Understanding, inclusion, solidarity, and compassion take center stage at the 31st Kalamata International Dance Festival, set to run from July 18 to 27 in the seaside city of Kalamata in the Peloponnese.
This year’s edition brings together dancers, choreographers, and troupes from Greece, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Norway, Portugal, the UK, Lebanon, and Switzerland. Over 10 days, the festival will present 20 diverse performances across iconic venues in Kalamata and throughout the Peloponnese.
The 2025 program was unveiled on Wednesday by newly appointed Artistic Director Jenny Argyriou, who also introduced a new logo symbolizing a fresh vision for the festival.
“Through the works selected this year, we witness a rich tapestry of artistic expression: different generations, geographic origins, choreographic languages, and levels of experience,” said Argyriou.
Notable highlights include performances by French dance icon Maguy Marin, award-winning Belgo-French choreographer, dancer and performer Damien Jalet, celebrated Greek choreographer Christos Papadopoulos, and Berlin-based choreographer Kat Válastur. Also featured is a work by Omar Rajeh, founder of the Maqamat company in Lebanon.
“The Kalamata International Dance Festival began as a bold idea in 1995 and evolved into a global reference point for contemporary dance,” said Deputy Culture Minister Iason Fotilas commenting on the festival’s legacy.
Kalamata Mayor Thanasis Vasilopoulos echoed the festival’s evolving mission adding that the aim is to ensure the festival “goes beyond the 10 days of July; one that actively engages the community throughout the year”.
Since its inception, the Kalamata International Dance Festival has hosted 322 performances by international companies and 136 by Greek troupes, including the debuts of 108 dance groups, solidifying its role as a major platform for contemporary dance.
Argyriou went on to emphasize her goal to activate the Kalamata Dance Megaron—the only one of its kind in Greece—as a vibrant year-round center for dance and artistic creation.
This year’s festival opens with “Mellowing” by Christos Papadopoulos: a poignant work honoring older dancers and exploring themes of movement, maturity, and aging. Featuring the Dance On Ensemble consisting of dancers over 40, and music by Greek artist Coti K, the piece premiered in Berlin in 2023.
Performances will span multiple venues including the Kalamata Dance Megaron, the Kastro Amphitheater, the Municipal Railway Park, the Kalamata Main Square, and locations across the Peloponnese such as Tripoli, Pylos, Sparti, Nafplio, Astros, Xylokastro, Ancient Olympia, and Costa Navarino.
A standout community project this year (on July 22) is “Fones” (“Voices”), choreographed by Panagiota Kallimani and featuring residents aged 50 and up from local friendship clubs. “This is the festival’s first commissioned piece created in direct collaboration with the community,” said Argyriou.
Additional works will be presented by choreographers Andrea Salustri, Frauke Requardt & David Rosenberg, Marco da Silva Ferreira, Chloé Robidoux & Anka Postic, Marianna Kavallieratos, Kat Valastur, Damien Jalet, and many more, including students of the Greek National Opera’s Professional Dance School.
Additionally, the festival will also include parallel events and happenings as well as a photo and archival exhibitions, the “Dancing On Screen” series featuring dance-related film screenings, the “Meetings Off Stage” series with panel and open discussions, professional seminars and master classes.
Argyriou made special reference to dance and movement workshops for children and people with disabilities.
For tickets, program details, and schedules, visit the official website of the 31st Kalamata International Dance Festival.
