About Us
The STEPS International Contemporary Dance Festival was founded in Cluj-Napoca in 2014 with the aim of creating a space dedicated to contemporary dance, new choreographic languages, and the performing arts.
From the outset, the festival has sought to bring together diverse artistic perspectives, welcoming companies and creators from Romania and abroad and presenting contemporary dance and dance theatre performances, interdisciplinary projects, workshops, and events for both audiences and professionals.
STEPS sees dance as a language capable of creating connections between people, cultures, and different experiences. The festival programme is built around contemporary creation and dialogue between the stage and the community, with a particular interest in projects that extend the artistic experience beyond the conventional boundaries of performance.
The 2026 edition marks the festival’s return in a format that further develops this direction, placing education, accessibility, and community participation at the forefront alongside its international artistic programme.
Mission
STEPS aims to contribute to the development of contemporary dance in Romania and to connect Cluj-Napoca’s cultural scene with the international artistic circuit.
The festival creates contexts in which audiences can encounter diverse forms of contemporary choreographic creation and artists can engage in dialogue with other practices, institutions, and communities.
Its main areas of focus are:
- presenting contemporary choreographic productions from Romania and the international scene;
- supporting artist mobility and cultural exchange;
- developing audiences for contemporary dance and the performing arts;
- creating opportunities for artistic education and training;
- encouraging interdisciplinary projects;
- bringing dance closer to the community through participatory activities and projects accessible to diverse audiences;
- activating both established cultural venues and alternative spaces.
STEPS builds its identity around the idea that contemporary dance can preserve the complexity and freedom of artistic expression while remaining closely connected to human experience and the realities of the present.
History
2014
The first edition of the STEPS International Contemporary Dance Festival took place from June 6 to 11, 2014.
The festival opened with the world premiere of Amor, Amores, directed and choreographed by Gigi Căciuleanu and performed by the Ballet Company of the Romanian National Opera in Cluj-Napoca.
The inaugural edition concluded with the Brazilian company Cisne Negro Companhia de Dança, which presented a programme featuring Sra. Margareth, Trama, and Revoada.
From its very first edition, the performances were complemented by workshops, meetings, and activities held beyond conventional stage spaces.
2015
The second edition expanded the festival’s international dimension and the diversity of its programme.
Companies and artists from Portugal, France, Greece, China, and Canada came to Cluj-Napoca for a programme featuring contemporary dance, dance theatre, contemporary circus, and performances in public spaces.
Guests included Quorum Ballet, Jin Xing Dance Theatre, Compania Pyramid, Rootlessroot, and Andréanne Thiboutot, alongside artists and institutions from Romania.
2016
In 2016, STEPS expanded its educational component and its interest in the intersection of dance, theatre, music, and artistic research.
The programme of the third edition included performances by the Győr Ballet Company, the Honvéd National Ensemble, Andreea Gavriliu, Arcadie Rusu, and Karma Dance Project, as well as the workshop Dramaturgies of the Body, led by Gina Șerbănescu.
In November of the same year, the fourth edition took place, featuring Kamea Dance Company, Budapest Dance Theatre, Depo Dance Studio, and Jump In Dance Company.
The two editions held in 2016 strengthened the festival’s focus on the diversity of choreographic languages and the relationship between artistic creation, education, and urban space.
2018-2025
In the years that followed, the STEPS Association continued its work through special projects, international performances, workshops, conferences, and programmes dedicated to artistic training.
One of the highlights of this period was the presentation of Kamea Dance Company’s production Matthäus-Passion-2727, choreographed by Tamir Ginz.
At the same time, STEPS developed partnerships with cultural and educational institutions in Cluj-Napoca and supported activities dedicated to young dancers and the development of contemporary choreographic practices.
In 2025, the Association was represented at the Busan Performing Arts Market in South Korea, opening up new opportunities for international collaboration.
2026
After a period dedicated to special projects and the development of artistic networks, the STEPS International Festival returns in 2026 with its fifth edition.
The programme brings together artists and companies from China, Portugal, Singapore, and Romania, continuing the directions that have defined the festival from the very beginning: the international circulation of contemporary artistic work, dialogue across disciplines, and bringing audiences closer to dance.
The 2026 edition introduces a stronger social and participatory dimension through workshops, accessibility-focused projects, conferences, and opportunities for audiences to experience dance beyond the traditional role of spectator.
STEPS Association
The STEPS Association develops cultural projects dedicated to contemporary dance and the performing arts, with a focus on international collaboration, artistic education, and audience development.
Its activities include the production and presentation of performances, the organisation of festivals, workshops, and conferences, supporting artist mobility, and developing partnerships between artists, cultural institutions, and the educational sector.
Through its projects, the Association aims to create a professional and open environment for contemporary choreographic creation and to strengthen a community connected to the international arts scene.
