21st Busan International Dance Festival Brings Over 50 Dance Performances to the City

Busan, South Korea — The 21st Busan International Dance Festival (BIDF) will be held from June 4 to June 8, 2025, across various venues in Busan, including Busan Cinema Center Haneulyeon Theater, Haeundae Beach, and Gwangalli Beach. The festival will feature more than 30 international dance troupes from 9 countries, offering a wide range of performances, workshops, and public events.

Among the highlights of the festival is the Asian premiere of <Carmina Burana>, performed by the Szeged Contemporary Ballet from Hungary. The performance, based on Carl Orff’s famous cantata, has been staged over 400 times globally and will mark the first time it is presented in Asia. This work, which blends classical ballet with contemporary dance, has received acclaim for its artistic depth and emotional resonance.

In addition to the main performances, the festival will also feature a series of street performances and community events. On June 6 and 7, Haeundae Beach will host performances that include street dance, folk dance, contemporary ballet, and classical ballet. These performances aim to make dance more accessible to the public in open-air settings, offering an opportunity for both residents and visitors to experience world-class dance in a relaxed and informal environment.

A noteworthy addition to this year’s festival is the collaboration between South Korea and France, with the contemporary dance piece <No Matter> being presented for the first time in Busan. This joint project, created through the Busan-Cannes collaboration, explores themes of identity and cultural exchange. It will be performed on June 6 at Haeundae Beach and June 8 at Movie Theater Haneul.

The festival also includes a variety of educational programs, such as open workshops on modern ballet and classical ballet techniques. These workshops are designed for students as well as the general public, providing opportunities to learn from professional dancers and deepen their engagement with the art form.

The Busan International Dance Festival plays a significant role in promoting the city’s cultural development and its position as a cultural hub in South Korea. The festival not only provides a platform for international artists to showcase their work but also encourages cultural exchange through the arts. Busan Mayor Park Hyung-joon has highlighted the event’s role in enhancing the city’s global cultural presence and contributing to the local economy by attracting visitors and cultural tourism.

Tickets for the Szeged Contemporary Ballet’s <Carmina Burana> can be purchased through Interpark Ticket and the Movie Theater Haneul website. Some performances, including the street events and public performances at Haeundae Beach, will be free for attendees.

The complete schedule, ticket information, and updates on the festival can be found on the official Busan International Dance Festival website.

The 21st Busan International Dance Festival will offer a wide range of performances that highlight the diversity of global dance, providing audiences with the opportunity to experience both established and emerging international artists.