Real Dance Festival

Third Edition — Rapid Growth

Founded in Hannover in 2024, the Real Dance Festival has established itself as a major player in the German dance landscape within three years. The initiative aims to present international contemporary dance forms, urban dance cultures, and experimental performances on a common platform—without hierarchical separation between elite culture and urban art. With 2026, the festival enters its third edition; the mix of venues—Staatstheater, Kunstverein, and Neues Rathaus—signals its integration into multiple cultural milieus.

Opening with A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

The festival opens on January 28, 2026, with A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, the New York company founded in 2006 by choreographer Kyle Abraham. Abraham, whose work blends classical, contemporary dance, Hip-Hop, and postmodern styles, is considered one of the most distinguished choreographers in the USA. His productions have been shown at venues such as New York Live Arts, the Lincoln Center, and internationally. The Hannover performance is part of the company's European tour.

Performances by International and German Companies

Between the opening and closing events, performances by various international and German companies will be spread over several days. The exact program is continuously updated by the festival. Experience shows that the selection includes solo performances, ensemble pieces, and experimental formats. The venues are used strategically: large stage formats at the Staatstheater, intimate studio settings at the Kunstverein, and unusual spaces in the Neues Rathaus.

No-Boundaries-Battle as the Finale

The finale is a No-Boundaries-Battle. Dancers from a wide range of styles—Hip-Hop, Breakdance, Voguing, House, contemporary dance, Modern, Krump—compete against each other in open battles. A jury of experts evaluates, and the audience responds. The format dissolves the classic boundary between performance and competition, making dance immediately tangible.

Workshops, Talks, Film Screenings

Accompanying the stage program, the festival offers workshops for professionals and ambitious amateurs, talks with choreographers and dancers, film screenings, and participatory formats. Those who want to experience the festival not just as spectators can also become active themselves.

Hannover as a Dance City

For decades, Hannover has been an important center for the German dance scene, with the Staatsballett, the independent scene, and several universities. The Real Dance Festival complements this profile with an international platform that visibly positions Hannover on the European dance map.