Experimental Dance Festival Aotearoa returns after six-year break

1 October 2026

Experimental Dance Festival Aotearoa is returning to Tāmaki Makaurau this summer with its largest programme yet, bringing performances, films, talks and workshops to venues across the city.

The artist-led festival, formerly known as Experimental Dance Week Aotearoa, last ran in 2020. Its 2026 edition runs from 20 November to 12 December, with talks and workshops beginning in November before the performance programme opens on 1 December.

Across 10 venues, audiences can explore 21 projects by artists from Aotearoa and overseas. Some performances will take place in locations revealed only after booking.

Founder Alexa Wilson returns as artistic director, producer and artist, working with co-curators Kelly Nash and Dina Jezdic. Wilson says the festival’s return follows sold-out editions in 2019 and 2020.

“This year’s programme celebrates the incredible breadth of talent and creativity of our local dance community and features exciting international works for the first time too,” she says.

What’s in the programme?

The festival moves between theatres, galleries and other spaces rather than staying on one stage.

Programme	Where and when
Five video works	Audio Foundation, 1–12 December
Four talks and workshops	Wellesley Studios, beginning 20 November
Nine short works on shared bills	Pitt Street Theatre, 1–4 December
Seven longer-form works	Locations across Auckland, 5–12 December

The works draw on subjects as varied as Indigenous experiences of neurodiversity, gender and identity, family, K-pop and the everyday experience of having hair. Wilson says “experimental” does not require audiences to know the rules of dance before they arrive.

“It can be challenging, unsettling and unfamiliar, but it can also be invigorating, exciting, moving and inspiring,” she says.

The programme includes Aotearoa artists Charles Koroneho, Tru Paraha and Presley Ziogas, alongside international artists and collaborators including Chimerik, from Canada and Taiwan, and Sweden-based pavleheidler. Cassie Freeth’s work will open the festival.

Wilson says the festival is designed to support artists while keeping performances accessible to audiences. It has secured $135,000 in funding from Creative New Zealand, Foundation North, Auckland Council and Wellesley Studios.

Festival details

Dates: 20 November–12 December 2026
Performances begin: 1 December
Venues: Pitt Street Theatre, Audio Foundation, Wellesley Studios and seven off-site locations
Tickets: $25 standard, $35 for two tickets, $17.50 concession, or $245 for a festival pass

Festival programme and booking details are available from Experimental Dance Festival Aotearoa.