Mars en Danse

Mars en Danse: Dance Celebration in Montauban

Since its creation, Mars en Danse has established itself as one of the most anticipated cultural events in Montauban and the Tarn-et-Garonne region. Organized in odd-numbered years, this biennial festival takes over the Montauban stages every March to offer a demanding yet accessible program dedicated to all forms of dance.

Supported by the City of Montauban in partnership with the Théâtre Olympe de Gouges, the festival affirms its mission to disseminate artistic works to the widest possible audience, bringing together contemporary dance, classical ballet, hip-hop dance, and urban arts under one roof.

A Lineup of Prestigious Companies

Mars en Danse is distinguished by the exceptional quality of its guests. Among the companies that have marked the festival's history is the Ballet Malandain de Biarritz, one of France's most recognized classical and neoclassical dance companies, directed by choreographer Thierry Malandain. Its creations, acclaimed on major European stages, bring rare formal elegance and emotional depth.

The Compagnie Käfig, founded by Mourad Merzouki, a leading figure in hip-hop dance in France and worldwide, represents the other facet of the festival: technical virtuosity, urban energy, and dialogue between cultures. Its performances at the intersection of hip-hop, capoeira, and circus arts have captivated an international audience.

The Théâtre Olympe de Gouges, Heart of the Festival

The main performances are held at the Théâtre Olympe de Gouges, Montauban's reference performance venue, which also hosts resident companies. The festival occasionally uses other spaces in the city — public squares, plazas, the media library — for shorter formats and cultural mediation activities.

Initiatives aimed at schoolchildren and young audiences allow Mars en Danse to resonate far beyond the theater, firmly anchoring choreographic practice and culture in the region.

A Festival Open to All Dances

The identity of Mars en Danse lies in its commitment to representing the plurality of contemporary choreographic aesthetics. The program deliberately mixes sophisticated dance proposals — ballet, repertoire contemporary dance — with more popular and participatory forms — hip-hop, street dance, world dances. This deliberate cross-pollination defines the festival's uniqueness and its ability to reach diverse audiences.

The festival also offers opportunities to meet artists, open master classes, and participatory workshops for dance enthusiasts, transforming Montauban into a true Occitan capital of choreographic art for a week.

Mars en Danse and the Region

Since its inception, Mars en Danse has played a structuring role in Montauban's cultural life. The festival generates regional momentum that benefits local artistic teams, dance education institutions, and regional companies invited to present their work before the main performances.

Its biennial format gives it the status of an anticipated and carefully prepared event, allowing the organizing team to build an ambitious program and establish lasting partnerships with national choreographic institutions.