schrit_tmacher Festival — just dance!
31st edition of the cross-border contemporary dance festival in Aachen, Heerlen, Kerkrade, Eupen and Sittard
About schrit_tmacher
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A Festival Across Three Countries
The schrit_tmacher Festival is a unique feature in the European dance landscape: it takes place simultaneously in Aachen (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany), Heerlen, Kerkrade, Sittard (Limburg, Netherlands), and Eupen (East Belgium). This cross-border constellation is part of the program: the Meuse-Rhine Euregio becomes a unified stage for world-class contemporary dance. The 31st edition runs from February 24 to March 29, 2026.
What's New in 2026
- New Festival Director Yvonne Eibig takes over the artistic direction of the German program section
- Move to Theater Aachen as the new main venue — the festival leaves the Aachen factory hall where it was based for many years
- Expanded focus on talent development and youth programs
- Festival theme: Dance as a "social bridge" — embodiment, human origin, the relationship between body and mind
The 2026 Program Highlights
- Nederlands Dans Theater 1 (NDT 1) — one of the most renowned contemporary dance companies in the world, based in The Hague
- Tao Dance Theatre from Beijing — Tao Ye's minimalist works have shaped the international avant-garde for years
- Dickson Mbi Company — the British choreographer combines African dance traditions with contemporary practice
- Humo y Polvo — an emerging company from the Latin American scene
- Further guest performances, co-productions, and discourse formats
schrit_tmacher in Aachen's Theater Scene
Aachen — Germany's westernmost major city, a university and imperial city — is a vibrant hub for performing arts. With the move to the prestigious Theater Aachen (main venue near the Ludwig Forum), schrit_tmacher gains the visibility the festival has built over its 30-year history. Aachen is located in the StädteRegion Aachen district and is excellently connected to the other venues via the Dutch and Belgian public transport network.
Euregio Concept
The parallel programs in Heerlen (Netherlands, at Cultuurhuis and SCHUNCK), Kerkrade, Sittard, and Eupen (Belgium) form a unified festival schedule together with Aachen. Visitors can attend multiple performances in different countries with a pass — an experience that is unique in Europe in this geographical density.
schrit_tmacher — edition 2026
The 31st edition of the schrit_tmacher Festival marks a new beginning: with the new director Yvonne Eibig and the move to the Theater Aachen as the main venue, the most important dance festival of the Meuse-Rhine Euregio presents an international program from February 24 to March 29, 2026. Key companies include the Nederlands Dans Theater 1, the Chinese Tao Dance Theatre, the Dickson Mbi Company from Great Britain, and the Latin American group Humo y Polvo.
Programme schrit_tmacher 2026
Featured Companies 2026
- Nederlands Dans Theater 1 (NDT 1) — one of the most renowned contemporary dance companies in the world
- Tao Dance Theatre (Beijing) — minimalist works from China
- Dickson Mbi Company (Great Britain) — African-contemporary fusion
- Humo y Polvo — emerging Latin American voice
Venues
- Aachen, Germany — Theater Aachen (main venue 2026, new) and other Aachen stages
- Heerlen, Netherlands — Cultuurhuis Heerlen, SCHUNCK
- Kerkrade, Netherlands
- Sittard, Netherlands
- Eupen, Belgium
Focus Areas
- Expanded talent development program
- Increased youth program
- Discourse formats on the festival theme "Dance as a social bridge"
Tickets and program: schrittmacherfestival.de · reservix.de
Highlights schrit_tmacher 2026
Prices schrit_tmacher 2026
Practical information — schrit_tmacher
Getting to Aachen
ICE/Thalys to Aachen Hbf, then city bus 5 to Theater Aachen. By car: A4/A44 exit Aachen. Direct train connections to Heerlen (40 min) and Eupen (30 min).
Tickets
Advance booking via schrittmacherfestival.de and reservix.de (see program overview). Festival pass for multiple performances recommended.
Tip
If you fancy a "dance Eurotrip" day, combine an Aachen performance with one in Heerlen or Eupen — train connections make it easy.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place schrit_tmacher
Theater Aachen (Hauptspielstätte) sowie Heerlen, Kerkrade, Eupen, Sittard
Theaterplatz 1, 52062 Aachen