International Artists Set to Take the Stage at Kenya's Biggest Dance Showcase Event

Nairobi will once again become a meeting point for dancers, choreographers, musicians, and audiences from around the world as the Dance Life Festival returns for its seventh edition from July 3 to 5 at the Kenya National Theatre. Since its launch in 2020, the annual Festival has grown into Kenya's largest international dance showcase and remains the country's only dedicated international dance festival. 

This year's programme will bring together artists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Switzerland. One of the highlights of the Festival will be the Kenyan debut of the National Ballet of the Congo, a subsidiary of the Compagnie Théâtre National Congolais (Congolese National Theatre Company). Their performance will offer local audiences a rare opportunity to experience one of Central Africa's most enduring dance traditions on a Kenyan stage.

Also among the featured choreographers are Kenyan choreographers Ondiege Matthew, OGW, who was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior by President Ruto in 2025 – and Adam Chienjo, recipient of the World Impact Award at 2026 Kenya Theatre Awards, and also the curator and director of the Festival. Swiss choreographer Johanna Heusser will make her debut East African performance at the Festival. Other key choreographers are Stacey Achieng' (Kenya), Emmanuel Amihana (Rwanda), Nipaeli Mtana (Tanzania), Wesley Ruzibiza (Rwanda), Batalo East Dance Group (Uganda), and Doudou Saidi (DRC).

Beyond its international line-up, the Festival is also known for its inclusive approach to programming. Artists with disabilities will share the stage alongside non-disabled performers, reflecting the organizers’ commitment to creating opportunities for a broad range of artistic voices and experiences. 

Speaking ahead of the Festival, curator Adam Chienjo said this year's programme reflects Dance Life Festival's commitment to presenting diverse artistic voices from across Africa and beyond.

"We are excited to welcome ten choreographers from different countries and artistic backgrounds. Several of the artists will be performing in East Africa for the very first time, so we’re really excited for Kenyan audiences to experience their work," he said.

The Festival is supported by Institut Français, Africalia, Pro Helvetia and Goethe-Institut Kenya, alongside partnerships with TICAH and Artzone Studios. Such partnerships, involving both international and local cultural organizations, play a key role in artistic exchange and artist mobility across East Africa. 

Beyond the performances, the Festival will continue its tradition of capacity development workshops targeted at emerging Kenyan movement artists. Led by visiting artists, the sessions will provide opportunities for participants to engage with international practitioners and explore different approaches to movement, performance and creative practice.

The Festival has steadily expanded its audience over the years. Data from the organizers indicates that the 2025 edition attracted more than 2,000 audience members through a mix of theatre performances, workshops and public events, reflecting growing interest in contemporary dance and interdisciplinary performance in Kenya.

For those interested in attending this year’s events, entry to all Festival performances and workshops will be free, giving audiences the unique opportunity to experience work by some of the world’s most accomplished dancers and choreographers at no cost. Registration to attend is currently ongoing at this link.