Dancing City, the much-loved “festival within the festival” at Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF), returns on Saturday 6 September with a spectacular line-up of international dance.
This year’s edition marks a landmark collaboration with New York’s iconic Fire Island Dance Festival, bringing a stellar roster of LGBTQIA+ dance artists to London for the first time.
The free outdoor event will take over Stratford’s public spaces, including the Town Centre and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, from 1–6pm.
Celebrating 30 years of GDIF, the 2025 programme features 30 companies from around the world under the theme Above and Beyond.
Three London premieres from groundbreaking disabled artists and companies will be showcased, alongside a diverse mix of homegrown and international talent.
Denise Roberts Hurlin, Founding Director of Dancers Responding to AIDS and Fire Island Dance Festival, said:
“As we celebrate 30 years of both GDIF and Fire Island Dance Festival, our shared commitment to bold artistry and meaningful change resonates across the Atlantic. This partnership reflects the power of dance to unite and uplift. Together, we embrace LGBTQIA+ voices and stories that must be seen and heard. This milestone reminds us why we began – and why we keep going.”
Rokhsana Fiaz, Mayor of the London Borough of Newham, added:
“This incredible festival reflects Newham’s growing reputation as the beating heart of culture in London, transforming our public spaces into vibrant stages where world-class dance meets the energy of our community. In Newham, we believe that culture and the arts should be accessible to all, and this year, Dancing City, a celebration of free outdoor dance in Newham, will go even further—offering meaningful opportunities for volunteering, training, and employment to local residents. I can’t wait to see our borough come alive with extraordinary performances that bring joy, inspiration, and opportunity to audiences of all ages.”
Shazia Hussain, CEO of LLDC, the organisation behind Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, said:
“We are thrilled to host Dancing City as part of GDIF’s 30th anniversary celebrations, activating our public spaces with a vibrant, free programme of dance from around the world. This year’s line-up champions inclusivity – celebrating disabled artists, LGBTQIA+ voices and emerging local talent. It reflects the Park’s ongoing mission to be a welcoming, inspiring place where everyone can connect through culture. Together with our East Bank partners, this bold and joyful celebration of creativity highlights the power of collaboration. We can’t wait to welcome audiences and see the Park come alive with dance.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here
