Kraków’s annual celebration of historic dance is already in full swing, with the 27th Cracovia Danza Festival transforming some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks into open-air stages. Running until 26 July 2026, the festival offers residents and visitors the chance to experience performances, workshops and cultural events free of charge in locations including Wawel Royal Castle, Rynek Główny and Plac Na Groblach.
Now in its third decade, the festival remains the only event in Poland devoted entirely to historic dance. Organised by Cracovia Danza Court Ballet, it brings together performers, choreographers and musicians from Poland and abroad, presenting centuries-old dance traditions in the heart of one of Europe’s most historic cities.
Exploring Time Through Dance
This year’s theme, Time and Clocks in Dance and Ballet, focuses on rhythm, precision, and repetition while exploring how the concept of time has inspired dance throughout history.
One of the highlights of the programme is the premiere of Czary-zegary (Magic Clocks), a newly created suite of Baroque dances inspired by the work of French composer Jean-Baptiste Lully, including his celebrated Ballet of the Hours. The production has been created by the Cracovia Danza Ballet in collaboration with the French company Compagnie HéliosKine, with choreography by Pierre-François Dollé.
International Artists Join Polish Performers
Alongside the festival’s resident company, audiences can enjoy performances by invited artists from around the world. Among this year’s international guests is Sanscriti Alaknanda from India, while the French company Compagnie HéliosKine also features in the programme.
The festival combines these international collaborations with a strong emphasis on Polish dance heritage, reflecting both local traditions and the wider cultural history of Europe and beyond.
A Festival That Welcomes Everyone
While professional performances remain at the heart of the programme, participation is equally important. Visitors are invited to join a variety of free activities throughout the week, including:
- Court dance workshops for adults
- Free workshops for children and young people as part of Kraków Tańczy pod Wawelem
- Masterclasses for professional dancers
- Performances by ballet school students
- The traditional presentation of Polish dances in Rynek Główny, ending with a community polonaise
The court dance workshops conclude with the Kraków Royal Ball, held at RYNEK.przestrzeń on Rynek Główny, where participants and spectators come together to celebrate historic social dance in an authentic setting.
Bringing History Into the Present
Since its launch in 2000, the Cracovia Danza Festival has introduced thousands of people to the world of historic dance while commissioning dozens of original productions featuring internationally recognised dancers, musicians and actors.
Rather than treating dance as a museum piece, the festival presents it as a living art form. Historic choreography, period music and carefully researched costumes come together in the city’s streets and public spaces, allowing audiences to experience centuries of cultural heritage in an accessible and engaging way.
For both first-time visitors and long-standing supporters, the festival offers an opportunity to see Kraków’s historic surroundings used as they were once intended, as places where music, movement and public celebration naturally belong.
Event Details
Event: 27th Cracovia Danza Festival
Dates: Until 26 July 2026
Locations: Wawel Royal Castle, Rynek Główny, Plac Na Groblach and other venues across Kraków
Admission: Free (selected workshops may require advance registration)
