Colombia Prepares for International Dance Biennial in Cali

Written on 10/24/2025
Caroll Viana

Colombia prepares for the Seventh International Dance Biennial, an event featuring the participation of seven countries set in Cali. Credit: Maira Lins, CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Cali, Colombia, will once again become the world capital of dance with the celebration of the Seventh International Dance Biennial — an event that promises a week full of rhythm, diversity, and art from November 11 to November 17, 2025. Organized by Proartes, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Cali, the Ministry of Culture, and various national and international institutions, the Biennial will bring together 500 dancers from seven countries.

Since its first edition in 2013, the Biennial has served as a platform for dialogue between genres, generations, and cultures through the universal language of the body. In 2025, this major event returns with a program designed to surprise and inspire all attendees.

Seventh International Dance Biennial in Cali, Colombia: A celebration of movement and diversity

The 2025 edition will feature more than 500 dancers from seven invited countries, who will fill Cali’s stages with 28 performances of contemporary, folkloric, and urban dance across different venues throughout the city. For seven days, audiences will experience performances that explore Colombia’s cultural roots and its connection to the world.

From Mexico, the Ballet Folklórico of the Universidad Veracruzana will present Rostros de Veracruz, a colorful tribute to the country’s rich cultural and musical heritage. Brazil will be represented by the São Paulo City Ballet, performing Requiem de Ligetti, a powerful piece that blends technique, emotion, and stage depth.

Europe will also have a strong presence: France and the Caribbean will contribute the works of Leo Lerus from Martinique with Goujnou; the renowned Ballet Preljocaj with Gravite; and Lazaro Benitez with Occupation 2.

Germany will participate with the duo Panzetti Ticconi, who will present Harleking and Aérea, visual and sound explorations that push the limits of the body. Switzerland and the United States will join forces through choreographer Ruth Childs, who will pay tribute to her aunt, the legendary Lucinda Childs, with historical pieces such as Pasttime and Calico Mingling. Swiss artist Nicole Morel will also take part with her piece Briks.

Meanwhile, Spain, represented by Catalonia, will bring three internationally acclaimed performances: La Veronal with Sonoma; Mal Pelo with Bach; and the duo Aurora Bauzá & Pere Jou with A Beginning 16161D, works that blend music, performance, and emotional expression.

“This year we have a Catalan focus, which we believe is one of the main novelties. We will have five Catalan companies, including La Veronal, considered one of the best in Europe and the world today. Also joining us are Aurora Bauzá & Pere Jou and other Catalan artists worth discovering,” said Juan Pablo López Otero, Artistic Director of the Biennial.