Vaison Danses
International Dance Festival at the Roman Theatre of Vaison-la-Romaine
About Vaison Danses
Vaison Danses: Thirty Years of International Dance in an Ancient Theatre
Founded in 1996, Vaison Danses has become over three decades one of the most anticipated choreographic events of the summer season in France. Set in the exceptional surroundings of the Roman Theatre of Vaison-la-Romaine, an archaeological site of remarkable richness in the heart of the Vaucluse, this international dance festival offers a high-level program each summer, bringing together the most renowned companies on the global choreographic scene.
The founding idea of Vaison Danses is simple and brilliant: to create a dialogue between live dance and ancient heritage. On the stage of the Roman theatre, whose tiers could accommodate over 6,000 spectators in Roman times, dance—whether contemporary, classical, or popular—finds a particular resonance, amplified by the majesty of the stones and the Provençal July sky.
Rooted in an Exceptional Heritage Site
The Roman Theatre of Vaison-la-Romaine is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in France. Dating from the 1st century AD, it was rediscovered and excavated in the 20th century. Its limestone tiers, orchestra, and stage ruins form a setting of austere and powerful beauty. Vaison-la-Romaine itself is an exceptional town, with its medieval quarter perched on its rocky spur, its Roman ruins, its archaeological museums, and its famous Provençal market.
This heritage dimension is at the heart of Vaison Danses' identity. The festival is integrated into the cultural fabric of the town and the region, helping to attract a large audience each summer who come as much for the dance as for the beauty of the place.
A Premier Choreographic Program
Over the years, Vaison Danses has hosted the most important companies and choreographers on the international stage:
- Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, directed by Jean-Christophe Maillot, one of the most innovative classical companies in the world
- Le Malandain Ballet Biarritz and its emblematic director Thierry Malandain
- Le Ballet de l'Opéra de Lyon, a benchmark for French contemporary dance
- International contemporary dance companies from Israel, the United Kingdom, North Africa, and elsewhere
This diversity of aesthetics and geographical origins reflects the festival's international ambition: to offer a living and plural map of contemporary world dance.
A Human-Scale and Friendly Festival
While the program is of international caliber, Vaison Danses retains the spirit of a human-scale festival, rooted in its Provençal territory. Performances take place in the open-air Roman theatre, but also in other spaces in the town, creating an atmosphere of cultural celebration that takes over all of Vaison-la-Romaine for the two weeks of the festival.
The festival fosters encounters between artists and the public, with discussions, workshops, and informal moments that allow spectators to better understand the works and choreographic approaches. This proximity is one of the most appreciated qualities of Vaison Danses.
A Major Cultural and Tourist Impact
Each edition of Vaison Danses attracts thousands of spectators from the Vaucluse, all of Provence, and far beyond. The festival significantly contributes to the summer tourist appeal of Vaison-la-Romaine and to the local economic life. It is supported by the City of Vaison-la-Romaine, the Department of Vaucluse, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region, and the Ministry of Culture.
Vaison Danses — edition 2026
The 30th edition of Vaison Danses will take place from July 10 to 25, 2026, at the Théâtre Antique in Vaison-la-Romaine, for an exceptional anniversary. The program for the five main evenings includes: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo with « Core Meu » (July 10), Shechter II with « IN THE BRAIN » (July 15), the Ballet de l'Opéra de Lyon with « Mycelium » (July 18), the Ballet de l'Opéra de Tunis with « Carmen » by Abou Lagraa (July 22), and the Malandain Ballet Biarritz with « Juste une dernière danse » (July 25). In addition, there will be numerous free or low-cost events at the Théâtre du Nymphée-Léonard Gianadda. Ticket sales opened on March 30, 2026.
30th Edition — Thirty Years of Choreographic Passion
The 2026 edition of Vaison Danses is a landmark year: the 30th anniversary of the festival founded in 1996. From July 10 to 25, 2026, the Théâtre Antique in Vaison-la-Romaine will host five exceptional choreographic evenings, complemented by a series of free or low-cost events at the Théâtre du Nymphée-Léonard Gianadda. The program celebrates both the history of the festival and its resolute openness to international contemporary creation.
The Five Main Evenings at the Théâtre Antique
July 10 — Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo: « Core Meu »
The prestigious Monegasque princely company, directed by Jean-Christophe Maillot, opens the jubilee with Core Meu. This title in Sardinian language (« my heart ») announces a show imbued with lyricism and emotion, at the crossroads of classical and contemporary.
July 15 — Shechter II: « IN THE BRAIN »
The young company of British choreographer Hofesh Shechter presents IN THE BRAIN, with a choreographic and musical style that testifies to the festival's international reach.
July 18 — Ballet de l'Opéra de Lyon: « Mycelium »
The resident company of one of France's most inventive opera houses presents Mycelium, a piece by Christos Papadopoulos, inspired by mycelial networks and their analogies with human connections.
July 22 — Ballet de l'Opéra de Tunis: « Carmen »
Franco-Algerian choreographer Abou Lagraa signs an fiery Carmen, performed by the Ballet de l'Opéra de Tunis. A powerful intercultural encounter that places the Mediterranean at the heart of the jubilee.
July 25 — Malandain Ballet Biarritz: « Juste une dernière danse »
The closing evening is a moment charged with emotion: Thierry Malandain, a tutelary figure of French dance, presents his latest creation with his Ballet Biarritz after twenty-eight years at the head of the company.
Events at the Théâtre du Nymphée-Léonard Gianadda
Around the main evenings at the Théâtre Antique, the festival offers more intimate performances at the Théâtre du Nymphée: Euphoria (Caroline Breton & Olivier Muller), Near Life Experience (Ballet Preljocaj Junior), Costard (Hafid Sour / La Ruée des Arts) and a Shared Stage bringing together Danse Mouvance, Annamae and Crysael. A free preamble dedicated to young talents opens the festivities on July 8.
Programme Vaison Danses 2026
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 — preamble (free)
- 9:00 PM — Vaison Danses Preamble: young talents show · Théâtre du Nymphée-Léonard Gianadda (free admission, tickets to be collected at the tourist office from June 22)
Friday, July 10, 2026 — opening night
- 10:00 PM — Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo: « Core Meu » (chor. Jean-Christophe Maillot) · Théâtre Antique
Saturday, July 11, 2026
- 10:30 AM — Caroline Breton & Olivier Muller: « Euphoria » · Théâtre du Nymphée-Léonard Gianadda
Monday, July 13, 2026
- 9:30 PM — Ballet Preljocaj Junior: « Near Life Experience » · Théâtre du Nymphée-Léonard Gianadda
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
- 10:00 PM — Shechter II: « IN THE BRAIN » (chor. Hofesh Shechter) · Théâtre Antique
Friday, July 17, 2026
- 9:30 PM — Hafid Sour / La Ruée des Arts: « Costard » · Théâtre du Nymphée-Léonard Gianadda
Saturday, July 18, 2026
- 10:00 PM — Ballet de l'Opéra de Lyon: « Mycelium » (chor. Christos Papadopoulos) · Théâtre Antique
Monday, July 20, 2026
- 9:30 PM — Shared Stage: Danse Mouvance / Annamae / Crysael · Théâtre du Nymphée-Léonard Gianadda
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
- 10:00 PM — Ballet de l'Opéra de Tunis: « Carmen » (chor. Abou Lagraa) · Théâtre Antique
Saturday, July 25, 2026 — closing night
- 10:00 PM — Malandain Ballet Biarritz: « Juste une dernière danse » (chor. Thierry Malandain) · Théâtre Antique
Highlights Vaison Danses 2026
- 30th anniversary of the festival, founded in 1996
- Five major international companies at the Théâtre Antique
- Opening night by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo (Jean-Christophe Maillot)
- Closing with Thierry Malandain's latest creation (Malandain Ballet Biarritz)
- Free or low-cost satellite program at the Théâtre du Nymphée-Léonard Gianadda
Prices Vaison Danses 2026
Practical information — Vaison Danses
Practical Information
Address
Théâtre Antique de Vaison-la-Romaine
Avenue du Théâtre Antique, 84110 Vaison-la-Romaine
Access
By car: Vaison-la-Romaine is 45 km from Avignon and 30 km from Orange. Accessible from the A7 via the D975 or D977. Parking near the archaeological site.
By bus: Regional bus lines from Avignon and Orange (Zou! network of the PACA Region).
Ticketing
Reservations by phone at 06 49 42 02 88 or by email at [email protected]. Tickets are available from the end of March for the following edition.
Prices
- Performance prices: from 20 to 45 EUR depending on the performance
- Reduced prices: for young people under 26, students, and job seekers
Contact
Vaison Danses
Place du Chanoine Sautel, 84110 Vaison-la-Romaine
Tel: 06 49 42 02 88
Email: [email protected]
Website: vaison-danses.com
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Where does it take place — Vaison Danses
Théâtre Antique de Vaison-la-Romaine
Avenue du Théâtre Antique, 84110 Vaison-la-Romaine