The Festival

Every October, Tirana becomes the beating heart of contemporary dance in the region through the International Dance Festival of Tirana (IDFT). For three vibrant weeks, the city transforms into a stage, welcoming choreographers, dancers, and audiences from across the world. With performances in theatres, squares, galleries, and unexpected public spaces, IDFT offers an immersive celebration of contemporary dance in all its forms.

The 4th edition of the festival will take place October 8–25, 2025, and continues IDFT’s mission to expand access to dance, nurture artistic dialogue, and foster a dynamic cultural scene in Albania.

"As an opportunity to celebrate art and creative expression, the festival plays a major role in supporting cultural productions."

ANGELIN PRELJOCAJ

The artist director

ANGELIN PRELJOCAJ

Angelin Preljocaj, the festival’s Artistic Director, brings to Tirana his unique artistic voice and international vision. A world-renowned choreographer of Franco-Albanian heritage, Preljocaj is celebrated for his daring and poetic approach to movement. Working across dance, music, literature, fashion, and digital arts, his work continues to shape the global dance landscape.

As Artistic Director of IDFT, Angelin returns to his roots, with the desire to nurture the next generation of dancers and make Tirana a beacon of contemporary dance in the region and beyond.

The Association

Founded in 2024, the IDFT Association is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and advancing the development of dance, with a particular focus on contemporary dance, in Albania. This mission is carried out in part through the organization of the International Dance Festival of Tirana and related initiatives, with the support of the Albanian Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation, and other sponsors and friends of the festival.

The previous edition

The last edition of the festival was a real success, with 13 performances at the National Opera House, National Theater, Villa 31 and Scanderbeg Square.

This enthusiasm confirms the validity of the IDFT project, showing that the Albanian capital has the potential to soon become an incubator in the performing arts.

Honorary Board Members

Frédéric Jousset

Frédéric Jousset is a French entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of Webhelp, a global leader in customer experience outsourcing. Passionate about democratizing access to culture, he founded the Art Explora Foundation in 2019, launching initiatives like mobile museum trucks, digital learning platforms, and the world’s first floating museum, the ArtExplorer catamaran. His extensive contributions to the arts have earned him numerous honors, including the Legion of Honor and the Grand Star of Public Gratitude from the Republic of Albania.

Hubert Védrine

Hubert Védrine is a distinguished French diplomat and political figure who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 2002. He was a close advisor to President François Mitterrand, holding roles such as diplomatic advisor, spokesperson, and Secretary-General of the Élysée Palace. Post-politics, Védrine has remained influential through teaching at Sciences Po and participating in various international and cultural organizations.

Agnès Touraine

Agnès Touraine is a leading expert in corporate governance and digital transformation, currently heading Act III Consultants. She previously served as Chairwoman and CEO of Vivendi Universal Publishing and held senior roles at the Lagardère Group and McKinsey. Touraine sits on the boards of several major international companies and is an established voice on innovation and leadership.

Suzanna Flammarion-de Bokaÿ

Suzanna Flammarion-de Bokaÿ is the founder and CEO of ArtForce, a consultancy specializing in collaborative intelligence and communication. She created the GPS-Relationnel method, a neuroscience-based tool to enhance teamwork, recruitment, and leadership effectiveness across industries. She is also the author of “Bien se comprendre pour mieux s’entendre”, a practical guide on improving interpersonal communication in the workplace.

Donika Bardha

Donika Bardha is an American of Albanian heritage, renowned for her advocacy of Albanian arts, culture, and heritage. A Mount Holyoke College alumna with a background in Economics and Art History, she has been instrumental in cultural diplomacy, organizing significant events and humanitarian efforts in Albania and Kosovo. Her contributions have been recognized with high honors, including the Presidential Medal from the Republic of Kosovo.

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The Festival

"As an opportunity to celebrate art and creative expression, the festival plays a major role in supporting cultural productions."

ANGELIN PRELJOCAJ

The artist director

ANGELIN PRELJOCAJ

The Association

The previous edition