Events Planner: Dance events

Find ballet to tango, from Finland to Argentina

FINLAND

FINLAND

27-31 July, Full Moon Dance Festival, Pyhajarvi

Pyhajarvi, located in the centre of Finland, is home to an annual dance festival which has been running since 1992. This year, in addition to the live performances, there will be screenings of national and international dance films as well as workshops in "bodywork", "danceability" (improvisational workshops for abled and disabled dancers), and various workshops on contemporary dance for adults and children. The focus of the festival is predominately on contemporary dance and young choreographers, which has meant that over the years, Pyhajarvi has played a pivotal role in Finnish modern dance. Consequently the festival draws some big names, despite the diminutive size of the town. Performances take place in venues across the town. Tickets cost €16 (£11.40) for adults and €13 (£9.30) for concessions. A festival pass costs €130 (£93), which gains entry to all performances. Tickets and further information: 00 358 8769 7144; www.pyhajarvi.fi

FRANCE

13-28 July, Vaison-la-Romaine Festival

Last year's festival in the medieval Provençal town of Vaison la Romaine focused mainly on Latin dance, but this year the spectrum has broadened to include world dance and music. Productions include a comic musical, Zazou, a love story set in the 1940s, and several modern interpretations, including one set to hip hop. The backdrop offers a stark contrast - the Théâtre Antique is an outdoor amphitheatre which dates back to the first century. Shows on 13, 16, 19, 22, 24 and 28 July. Ticket prices range from €12 (£8.50) to €40 (£28.50). Tickets and further information: 0033 490 287 474; www.vaison-festival.com

ITALY

Until 30 July, Contemporary Dance Festival, Venice

This is the festival's second year, and to describe the programme as eclectic would be an understatement. Of the 16 international troupes taking part, one of the most unusual productions is Rave, performed by yoga and Ninja specialists, ballet and Bollywood dancers. Yesterday marked the start of the "new world" of dance (June focused on the "old world"), with several contemporary interpretations including a performance from the Lines Ballet, choreographed by Alonzo King, and a show choreographed by the Cuban, Isabel Bustos. Productions take place in the Teatro Piccolo Arsenale, the Corderie dell'Arsenale, the Teatro alle Tese and the Pala Fenice. Ticket prices range from €8 (£5.70) to €20 (£14) depending on seat and performance. A festival pass is available for €60 (£43) which gives access to six performances. Tickets and further information: 0039 0412 424; www.labiennale.org

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

23 July-1 August, Merengue Festival, Santo Domingo

Merengue is the national dance of the Dominican Republic, and for 10 days each summer the streets of Santo Domingo on the south east coast of the island are devoted to it, during the Merengue festival. There are two conflicting claims of how merengue began. The first is that that the dance dates from the days of slavery, when chained slaves were forced to drag one leg behind the other while they cut sugar to a drum beat. The second is that a during a home-coming party for a national revolutionary hero who had been wounded in the leg, people felt obliged to dance with limps out of sympathy for the soldier. Whatever its origins, this festival celebrates in grand style with a diverse array of attractions, including music and dancing plus craft, food and drink fairs, ensuring visitors are kept occupied into the small hours. It is free. Further information: 001 809 221 4660; www.dominicana.com.do/festival-merengue.html

ARGENTINA

10-17 October, World Tango Festival, Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires celebrates Argentina's favourite dance on several occasions throughout the year, including at the World Tango Festival in October. In its short history (this is its third year) the festival has attracted participants from more than 30 countries, with some of the biggest names in tango coming to the city to strut their sultry stuff. It is a celebration for enthusiasts of all levels - anyone with two left feet can marvel at the quick-heeled pace of professional dancers such as Juan Carlos Copes (who counts Liza Minelli as one of his students). Performances take place in venues across the city, and there are also a number of classes for the general public. Master classes are taught by some of the most proficient and well-known tango dancers, including Copes. Once you've mastered the steps, you can attend tango evenings in cafes, dance clubs and ballrooms across the city, and well into the night. Packages, including classes and rooms, are available at www.worldtangofestival.com.ar. For tickets and for further details call Aerolineas Argentinas on 020-7290 7888.

USA

Until 24 July, American Dance Festival, Durham, North Carolina

The theme of this year's festival is Mapping Modern Dance, with events taking place within the Duke's University campus.

Forty performances from 17 international and local dance troupes are set to entertain the crowds expected to attend each Saturday throughout July. Some of the participating nations are Argentina, Russia, Israel and Spain, as well as a strong presence of home-grown talent. The festival will also incorporate a Festival of the Feet showcasing the techniques of different kinds of dance from tap to flamenco. A programme of events and shows for children is also planned. If the shows inspire a bit of toe-tapping amongst visitors, there are several opportunities for visitors to put on their dancing shoes. Ticket prices range from $19 (£11) to $36 (£21) according to performance and seat; children aged six to 16 accompanied by an adult go free. Tickets and further details: 001 919 684 6402; www.americandancefestival.org