Joinville Dance Festival draws 400,000 spectators with 4,900 choreographies

The 43rd Festival de Dança de Joinville runs from 20 July to 1 August 2026 in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Organisers list roughly 4,900 choreographies and more than 16,000 dancers from every Brazilian state. The thirteen‑day programme features 13 stages across Joinville and São Francisco do Sul, with over 6,000 performances projected and an average audience of 400 000 people.

Goiás receives a special highlight as the invited guest for the opening night, presenting a rendition of “Don Quixote” performed by the Cia Jovem Basileu França together with the Orquestra Sinfônica Jovem de Goiás. Four Goiás groups will also compete in various festival sections.

Rio de Janeiro confirms the largest state participation, sending 58 groups that will present 236 choreographies, including a strong showing in jazz and contemporary dance. The festival’s Gala Night on 26 July will host international ballet stars Marcelo Gomes, Luiza Lopes, António Casalinho and Margarita Fernandes, as well as the Argentine troupe Marcos Ayala The Tango Company.