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4 countries, 1 stage: V4 Dance Weekend brings Central Europe’s biggest ballet celebration to Budapest!
As part of the cultural programme of Hungary’s presidency of the Visegrád Group (V4), the National Dance Theatre will host the V4 Dance Weekend between 20 and 22 February 2026, bringing together leading dance companies from Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
V4 Dance Weekend in Budapest
The three-day event celebrates the cultural diversity and artistic strength of Central Europe through a series of joint performances by some of the region’s most emblematic ensembles.
Hungary holds the rotating presidency of the Visegrád Group from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. Among the key priorities of the Hungarian presidency are strengthening the region’s competitiveness and deepening policy cooperation with Slovakia, Czechia and Poland.
Cultural collaboration plays a central role in this mission, with Hungary committed to ensuring that the V4 partnership remains stable, dynamic and fruitful, particularly in the arts.
The V4 Dance Weekend stands out as one of the flagship cultural events of the presidency year.
Opening night: Poland and Prague take centre stage
The programme opens on Friday, 20 February at 7 pm with performances by the Polish Dance Theatre and the Prague Chamber Ballet.
Audiences will see:
- ’45’ choreographed by Jacek Przybyłowicz
- Fragment 24 by Petr Zuska
Through these contemporary works, the opening evening offers a powerful insight into the shared artistic ambitions and modern dance language of the V4 countries.
Slovak Dance Theatre presents a grand production
On Saturday, 21 February at 7 pm, the Slovak Dance Theatre performs Ján Ďurovčík’s large-scale dance adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
Featuring striking stage solutions and theatrical storytelling, the production provides a glimpse into the distinctive creative world of Slovak dance and ranks among the company’s most ambitious works.
International Ballet Gala closes the weekend
The three-day celebration concludes on 22 February with the V4 International Ballet Gala.
The gala will feature soloists from:
- the Czech National Ballet
- the Polish National Ballet
- the Slovak National Ballet
- the Hungarian National Ballet
- and students of the Hungarian Dance University’s classical ballet programme
The evening’s repertoire includes highlights from the classical ballet canon, performed as solos and pas de deux.
From Swan Lake to modern masterpieces
The gala creates a meeting point for dancers and styles from different nations and traditions, turning diversity into a shared artistic experience through movement.
The programme features famous duets from beloved ballets, including:
- Swan Lake
- The Sleeping Beauty
- Giselle
- Anna Karenina
- Romeo and Juliet
- Grand Pas Classique
- La Bayadère
- Raymonda
These are complemented by selections from modern dance works, offering a rich blend of classical and contemporary pieces.
Dance as a symbol of Central European unity
Through the universal language of dance, the V4 Dance Weekend highlights the strength of Central European cooperation and the value of cultural ties between the four nations. The event promises not only outstanding performances but also a powerful expression of regional solidarity and shared heritage.
Tickets and further information
More details about the V4 Dance Weekend are available on the official event website.
Tickets can be purchased separately for:
- the Polish Dance Theatre and Prague Chamber Ballet performance (Facebook event page)
- the Slovak Dance Theatre production (Facebook event page)
- the V4 International Ballet Gala (Facebook event page)
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