The Dublin Dance Festival returns to the city this May with another eclectic lineup that’s guaranteed to impress.

Featuring some of the biggest names in the world of dance, the 2016 Dublin Dance Festival runs from 17th to 28th May in a variety of locations around the city, with performances, films, master classes, exhibitions and outdoor events.

Since its creation back in 2002, the festival has successfully brought together dance artists and choreographers from around the world to share vibrant contemporary dance with audiences in the capital.

Highlights of the recently announced 2016 festival programme include:-

Embodied at the GPO, commissioned by An Post, is a series of six new dance solos by Irish-based female choreographers drawing attention to the role of women as initiators of change within our society
The Irish premier of two pieces, Shostakovich, Rasa by Alonzo King LINES Ballet at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre; a rare chance to see and experience the very best of contemporary ballet
Another Irish premiere, Planites with Patricia Apergi and the Aerites Dance Company at the TCD Samuel Beckett Theatre; we are told to expect a high-energy mix of dynamic movement and sharp humour

Anam by Siamsa Tíre, featuring the skills of world-class step dancers from North America and Ireland in an exhilarating fusion of styles.
Time Over Distance Over Time / Bias by Liz Roche Company and Katherine O’Malley respectively at The Complex

There are also a number of masterclasses on offer with the likes of Arturo Fernandez of Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Eric Beauchesne, Aoife McAtamney, and Patricia Apergi, amongst many others sharing their expertise.

Some non-dance highlights include a screening of Constellation by Alonzo King upstairs at Project Arts Centre, followed by a post-show talk with Alonzo King himself, Here and Through, an installation and short video by Luca Truffarelli developed for Embodied, and DRAFF: another exhibition, which investigates the process of making dance work.

The 2016 Dublin Dance Festival runs from 17th to 28th May in a variety of venues. Some events on the programme are free admission, others are ticketed. Full details available on the festival website.

All images courtesy Dublin Dance Festival; lead image Patricia Apergi ‘Planites’, photo Andreas Endermann; Shostakovich, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, photo RJ Muna