TSP is a space where local and international aesthetics converge, where contemporary artistic practices are explored, and where new fields of expression are opened. Over the course of four decades, the Festival has presented more than 1,000 works by renowned artists from around the world, while consistently producing and promoting Croatian dance makers. In doing so, it has had a powerful and lasting impact on the evolution of the Croatian dance scene.
Over 40 Years of Dialogue Through Movement
Dance Week Festival (Tjedan suvremenog plesa – TSP) is the longest-running and most influential international dance festival in Croatia and one of the oldest of its kind in Europe.
Since its inception in 1982, the Festival has continuously shaped and inspired the Croatian and regional dance landscape, serving as a vital platform for the development of contemporary dance, and a cultural force transcending genre, generation, and national borders.
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The Festival was initiated and shaped by Mirna Žagar, an internationally recognized producer and cultural strategist, and is organized by the Croatian Institute for Movement and Dance (HIPP). HIPP has long been one of the key institutions supporting Croatian dance—operating as a production hub, educational platform, publisher, and international connector. Through 17 EU-funded projects, HIPP has enabled over 100 Croatian artists and cross-sector professionals to participate in international collaborations, giving new visibility to Croatian dance in the European cultural context.
The Festival also strongly emphasizes education and audience development. A wide range of activities—workshops, lectures, artist talks, and public outreach programs—are designed to foster deeper understanding of dance and encourage meaningful interaction between artists and audiences. Special attention is given to youth audiences and underrepresented groups such as older adults, persons with disabilities, and children from marginalized communities.
Inclusion is not merely a programming segment but a core value of the Festival. Collaborations with festivals such as PreOkret in Rijeka exemplify TSP’s commitment to socially engaged practices. Through dance, the Festival affirms a universal language of expression, dialogue, and solidarity—accessible to all, regardless of age, background, or ability.
Over the years, TSP has contributed significantly to cultural decentralization, launched numerous initiatives in smaller communities, and brought dance into schools, public spaces, and unconventional venues. Today, Dance Week Festival is not just an event—it is a cultural movement, a living network of encounters that continues to question and redefine the relationship between body, space, and society.
2025 Festival Edition
Dance Week Festival 2025 will take place in two blocks:
Vol. I:
Zagreb, May 13–18
Vol. II:
Zagreb & Rijeka, June 8/9–25
The two-part structure allows for expanded spatial and temporal accessibility while integrating different curatorial approaches—ranging from international guest performances and premieres to discursive formats and educational content. The Festival once again places a strong emphasis on sustainability and asks: Who dances, for whom, and why?
This year’s edition features participation in three major EU projects:
- Moving Balkans – a platform connecting 11 countries in Southeast Europe
- Beyond Fronta: Bridging Periphery – supporting emerging artists from Central and Eastern Europe
- Visiting Artist Program (VAP) – uniting 22 European festivals to foster sustainable careers for young artists
Awards and Recognition
In 2010, the Festival received the Presidential Charter of the Republic of Croatia for its outstanding contribution to the development of contemporary dance.
In 2017, the European Festivals Association awarded TSP the prestigious EFFE Label (Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe), supported by the European Commission, recognizing the Festival’s continued excellence in programming and its contribution to European cultural life.
Production – Croatian Institute for Movement and Dance
Festival Artistic Director – Mirna Žagar
Festival Technical Director – Bojan Gagić
Public Relations and Promotion – Kristina Krtanjek
Design – Ivana Vulić
Acquisition – Josh Nalis
Organized by: Croatian Institute for Movement and Dance (HIPP)
Partners: Zagreb Dance Centre, KUC Travno (Cultural Centre Travno), Inclusive Scene Festival Rijeka
With the support of: Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, City of Zagreb, Office for Associations of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, Kultura Nova Foundation, European Union through the Creative Europe programme, Embassy of the State of Israel, Israeli Friendship Association, Pliva-Teva
The views expressed in this project are the sole responsibility of the Croatian Institute for Movement and Dance and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office for Associations of the Government of the Republic of Croatia.
Tickets: Available one hour before each performance at venue locations
More info: www.danceweekfestival.com
Contact: hipptsp@gmail.com
