What sets our festival apart is the captivating fusion of tradition and innovation. Šibenik Dance Festival is the place where the magic of dance finds its perfect backdrop in the enchanting venues of our historic city.
Our grand venue is St. Michael’s Fortress, a magnificent medieval stronghold that stands proudly overlooking the city. Within its ancient walls lies an auditorium with 1,100 seats, ready to embrace you as you witness breathtaking performances.
Another hidden gem awaits you at Barone Fortress, a more intimate setting with approximately 150 seats.
However, the dance journey doesn’t end at the fortresses.
As you wander through the medieval streets of Šibenik, guided by the echoes of music and the allure of dance, you’ll discover the true essence of our festival. The downtown city squares come alive with the vibrant spirit of our young dancers, their graceful movements harmonizing with the rich history that permeates every corner of this charming city.
The crown of this atmospheric setting is the Cathedral of St. James, a true architectural marvel from the 15th and 16th centuries. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in its awe-inspiring presence this grand cathedral adds an air of majesty and grandeur to this event.
Come and experience the Šibenik Dance Festival, where history and contemporary artistry unite in a harmonious celebration of dance.
St. Michael’s Fortress (Croatian: Tvrđava sv. Mihovila; Venetian: Castel vecchio; formerly known as St. Anne’s Fortress) is a mediaeval fort in Šibenik, Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia, situated on a steep hill above the old historic centre of the city. Its strategically favourable and dominant position made it the central part of Šibenik fortification system.
Today it is a recognizable monument of cultural heritage in the very heart of the old town, daily accessible to visitors, which promotes revalorization and revitalization of Croatian cultural assets
One of the most prestigious stages in the region, which organises various cultural, musical and theatrical events, thus contributing to the image of the Republic of Croatia, and especially the city of Šibenik, as must-see destinations of cultural tourism.
St. Michael’s Fortress, Šibenik (video)
Barone Fortress is another of the captivating Šibenik Dance Festival venues. This medieval stronghold stands proudly as a testament to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Barone Fortress offers a unique experience for art lovers, being an extraordinary venue for showcasing mesmerizing dance performances.
Barone Fortressis a a magnificent structure that dates back to the 15th century. As part of Šibenik’s historic fortifications, this formidable castle has witnessed centuries of history and stood as a guardian overlooking the city. It was built in 1646 on Vidakuša, the 80 meter-high hill above the city. Along with the other three fortresses in Šibenik, it represents a unique defence system which resisted the enemies of the city for centuries. Today, it has an exceptional monumental value recognized across Europe.
For dance enthusiasts, the Šibenik Dance Festival provides a mesmerizing platform to experience the art form against the backdrop of Barone Fortress. At the limited stage space at Barone Fortress the Festival showcases small-scale projects and performances, creating an intimate setting that enhances the connection between the artists and the audience. The collaboration between the festival and the fortress adds an extraordinary dimension to the performances, making each show a truly unforgettable experience.
Azimut was founded in 2013. with the vision of promoting different cultural content.
It is located in the historically significant monument of The Wells of Šibenik built in 1453.
Those wells today are home of alternative culture.
The Club is also the winner of many professional awards for interior decoration and the quality of the content it offers to its visitors. This amazing medieval space showcases exhibitions of the most prominent contemporary artists. The fascinating art installations will leave you breathless. There you may enjoy concerts, music, all that in the underground world and a fantasy like atmosphere.
In average it showcases about 160 events (concerts, literature evenings, stand-up hows, pub quizes, panel discussions). Due to the quality and performance of its program, Azimut ranks at the very top of the Croatian independent cultural scene. All the leading names of the national and regional scene have performed here, as well as the international musicians and performers.
The collaboration between Azimut and Šibenik Dance Festival began in 2022. When the founder and the creative director of this iconic Sibenik club, Hrvoje Jelković, accepted the festival’s creative team proposal to host a dance-circus performance by Children’s Theater Duško Radović, Belgrade on its Green stage .
This collaboration proved to be very successful and continued in the editions to come.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the next generation of dance stars as they shine brightly at SDF venues.
One of the most favourite festival stages for our dancers to perform is the St James’s cathedral square located in the heart of this amazing mediterranean town. Prepare to be moved by the sheer talent and artistry of these young performers.
What makes the SDF city square programme truly special is that it is accessible to all. Admission is free, so bring your loved ones and let the beauty of dance surround you in this captivating setting. We believe that the power of dance should be enjoyed by everyone, which is why our open-air program is free for the public to attend.
As you wander through the medieval streets of Šibenik, guided by the echoes of music and the allure of dance, you’ll discover the rich history and vibrant spirit of the place, intertwining with the contemporary artistry of our young dancers. It’s a unique fusion of tradition and innovation that celebrates the past while embracing the future.
The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik (1431-1535), on the Dalmatian coast is a significant architectural achievement of the 15th and 16th centuries on Croatian soil. Because of its exceptional values, the cathedral was included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage in 2000.
The young talents venue.
Welcome to the Sibenik Dance Festival, where creativity takes center stage!
Join us for an enchanting open-air program at newly renovated Poljana square designed exclusively for young dancers and dance students. This vibrant festival showcases the extraordinary talents of emerging dancers from Croatia and around the world, offering a mesmerizing display of grace, passion and creativity.
Our talented performers bring their artistic visions to life in the heart of downtown medieval Šibenik. Set on our historic city squares, these enchanting outdoor performances create an atmosphere like no other, immersing you in the magic of dance.
Pure joy and energy radiates from the stage, where young dancers express themselves through an array of dance styles, from classical ballet to contemporary and everything in between. Witness the dedication, determination, and boundless creativity that these future stars possess.
What makes the SDF city square programme truly special is that it is accessible to all. Admission is free, so bring your loved ones and let the beauty of dance surround you in this captivating setting. We believe that the power of dance should be enjoyed by everyone, which is why our open-air program is free for the public to attend.