Celebrating Dance from Around the World in New Orleans
The International Dance Festival New Orleans is returning in September 2025 for its third rendition.
The festival will take place from Thursday, September 4 to Sunday, September 7. It will include dance performances, masterclasses from teachers around the world, and showcases of film that highlights dance. The different events of the weekend will be held in a few different locations, including New Marigny Theatre, the Pitot House, the Broad Theater, and McWilliam's Hall at Tulane University's Uptown Campus.
Started in 2023 by Tulane University Professor of Dance and New Media Leslie Scott, the festival was created as a way to bring dancers from the Gulf South together with dancers from around the world. It all began with the close relationship Scott's dance studio, BODYART Dance Company, maintained with two dance companies in Chile: Corredor de Danza Valparaíso and Centro de Experimentación Escénica. Since then, the festival has expanded to include a diverse array of attendees who are interested in the intersection of dance and film.
The Schedule
Thursday, September 4 will see a main stage performance at 7:30 p.m. at New Marigny Theatre, featuring dancers Evelyn Tejada, Claire Olberding, Madeline Lorio, Amalia Nejera, and Paty Solórzan.
On Friday, September 5, there are a variety of events for attendees to choose from, starting off with a dance film workshop at Pitot House from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The second event of the day is an installation performance by Jeremy De'jon Guyton at New Marigny Theatre from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Then, there is a Louisiana Dance Alliance Mixer at 7:30 p.m. at the New Marigny Theatre. To close out the day, there is a 7:30 p.m. performance at New Marigny Theatre featuring dancers Diogo de Lima, Nicole Curtis, and Chloe Roberts.
Saturday, September 6 will have a series of masterclasses to attend at Tulane University's McWilliam's Hall, taking place between 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will also be a dance film showcase at Broad Theatre starting at 4:30 p.m. The last event of the day will be a main stage performance at New Marigny Theatre featuring dancers Kayla Farrish, Charlemagne Kabore, and Julia Eichten.
For the last day, Sunday, September 7, there will be a bounce line dance masterclass at McWilliams Hall with Kristal Jones from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. To close out the weekend, there will be an artist connection event at McWilliams Hall at 11:30 a.m.
Tickets
Tickets for the festival can be purchased on an event-by-event basis, with prices ranging from free to $50. Find more information about ticketing here.
Those visiting New Orleans for the festival are encouraged to travel by plane to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport (MSY) or by Amtrack train. The International Dance Festival New Orleans website encourages attendees to look into the following hotels, which are conveniently located near the events: Hotel Peter and Paul, Best Western Plus St. Charles Inn, and the Hampton Inn Garden District. Looking for a bed and breakfast while in NOLA for the fest? Check out our list of the best New Orleans B&B's!
