The Vail Dance Festival opens Friday, July 31, 2026, launching an 11-day celebration of dance featuring world premieres, internationally acclaimed artists, and a milestone season marking 20 years under the artistic direction of Damian Woetzel.
Running July 31–August 10, 2026, the Festival brings together artists from across the dance world for 13 performances and more than 30 events throughout Vail, Beaver Creek and Avon, Colorado.
This year’s Festival features celebrated choreographer Alexei Ratmansky as Artist-In-Residence; performances by the Martha Graham Dance Company during its centennial season; Rennie Harris Puremovement American Street Dance Theater in its Festival debut; Colorado Ballet and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance; and artists from New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Trinity Irish Dance Company, Royal Danish Ballet, Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, and other leading companies.
“This season gathers such a brilliant assortment of artists, and we’re all looking forward to the creative work about to unfold in the mountains,” said Artistic Director Damian Woetzel.
“From beloved masterworks and iconic companies to new creations and unexpected collaborations, each performance offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience the breadth and vitality of dance as it is today. We look forward to welcoming artists and audiences alike for another unforgettable summer in Vail.”
Performance Highlights
- Friday, July 31 – Opening Night featuring artists from New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Martha Graham Dance Company, Rennie Harris Puremovement and Colorado Ballet.
- Saturday, Aug. 1 – Martha Graham Dance Company presents its only Colorado performance of its GRAHAM100: The Centennial Celebration world tour.
- Sunday, Aug. 2 – UpClose with Damian Woetzel offers unique behind-the-scenes access to the preparations for Festival performances with some of today’s biggest dance stars.
- Monday, Aug. 3 – State of Grace presents dance luminaries and signature works including George Balanchine’s timeless Serenade with Colorado Ballet and Festival stars, along with the National Repertory Orchestra.
- Tuesday, Aug. 4 – Dance for $20.26 offers a night of affordable pricing and a high-energy performance that features a range of styles including hip-hop, tap, ballet, and more.
- Wednesday, Aug. 5 – Legendary “Balanchine Ballerina” Heather Watts offers a look at the next generation of dance stars in Watching Dance, and Rennie Harris Puremovement American Street Dance Theater makes its Vail Dance Festival debut in Nuttin’ But A Word featuring a full evening of hip-hop and street dance styles.
- Thursday, Aug. 6 – Free Dancing in the Park community performance at Nottingham Park in Avon.
- Friday–Saturday, Aug. 7 & 8 – The Festival’s signature International Evenings of Dance, featuring three different performances each offering one-of-a-kind collaborations, role debuts, and world-class performances by leading artists from around the globe.
- Sunday, Aug. 9 – Colorado Dancesfeatures performances by Colorado Ballet and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.
- Monday, Aug. 10 – NOW: Premieres closes the Festival with world premieres and new works created especially for Vail.
Additional Vail Dance Festival performances and programs, including Master Classes, Dancing in the Streets, and the popular Conversations on Dance live recording, can be found online at vaildance.org.
Casting and repertory are subject to change. Please refer to vaildance.org for up-to-date casting and programming for each performance.
