Florence Dance Festival 2025: When Dance Takes Over Florence’s Summer Nights

If you’re planning to be in Tuscany this summer, here’s an insider tip you won’t want to miss: the Florence Dance Festival is back, lighting up the city from June 23 to July 24, 2025, with an exciting calendar of performances, international artists, and plenty of that unique Florentine atmosphere.

Celebrating its 36th edition, this iconic festival has become one of the most prestigious cultural events in Italy. Behind the scenes, founders Marga Nativo and Keith Ferrone continue to lead the project with passion, transforming Florence into a true capital of performing arts — all with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Regione Toscana, the City of Florence, and key partners like Fondazione CR Firenze and the U.S. Consulate General.

Florence Dance Festival: An Open-Air Stage in a UNESCO Treasure

One of the most fascinating parts of the Florence Dance Festival? The venue.

The Florence Dance Festival takes place in the magnificent Chiostro Maggiore of Santa Maria Novella, one of Florence’s most historic spaces and part of its UNESCO World Heritage site. Imagine watching contemporary dance surrounded by Renaissance arches, with the Tuscan sky above — it’s that kind of experience.

The setup is impressive: a circular stage in the center of the cloister, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and raised seating for 400 guests. Plus, there’s a gourmet bar service curated by Il Sorriso Ricevimenti, so you can sip a glass of wine or enjoy local flavors before the show.

What’s on the Program for 2025?

The 2025 edition brings together some of the world’s most acclaimed dance companies, blending tradition, innovation, and cultural exchange. It all starts on Saturday, June 28, with the legendary Compañía Antonio Gades from Madrid performing their powerful version of Carmen. Directed by Antonio Gades and Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura, this production combines flamenco rhythms with Bizet’s famous score in a passionate, cinematic interpretation that celebrates 150 years of Carmen.

For Gades, Carmen represents more than a love story — it’s about a woman’s fight for freedom, making it as relevant today as ever. And trust me, seeing flamenco brought to life in the heart of Florence is an experience you won’t forget.

Here’s a look at the confirmed shows for this year’s edition:

Date	Performance Title	Tickets from
June 28	Compañía Antonio Gades – Carmen	€33.00
July 1	Yue Yin Contemporary Dance Company – Ripple & The Fracture of Light	€22.00
July 7	Peridance CDC, New York – New Perspectives	€22.00
July 8	Kinesis Contemporary Dance – The Manifesto & Mystes Dance	€22.00
July 10	La Sicilia dei fratelli Florio – L’inizio	€19.80
July 12	Nuovo Balletto di Toscana – Ouvertures	€22.00
July 13	Danilo Rea & Michel Godard	€16.50
July 15	MM Contemporary Dance – Skrik – Weirdo	€19.80
July 20	Twilight in the Round	€22.00
July 22	Lewis Major Projects	€33.00
July 23	Balletto di Venezia – Stelle di Domani	€19.80

How to Get Tickets

Tickets are already available online and prices vary by show, starting from €16.50 to €33.00. It’s always a good idea to book in advance, especially for popular performances like Carmen, which tend to sell out quickly.

Florence Beyond the Festival

Looking for more unforgettable experiences? Explore our full Tuscany Events Calendar and plan your perfect trip!

Of course, Florence is always magical, but there’s something special about summer evenings in the city. After the show, take a stroll through Piazza Santa Maria Novella, enjoy a gelato by the Arno, or book a late dinner at one of the hidden trattorias nearby. If you want a classic American-style break during the day, the Hard Rock Cafe Florence, just steps from the Duomo, is a fun spot for lunch before an evening of dance.

Ready to Experience Dance Under the Tuscan Sky?

You can find the full program and more information on the official website: www.florencedancefestival.org