September 18-20, 2026
Detroit Institute of Arts
Dance City Festival (DCF) is an annual community building event that celebrates dance in its various forms and disciplines. Now in its fourteenth year in Detroit, and second year in Chicago and New York, DCF Detroit includes performances, master classes, and networking opportunities all held in the vibrant city of Detroit at the festival’s central venue, Detroit Institute of Arts. Our mission is to educate diverse audiences about the impact of dance, provide opportunities for artists to share their work, and create an artistic network linking Detroit, the greater US, and the world!
LocationS
Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
Wayne State University
42 W Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH
Rivera Court Stage I | 5: 30 PM | Rivera Court at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Providing a platform for choreographers to present their work, these showcases allow artists to share what they have been working on. These performances represent the exceptional work of local, national, and international dancers.
Choreographers Showcase I | 7:00 PM | Detroit Film Theatre at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Providing a platform for choreographers to present their work, these showcases allow artists to share what they have been working on. These performances represent the exceptional work of local, national, and international dancers.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH
Master Class + Creation Intensive with Mike Esperanza | 10:00 AM |
Creation Intensive: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | $175
Creation Intensive participants must attend the full 4 hours of the intensive (Master Class 10:00-11:00 AM, Creation 11:00-2:00 PM)
Creation Intensive participants will learn repertoire and perform at Dance City Festival Detroit’s Dance and Celebration, Saturday, September 19 at 8:00 PM.
Master Class ONLY: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | $35
Dance on Screen | 11:30 AM | Lecture Hall at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Providing a platform for choreographers to present their work, these showcases allow artists to share what they have been working on. These performances represent the exceptional work of local, national, and international dancers.
Rivera Court Stage II | 12:30 PM | Rivera Court at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Providing a platform for choreographers to present their work, these showcases allow artists to share what they have been working on. These performances represent the exceptional work of local, national, and international dancers.
Networking Speed Dating | 2:00 PM | Crystal Gallery at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Summer Stage I + Youth Program | 3:00 PM | Thinker at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Providing an outdoor platform for choreographers to present their work, these showcases allow artists to share what they have been working on. These performances represent the exceptional work of local, national, and international dancers.
College Showcase + Choreographers Showcase II | 5:00 PM | Detroit Film Theatre at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Providing a platform for choreographers to present their work, these showcases allow artists to share what they have been working on. These performances represent the exceptional work of local, national, and international dancers.
Dance and Celebration | 8:00pm | Detroit Film Theatre at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Featuring works by invited national and international guest choreographers, Dance and Celebration is DCF’s most anticipated performance event.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH
Master Classes | 9:00 AM - 12:20 PM | Wayne State University
DCF presents an exciting series of Master Classes, taught by accomplished local, national, and international practitioners in diverse styles of dance. For all dancers ages 13 and up, Master Classes provide unique opportunities to learn from the best in the industry from across the globe.
9:00-10:00 Ballet w/ Andrea Salazar
10:10-11:10 Contemporary w/ Jared Baker
11:20-12:20 Partnering w/ Omnivore Dance
Workshop: $25 1 class | $70 3 classes
Summer Stage II + Family Activities | 12:00 PM | Thinker at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Providing an outdoor platform for choreographers to present their work, these showcases allow artists to share what they have been working on. These performances represent the exceptional work of local, national, and international dancers.
Celebration Stage | 2:00 PM | Rivera Court at the Detroit Institute of Arts