Experimental Dance Festival Aotearoa

The festival, formerly known as Experimental Dance Week Aotearoa, operates as an artist-led and artist-centered platform. Under the artistic direction of Alexa Wilson, the 2026 program includes performances that explore diverse themes such as Indigenous experiences, neurodiversity, gender identity, and political philosophy. The schedule begins with workshops and artist talks on November 20, leading into the full festival launch on December 1.

The curated lineup spans 10 venues throughout the city, including established spaces like Pitt Street Theatre, Audio Foundation, and Wellesley Studios. Several longer-form works are presented in secret or unexpected locations revealed only to ticket holders. The event marks the festival's first significant step into international exchange, hosting creators from countries including Sweden, Brazil, Canada, and Taiwan alongside prominent New Zealand-based artists.

Key components of the program include a multi-day shared-bill series, an exhibition of video works, and dedicated artist-led workshops. Notable contributing practitioners for 2026 include Charles Koroneho and Tru Paraha. Supported by various national and local funding bodies, the festival emphasizes sustainability for practitioners while maintaining affordable ticket pricing to keep live performance accessible to the public.