Festival Cadences
Dance Festival of Arcachon and the Bassin
2026
About Cadences
Cadences — edition 2026
The 24th edition of the Cadences Festival takes place from September 29 to October 4, 2026, in Arcachon, under the theme "Youth in Motion": 22 guest companies, 27 performances, six major evening shows, and a prelude on September 20 at the Bordeaux Auditorium featuring Saburo Teshigawara's "Bach-Bartók".
2026 Edition — "Youth in Motion"
From September 29 to October 4, 2026, the 24th edition of Cadences focuses on young performers and emerging companies, featuring 22 guest companies, 27 performances, and six major evening events.
Major Evening Shows
Shechter II, the junior ensemble of the Hofesh Shechter Company, opens the festival on September 29 with "In the Brain" at the Théâtre Olympia. This is followed by Cie Lac at the Théâtre Cravey in La Teste-de-Buch on September 30, the Rambert Company at the Olympia on October 1 for their centenary, "En même temps" by Olivia Grandville at Le Miroir in Gujan-Mestras on October 2, the flamenco show "¡Viva!" by Cie Manuel Liñán on October 3, and the Europa Danse Company, which closes the edition on October 4 with "The Nutcracker".
The Théâtre de la Mer
Facing the Bassin, the Théâtre de la Mer will host 13 performances by young companies on October 2, 3, and 4, with tickets at €10. Before each show, a local dance school will perform the opening act.
Across the Region
Nine towns are participating in the festival's tour. Decentralized performances will take place in Bordeaux (Auditorium), La Teste-de-Buch (Théâtre Cravey), Gujan-Mestras (Le Miroir), Saint-Jean-d'Illac (Espace Quérandeau), Biganos (Espace culturel Lucien Mounaix), Le Teich (L'Ekla), Mios (place du Marché), Marcheprime (place de l'Église), and Lège-Cap Ferret (place Michel Martin). Shuttle buses will depart from Arcachon to Bordeaux on September 20, La Teste-de-Buch on September 30, Gujan-Mestras on October 2, and Biganos on October 3, by reservation.
Highlights Cadences 2026
- Shechter II, "In the Brain" — opening night, Tuesday, September 29, 9:00 PM at the Théâtre Olympia
- Rambert Company, "This is Rambert" — Thursday, October 1, 9:00 PM at the Théâtre Olympia, program for the British company's centenary
- Mille Plateaux, CCN La Rochelle, "En même temps" by Olivia Grandville — Friday, October 2, 9:00 PM at Le Miroir in Gujan-Mestras, with audio description
- Cie Manuel Liñán, "¡Viva!" — Saturday, October 3, 9:00 PM at the Théâtre Olympia, flamenco for 6 dancers and 5 musicians
- Europa Danse Company, "The Nutcracker" — closing night, Sunday, October 4, 9:00 PM at the Théâtre Olympia
- Saburo Teshigawara, "Bach-Bartók" — prelude on Sunday, September 20, 7:00 PM at the Bordeaux Auditorium
- Beach Barre with the Ballet de l'Opéra National de Bordeaux — Sunday, October 4, 11:30 AM at Place Thiers, free class open to all
Programme Cadences 2026
Prelude — Sunday, September 20, 2026
- 7:00 PM — Saburo Teshigawara, "Bach-Bartók" · Auditorium, Bordeaux — piece for 2 dancers and a violinist (Rihoko Sato, violin by Sayaka Shoji), 1h30 with intermission. Shuttle bus from Arcachon by reservation.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
- 9:00 PM — Shechter II, "In the Brain", choreography by Hofesh Shechter · Théâtre Olympia, Arcachon — piece for 8 dancers, 1h.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
- 9:00 PM — Cie Lac, "Iara: ballet for the amazons of yesterday and today", choreography by Laura Arend · Théâtre Cravey, La Teste-de-Buch — piece for 3 dancers, 1h. Shuttle bus from Arcachon by reservation.
Thursday, October 1, 2026
- 5:00 PM — Cadences at the Movies: "United by Dance", documentary by Olivier Klepatzky · Cinéma Grand Écran, Arcachon.
- 9:00 PM — Rambert Company, "This is Rambert" · Théâtre Olympia, Arcachon — piece for 16 dancers, 1h40, in three parts: "Gallery of Consequence" by Emma Evelein, "Hop(e)storm" by the (LA)HORDE collective, and "Crimson" by Bobbi Jene Smith.
Friday, October 2, 2026
Professional day with OARA at the Théâtre de la Mer, open to the public: conference at 11:00 AM, shared stage at 2:00 PM followed by a discussion with the choreographers, closing at 9:00 PM in Gujan-Mestras.
- 11:00 AM — Conference "Making dance more accessible to visually impaired and blind audiences", hosted by Enora Rivière · Théâtre de la Mer, Arcachon.
- 2:00 PM — Collectif Bilaka, "Dirau" (2026 creation) · Théâtre de la Mer, Arcachon — piece for 4 dancers and 1 musician, 40 min.
- 3:00 PM — Collectif Ibawa, "Gaua" (2026 creation) · Théâtre de la Mer, Arcachon — piece for 4 dancers, 40 min.
- 3:45 PM — Cie Hors Série, "Biben" (2026 creation), choreography by Hamid Ben Mahi · Théâtre de la Mer, Arcachon — choreographic duo, 30 min.
- 4:30 PM — Cie Révolution, "Crew", choreography by Anthony Egéa · Front de Mer, Arcachon — piece for 5 dancers, 45 min.
- 8:30 PM — Guillaume Nouaux Trio and the Théâtre du Corps Pietragalla-Derouault, "Une journée presque ordinaire" · Espace Quérandeau, Saint-Jean-d'Illac — piece for 6 dancers and 3 musicians, 1h. Shuttle bus from Arcachon by reservation.
- 9:00 PM — Mille Plateaux, CCN La Rochelle, "En même temps", choreography by Olivia Grandville · Le Miroir, Gujan-Mestras — piece for 9 dancers, 1h15, performance with audio description. Shuttle bus from Arcachon by reservation.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
- 10:30 AM — Dance schools · Place des Marquises, Arcachon.
- 12:00 PM — Cie Rhizome, "Rouge merveille", choreography by Chloé Moglia · Place Thiers, Arcachon — piece for 1 performer, 30 min.
- 12:45 PM — Dance schools · Place Thiers, Arcachon.
- 2:15 PM — Third Skin Collective, "Polish" (2026 creation) · Théâtre de la Mer, Arcachon — piece for 3 dancers, 40 min.
- 3:00 PM — CCN de Nantes, Salia Sanou, "De fugues... en suites..." · Théâtre de la Mer, Arcachon — piece for 4 dancers, 30 min.
- 3:45 PM — Cie Topaze, "Et après?", choreography by Marie Arsandaux · Théâtre de la Mer, Arcachon — piece for 4 dancers, 40 min.
- 4:30 PM — Collectif Ibawa, "Gaua" · Théâtre de la Mer, Arcachon — piece for 4 dancers, 40 min.
- 5:15 PM — Ballet de l'Opéra National de Bordeaux, "Now and now" (directed by Johan Inger) and "Rigma" (choreography by Guillaume Debut) · Théâtre de la Mer, Arcachon — 2 dancers and 3 dancers, 30 min.
- 6:00 PM — Collectif Bilaka, "Dirau" · Place du Marché, Mios — 40 min.
- 7:00 PM — Guillaume Nouaux Trio and the Théâtre du Corps Pietragalla-Derouault, "Une journée presque ordinaire" · Espace culturel Lucien Mounaix, Biganos — 1h. Shuttle bus from Arcachon by reservation.
- 9:00 PM — Cie Manuel Liñán, "¡Viva!" · Théâtre Olympia, Arcachon — piece for 6 dancers and 5 musicians, 1h30.
Sunday, October 4, 2026
- 10:30 AM — Dance schools · Place des Marquises, Arcachon.
- 10:30 AM — Cie Annamae, "7AM" (2026 creation) · Place de l'Église, Marcheprime — piece for 2 dancers, 30 min. The brochure's detailed page indicates 11:00 AM for this performance.
- 11:30 AM — Beach Barre, hosted by the Ballet de l'Opéra National de Bordeaux · Place Thiers and Front de Mer, Arcachon — free dance class open to all.
- 12:30 PM — Elephant in the Black Box, "Le Boléro" / "Le Sacre" · Place Michel Martin, Lège-Cap Ferret — 40 min.
- 12:45 PM — Dance schools · Place Thiers, Arcachon.
- 2:15 PM — Europa Danse Company, "Extraits du répertoire" (excerpt from "The Nutcracker") · Théâtre de la Mer, Arcachon — piece for 15 dancers, 30 min.
- 3:00 PM — Cie Gamart, "Androgyne", choreography by Nour Joseph Gebrael · Théâtre de la Mer, Arcachon — piece for 2 dancers, 30 min.
- 3:00 PM — Cie Le Scribe, "Pacific Square", choreography by Adel El shafey · L'Ekla, Le Teich — piece for 2 dancers, 40 min.
- 3:45 PM — Collectif en ombre, "Sousterres", choreography by Juliette Peyronnaud · Théâtre de la Mer, Arcachon — piece for 3 dancers, 30 min.
- 4:30 PM — Cie Annamae, "7AM" · Théâtre de la Mer, Arcachon — piece for 2 dancers, 30 min.
- 5:15 PM — Elephant in the Black Box, "Le Boléro" / "Le Sacre", choreography by Jean-Philippe Dury · Théâtre de la Mer, Arcachon — piece for 16 dancers, 40 min.
- 9:00 PM — Europa Danse Company, "The Nutcracker", choreography by Laurent Drousie · Théâtre Olympia, Arcachon — piece for 15 dancers, 1h.
Ongoing during the festival
- Cadences Village on the central beach of Arcachon, Friday October 2, Saturday October 3, and Sunday October 4 from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM — on-site ticket office.
- Exhibition of oil and acrylic paintings by British artist Kate Sparrow, at the Village and the Théâtre Olympia.
- Opening acts: before each show at the Théâtre de la Mer, a local dance school opens the session.
- Calixte de Nigremont welcomes the public at the various performance venues.
- 20 dance schools performing in the city: Ainsi Danse (Cécile Fourès), Académie Severac (Anne-Lise Bricogne), Akadances (Sandrine Dumerc), Bakam Danse (Norton Antivilo), Chut on Danse (Sandra Lemort), Conservatoire de Bordeaux, Dans'Attitude (Katia Goujon), Danse & Cie (Julie Pannier-Desrivières), Danza (Maïté Berbiale), L'École du Barp (Anne Dupouy), Hand to Hand (Sandrine Darracq), Kore Studio (Julie Moryousef Fontaine), Lugos Danse School (Roxane Fillol), Mouv'n Dance (Manuela Montes), Pro Vie Danse (Magali Schittecate), PESMD Bordeaux, Studio B Jazz (Morgan Bafcop), Studio Petit Pas (Stéphanie Masse), Temps Danse Bassin (Aurélie Métier), and Ysa Danse (Isabelle Suberbielle).
Prices Cadences 2026
Bordeaux Opera, September 20 prelude: €40 / €35 / €20.
Shows at Théâtre Cravey (La Teste-de-Buch), Espace Quérandeau (Saint-Jean-d'Illac), and Espace culturel in Biganos: €28 / €20 / €12.
Show at the L'Ekla cultural center, Le Teich: €10 / €6 / €6.
Théâtre de la Mer: €10 / €7 / €7.
4-evening pass at the Théâtre Olympia: €140 / €104 / €40.
5-evening pass (4 in Arcachon + 1 in Gujan-Mestras): €165 / €115 / €50.
5-evening pass (4 in Arcachon or Gujan-Mestras + 1 in Biganos or La Teste-de-Buch): €152 / €110 / €50.
7-show pass (4 evenings in Arcachon + 1 in Gujan-Mestras + 1 in Biganos + 1 in La Teste-de-Buch): €195 / €146 / €70.
The 7-evening pass includes two free shows at the Théâtre de la Mer; the 5-evening pass includes one free show.
Théâtre de la Mer pass: 10 shows €70 (€50 youth rate), 5 shows €35 (€25 youth rate).
Reduced rate: 2026/2027 cultural season subscribers, groups of over 10 people, students over 26, and balcony seats.
Youth rate: under 26, job seekers, and dance schools upon presentation of proof.
The official price list does not mention outdoor performances (Front de Mer, Place Thiers, Place des Marquises, and squares in partner towns).
Shuttle buses departing from the Théâtre Olympia, by reservation 24 hours before the show: €5 to La Teste-de-Buch, Gujan-Mestras, and Biganos; €20 to Bordeaux.
Tickets on sale at the Théâtre Olympia until October 1 inclusive, at the Cadences village on the central beach on October 2, 3, and 4 from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM, online at arcachon.notre-billetterie.com, and at retail outlets: Centre Leclerc (La Teste-de-Buch, Arès, Biscarrosse), Intermarché (La Teste-de-Buch, Andernos-les-Bains), Hyper U (Gujan-Mestras), Cultura (La Teste-de-Buch), Auchan (Biganos), FNAC (Biganos), and Carrefour Market (Gujan-Mestras, Salles).
Box office: +33 5 57 52 97 75 — [email protected].
Practical information — Cadences
Access
The festival takes place in Arcachon and partner towns across the Arcachon Bay and Gironde area. Arcachon is accessible by train from Bordeaux (approximately 50 minutes). The Théâtre Olympia is located on Avenue du Général de Gaulle in Arcachon. Parking is available in the city center.
Shuttles
Bus shuttles depart from the Théâtre Olympia to decentralized performance venues. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance: €5 to La Teste-de-Buch, Gujan-Mestras, and Biganos; €20 to Bordeaux.
Rates
Full-price tickets range from €10 to €40 depending on the venue and performance, with reduced and youth rates starting at €6. There are four evening pass options and two Théâtre de la Mer passes available. The barre class on the beach is free and open to everyone.
Ticketing
Tickets are available at the Théâtre Olympia, at the Cadences village on the central beach during the festival, online at arcachon.notre-billetterie.com, and at partner outlets around the Bay. For inquiries: 05 57 52 97 75 — [email protected].
Contact
Program and information available at arcachon.com, under the Culture and Events section.
Cadences: Dance on the Arcachon Bay
Established in 2002, the Cadences Festival brings together French and international dance companies in Arcachon every year. For six days, contemporary dance, hip-hop, flamenco, classical ballet, and original choreographic works take over, moving from indoor stages to the beach.
International Companies
The 2026 edition features 22 companies performing 27 shows, including Shechter II, the Rambert Company, the Manuel Liñán Company, the Europa Danse Company, the Ballet de l'Opéra National de Bordeaux, the CCN de Nantes directed by Salia Sanou, and Mille Plateaux, the CCN de La Rochelle.
Iconic Venues
Performances take place at the Théâtre Olympia, the Théâtre de la Mer facing the Bay, Place Thiers, Place des Marquises, and the Front de Mer. The festival also spreads to partner towns: Lège-Cap Ferret, Marcheprime, Mios, Le Teich, Biganos, Gujan-Mestras, La Teste-de-Buch, Saint-Jean-d'Illac, and Bordeaux, with shuttle buses departing from Arcachon.
Strong Local Roots
Local dance schools from the Bay and the surrounding region open the shows at the Théâtre de la Mer and perform in the city squares alongside professional companies.
Where does it take place — Cadences
Cadences in brief
Other festivals near Arcachon
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