For the second consecutive year, the open-air programme One Dance City presents dance classes and performances for everyone – free of charge and under the open sky. Beginners, enthusiasts, amateurs, debutants, and those awaiting their first encounter with the dances of today are all invited. Featuring artists from Belgium, Spain, and Albania, the module will take place at lively locations across the city: the Main Pedestrian Street, the Rowing Canal, and Tsar Simeon Garden.

We are in for five exciting days filled with captivating performances and opportunities to learn some of the movements created by the guest choreographers. Zora Snake comes from the hip-hop scene but weaves African dance elements into contemporary performance. Eduard Tamayo has developed an original movement language focused on the waist and hips, while Ayelen Parolin will bring a club-like, carnival atmosphere to the heart of Plovdiv. Ermira Goro blends traditional Balkan folk forms with contemporary techniques.

28 May – Stefan Stambolov Square, Main Street

18:00–18:20 – Collective improvisation “Lianas, a growing community” by Belgian choreographer Zora Snake and dancers

18:25–18:45 – Dance class with Zora Snake and dancers

30 May – Rowing Canal

18:00–18:20 – Performance “La Danza de la Zurda” by the Spanish dance company LaCerda

18:25–18:45 – “Mantra” dance class with choreographer Eduard Tamayo and dancers

31 May – Tsar Simeon Garden, Viennese Pavilion

13:00–13:20 – Performance “La Danza de la Zurda” by LaCerda

13:25–13:45 – “Mantra” dance class with Eduard Tamayo and dancers

4 June – Stefan Stambolov Square, Main Street

19:00–19:20 – Performance Irresistible Party by Belgian choreographer Ayelen Parolin

19:25–19:45 –  Dance class Irresistible Party with Ayelen Parolin and dancers

6 June –  Central Post, by the Clock

21:30 Performance “RIDGES” by Albanian choreographer Ermira Goro

One Dance City begins on 28 May in front of Plovdiv Municipality, by the fountains on the Main Pedestrian Street. At 18:00, five dancers from the company of Belgian choreographer Zora Snake will present a showcase featuring battles, demonstrations of different styles, and improvisation. At 18:25, Snake and the dancers will lead a collective class open to everyone who wishes to join.

On 30 May, Saturday, the Rowing Canal becomes the centre of the event. Near the stands, at 18:00, we will see the performance “La Danza de la Zurda” by the Spanish company LaCerda. Choreographer Eduard Tamayo presents the impulse of joy and life that moves us to the rhythm of music, and dance as a space for meeting and creating community. “La Danza de la Zurda” is a tribute to dance, to the desire to live and dance despite everything, and to the Latin American roots of the Barcelona-based company.

Tamayo uses his own method of creating dance, called the “mantra” method, which places strong emphasis on the connection between the legs and pelvis, the space, rhythm, and the group. His approach is inspired by dance marathons and Latin American musical rhythms. The show lasts 20 minutes, followed by an open class for residents and visitors of the city, led by Tamayo and dancers from the company.

On 31 May, Sunday, LaCerda will perform again in Tsar Simeon Garden at the Viennese Pavilion. The performance “La Danza de la Zurda” begins at 13:00. Immediately after, around 13:20, the 25-minute “mantra” class with Eduard Tamayo and the company dancers will begin.

On 4 June, Thursday, the programme continues once again on the open-air stage in front of Plovdiv Municipality, where at 19:00 Ayelen Parolin from Belgium will present Irresistible Party. Right after that, around 19:30, Parolin and dancers from her company will lead a dance class.

One Dance City concludes on 6 June by the Clock Tower at the Central Post Office, where at 21:30 the performance “RIDGES” by Albanian choreographer Ermira Goro will begin. She draws inspiration from the traditional dances, rhythms, and atmosphere of Albania, Croatia, and North Macedonia. Sharp steps, circular and linear trajectories, uneven rhythm, and constant shifts in movement — tradition, identity, and memory intersect within a small square of space. What emerges is a contemporary movement language shaped by regional heritage yet reimagined into something new — vibrant and unmistakably contemporary.

Supported by Plovdiv Municipality, One Dance City aims to introduce the public to the richness of contemporary dance entirely free of charge. As one of Europe’s most dynamic performing arts, contemporary dance increasingly moves into open urban spaces to become even more accessible and engaging. The programme is designed for all generations and for people regardless of dance skills or experience, inviting those who have never encountered this art form before.

The program is implemented with the support of the Plovdiv Municipality and is part of the city’s Cultural Calendar for 2026.