhaus, Tanzhaus, ZHdK and Reso – wish to thank the five jury members for their dedicated work: Joanna Lesnierowska, Laurence Perez, Emanuel Rosenberg, Simone Truong and Laurence Wagner.

Congratulations to the companies of the final selection:

Élie Autin / Cie Les Bacchantes – Présage
Alexandra Bachzetsis – 2020: Obscene
Maud Blandel / ILKA – L’œil nu
Géraldine Chollet / Cie Rahu LaMo – OUVERTURE - piece for dancers and walking audience
The Field / Rafał Pierzyński, Isabel Lewis – Scalable Skeletal Escalator
Delgado Fuchs – DOS
Mélissa Guex – Rapunzel
Trajal Harrell / Schauspielhaus Zürich Dance Ensemble – Monkey off My Back or the Cat’s Meow
ZOO / Thomas Hauert – Efeu
Jeremy Nedd & Impilo Mapantsula – How a falling star lit up the purple sky
Pierre Piton – Open/Closed
Alessandro Schiattarella – Zer-Brech-Lich 
Cindy Van Acker / Cie Greffe – Without References 
Teresa Vittucci, Annina Machaz & Theater HORA – SACRE!
Rebecca Weingartner – SOLIDARITY!

National and international presenters who are interested in the Swiss Dance Days can subscribe to our Newsletter in order to receive comprehensive information on the programme and how to participate. Please save the date!

Professional attendees and programmers may register from December 2023 onwards, benefitting from reduced admission and accommodation at our partner hotel, which we are able to offer thanks to the Swiss arts council Pro Helvetia.