As the global dance community continues to expand its artistic frontiers, the second edition of the International Conference on Creativity in Dance arrives as one of the season’s most anticipated cultural events.
Curated by Simona Șomăcescu and hosted by UNATC “I.L. Caragiale” in Bucharest, between April 20-23, 2026, the conference gathers a constellation of choreographers, thinkers, performers and visual artists whose work has shaped contemporary performance on the world stage. This year’s spotlight shines brightly on André Lepecki, Full Professor at the Department of Performance Studies, Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, a figure whose influence extends far beyond academia. One of the foremost intellectual voices in performance studies, Lepecki has long challenged the way we perceive movement, spectatorship and the politics of the body. His presence at the conference brings a rare depth of discourse—an invitation to rethink dance not only as an art form, but as a mode of critical inquiry. Joining him is the visionary choreographer Sergiu Matis, known for works that push the boundaries of physicality and perception. Matis has carved out a unique artistic landscape in European contemporary dance, weaving urgent ecological, social and technological themes into his dynamic movement language. His participation promises an electrifying encounter with cutting-edge choreographic methods. The program also celebrates the power of the image in contemporary performance through the lens of Camilla Greenwell, the internationally sought-after dance photographer whose collaborations with major companies have set a new standard for capturing movement. Greenwell’s photos emphasizes an essential truth of modern dance: that choreography now lives not only on stage, but in the visual narratives that follow it. A particularly significant highlight is the appearance of the University of the Arts in Zurich – Dance, which will present a collaborative performance with UNATC’s Choreography Department. Beyond its artistic relevance, the event commemorates an important milestone—115 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Romania, celebrated through a dialogue of movement, imagination and cultural connection. Alongside lectures and artistic showcases, the conference unfolds across multiple formats: book launches, practical workshops, and guest performances from art universities across Romania and beyond. Each event contributes to an environment where research, pedagogy and artistic experimentation intersect, offering audiences a panoramic view of contemporary dance creation. More than a gathering, the International Conference on Creativity in Dance serves as a vibrant platform—one where emerging ideas are tested, influential voices converge, and the future of dance is actively shaped. For artists, students, and dance enthusiasts alike, this edition promises not only inspiration but a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving art of movement.
