The 18th International Dance Biennale

The Biennale is a major international event that brings together over 40 dance companies from all over the world, all of which will be performing in numerous locations throughout the city of Lyon. 

This year, the Biennale will be focusing on the close connections between dancing and digital images.

No biases here: all forms of dancing will be in the spotlight – modern, jazz, urban and circus representations, with one or two-person formations alternating with shows performed by whole hosts of dancers, and with specialised and contemporary forms of dancing alongside more accessible forms such as hip hop, circus arts, etc.

During this biennale, the whole of Lyon will be dancing: parades, flash mobs, dancing lessons in squares, and open-air shows.

This year, the biennale will be joining forces with the Heritage Days event (Les Journées du Patrimoine) by creating a trail aimed at highlighting both architecture and dance at the Gallo-Roman Lugdunum museum. 

That same weekend, don’t miss the Peace Walk (Le Défilé pour la Paix) which will be taking to the streets on Sunday 16th September 2018 at 2.30 pm, for the largest choreographed parade in Europe (4,500 to 5,000 dancers, plus floats!), which will be going down Rue de la République from Place des Terreaux to Place Bellecour, where the parade will arrive at 5 pm.
At 5.30 pm, the great participative finale show will be orchestrated by the choreographer Yoan Bourgeois, and will include circus artists and amateur dancers performing to the strains of Imagine by John Lennon (an ode to peace voted best song of the century). See the video to prepare your participation!

As for its programme, the Biennale will be putting on 42 shows, including 27 creations.
Well worth seeing are the shows of Mourad Merzouki, Angelin Preljocaj, the corps de ballet of Lyon in a dance-theatre show, Maguy Marin, a tribute to Merce Cunningham by the corps de ballet of Angers, as well as the connected dance shows.

Another interesting (and free!) event will be the performance by French dancer Jérôme Bel in the chapel of the Hôtel-Dieu. 

There will also be shows, workshops, introductions, exhibitions, movie screenings, theatre visits, public rehearsals, free dances and dancing lessons at the Part-Dieu shopping centre at 6 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Meet artists and journalists at Café Danse, 3 rue Grôlée, Lyon 2, which will be hosting small events in a relaxed atmosphere, as well as a pop-up library.

La Biennale is a celebration of all forms of creativity, young talents and stars from the dance world – their enthusiasm and party spirit will be spreading through Lyon like wildfire!

Lyon loves dancing, and dancing loves Lyon!

Practical information

Book your tickets at the Tourist Information pavilion in Place Bellecour (between 9 am and 6 pm), on line, over the phone at +33(0)427466565, or through the post.

This year, an effort has been made to ensure attractive, cheaper rates with discounts for young people.

Enjoy reduced rates on biennale shows with the Lyon City Card