From the dynamic energies of contemporary dance to classical and narrative creations, the programming reflects the commitment of the LAC in presenting high-level international performances and companies of great artistic importance. Performances conceived by acclaimed choreographers and world-renowned companies that combine technical virtuosity with expressive depth.
Alongside these global offerings, the season includes contemporary and experimental works and reinterpretations of repertoire that explore new forms of relationship between body, space, and narrative. The quality of the invited companies and the variety of genres represented—from interpretative language to visionary choreography—testify to the LAC's vocation as a meeting place for different dance aesthetics and as a platform for cultural dialogue that promotes both established artists and emerging talents.
Among the interesting offerings in March, a special highlight is the meeting of contemporary dance and breakdance – part of Steps, the Migros Culture Percentage Dance Festival – in an evening showcasing two powerful and diverse artistic visions, together for the first time in Switzerland. The program, entitled Timeless Encounters, opens with Fine lines, a duet by Roser López Espinosa for the Swedish company Skånes Dansteater, a benchmark in contemporary repertoire. The protagonists are two extraordinary dancers who, through movement, trace the subtle lines of connection between human beings, revealing how different and yet profoundly close we can be. A delicate hymn to diversity, and at the same time a powerful exhortation to recognize and celebrate others. The second choreography Power: Still Going Strong brings together on stage two legends of the international break dance scene: Dutchman Maikel Walker and Frenchman Bosila Banya, better known as B-Boy Junior, alongside choreographer Lloyd Marengo. Together, they recount their personal journeys, from childhood to the present, with an overwhelming physical and emotional charge. Differing in age and physique, they share an extraordinary energy and movements that continue to inspire generations of dancers around the world.
Also within the framework of Steps, GöteborgsOperans Danskompani, one of the most innovative contemporary dance companies in Europe, is coming to the LAC for the first time with Hammer, the most successful creation in its recent history, created by award-winning Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman. The show is divided into two acts and leads the audience on a powerful and engaging choreographic experience, exploring the opposites of our era: from the collective harmony of an "offline" world to the self-centered frenzy of life "online"—and then returning to the most authentic dimension of being. A visionary journey, an invitation to choose real life, rather than the distorted reflections of "likes."
Alexander Ekman, a visionary choreographer internationally acclaimed for his bold, ironic, and profoundly contemporary style, returns to collaborate with Göteborgs Operans Danskompani for the third time. With his innovative stage language, Ekman exposes society's self-image, offering moments of reflection and humor.
One of the unmissable events of the dance season is scheduled for June, as part of Lugano Dance Project 2026, with Kontakthof – Echoes of '78 One of the most emblematic choreographies in the repertoire of Pina Bausch, the "mother of dance-theatre." Nearly fifty years after its 1978 debut, Australian choreographer Meryl Tankard—who also performed in the original show—reunites with some of the original cast members, creating a poignant reflection on the passing of time. Created at a time when her position in the dance world was gaining full recognition, Contacthof It represents a pivotal chapter in the long collaboration between the German choreographer and Rolf Borzik, designer of the sets, costumes, and visual documentation for the production. It is said that, even while creating the original 1978 version, Pina Bausch imagined the same group of dancers performing the work many years later, as adults.
In 2024, this desire takes shape: Meryl Tankard reunites with some of the original cast members to create a new production that intertwines screenings of restored archival footage—featuring their youthful performances—with the physical presence of today's performers. A moving dialogue between past and present, celebrating those still on stage and paying homage to those no longer with us.
The 2026 dance calendar
March 11 Steps: Timeless Encounters
Skånes Dansteater / Lloydscompany3
March 29 Steps: Hammer
GöteborgsOperans Danskompani
March 31 Panoramic Banana – Album of the inhabitants of the New World Michele Di Stefano / mk .
April 18–19 Roberto Bolle and Friends
April 21 Human in the loop
Cie Nicole Seiler
April 22 Rimaye – A material revelation
ACTIONSoutofPLACE
10–11 June Kontakthof – Echoes of'78
Pina Bausch / Meryl Tankard
