Hope is not a state, but a practice
From June 6th to 8th, 2025, the 6th edition of the CircusDanceFestival will take place in Cologne. This edition focuses on the diversity of artistic forms of contemporary circus, dance, and performance, with an artistically resistant view on the challenges of the present. Over 20 international artists will be guests in Cologne over Pentecost, presenting a variety of formats on the festival grounds – on the tent stages, with a daily changing open-air program on two 360° stages, and the family day at Latibul Circus Garden.
Hope is not a state, but a practice – and with a versatile program, the festival places the language of the body at the center, celebrates the vitality of movement and artistic experimentation, and creates space for encounters, dissent, and new perspectives. In the tension between resistance and utopia, it promotes dialogue and trust in the diversity of artistic and societal positions. It will be poetic, reflective, political, and spectacular.
Mélissa Guex brings a powerful performance to reinterpret the collective “Down” of our time to Cologne. Julian Vogel attempts to make the impossible possible with circus techniques in “Ceramic Circus.” On the 360° stages, international artists will showcase their latest creations, and the Latibul Circus Garden opens its doors for families. The carefully selected film program ranges from experimental works to Arte-Cinema. With the European professional conference "Take Care," we will focus on mental health and care within circus and the performing arts. And with the concert of the band "Crème Solaire," the early summer will call everyone to dance.
A warm welcome to the green Rhine meadows at the CircusDanceFestival 2025 – we look forward to seeing you there!
Your CircusDanceFestival Team