International Dance Day Fest Kicks Off With Opening Gala

Marking the first day of the International Dance Day Fest 2026, the performance by the American Ballet Theatre was attended by a diverse audience in a festive atmosphere.

For an audience to see choreographies featuring multiple split leaps simultaneously, a round of applause and a standing ovation are an inevitable response. The opening gala of International Dance Day Fest, performed by the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, was just that. After all, it was an evening that presented its viewers with a wide range of musical selections, spanning from classical to contemporary ballet.

To kick off the week-long celebration of International Dance Day Fest 2026, ballet was the genre welcoming attendees on the first day. Even before the event started, the lobby was packed with people from diverse backgrounds: artists, designers, and even students. As one might expect in a bustling setting, it was far from quiet. True to a typical festival atmosphere, despite being indoors, the space was filled with loud music, and dancers from different genres formed a circle in the middle, engaging in an energetic dance jam.

Upon entering the auditorium, the audience was greeted by familiar faces. Designers Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo were seen chatting with other attendees, while Sofia Zobel Elizalde, founder of Steps Dance Studio and a representative of Ayala Land, was also around, warmly greeting guests before the program and during the break. National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes was likewise present and was given a special spotlight and recognition for her presence.

When the program started and people settled into their seats, the performance showcased the diversity described by the International Dance Day Fest, as the curation didn’t remain confined to a single genre. It featured three classical ballets, one modern interpretation of a classical work, three neoclassical pieces, and one contemporary ballet. Each performance conveyed a different mood, with musical selections ranging from classical pieces to country, jazz, and eclectic scores.

After the show, artistic director Sascha Radetsky was surrounded by people congratulating him on a successful event. In a brief talk with Vogue Philippines, he said that his first time at the International Dance Day Fest was quite remarkable. “I think it’s a great place for ideas to mix and for people to be exposed to different types of dance and perspectives. That kind of diversity is what’s going to propel the art form,” he says.

The ballerinas and danseurs who were the apple of the audience’s eye that night also came from around the world. Each was given a spotlight by performing solos, duets, trios, and ensemble pieces, which allowed them to present their individual styles. Sure enough, principal dancers Christine Shevchenko and Thomas Forster earned a standing ovation from the crowd. Along with them were the younger dancers who, after the event, were swarmed in the lobby by friends, family, and students wanting pictures: Kayla Mak, Kiera Sun, Youngjae Park, and Geonhee Park.

With this performance ending in applause and cheers from the audience, the American Ballet Theatre’s connection with the Philippine crowd has remained consistent in promoting the arts. Even before this, they have been partnering with local institutions to support Filipino talent and arts education, just like Steps Dance Studio.

1/10
2/10
3/10
4/10
5/10
6/10
7/10
8/10
9/10
10/10

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the International Dance Day Fest?

The International Dance Day Fest is a week-long celebration organized by Ayala Land, Make it Makati, and the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre to honor International Dance Day. Each day, performers from different dance genres, including ballet, folk dance, and street dance, take the stage.