Leap Dance Festival returns for 2026 with a programme showcasing the work of local artists, community groups and young people. Ths year, they're bringing back some of their most popular events, including Dancing at the Palm House, our Schools and Youth platforms and Dancing in the Streets.
See below for the full programme of events.
YOU & US | Cathy Waller DanceDate: Fri 24 AprilTime: 7.30pmVenue: The Capstone TheatreSummary: An emotionally powerful contemporary dance work exploring invisible disability, identity and belonging, set to an original soundtrack by MOBO-winning composer Lewis Wright.
Youth Dance ShowcaseDate: Sat 25 AprilTime: 6pmVenue: The Arts Centre, City of Liverpool CollegeSummary: A celebratory evening showcasing dance performances by talented young people from schools and youth groups across the North West.
Dancing at the Palm HouseDate: Sun 26 AprilTime: 12.30pmVenue: Sefton Park Palm HouseSummary: A free afternoon of performances and participatory workshops featuring community dance groups in the stunning surroundings of Liverpool’s iconic Palm House.
Schools Dance Platform: Dancing Through the DecadesDate: Tue 28 AprilTime: 7pmVenue: Liverpool LighthouseSummary: Students from regional schools and colleges perform dance pieces inspired by music and styles spanning the last 100 years.
Liverpool Dance PrizeDate: Thu 30 AprilTime: 7.30pmVenue: Unity TheatreSummary: Four emerging choreographers present new work in competition for a £1000 development grant, spotlighting the next generation of dance talent.
Queer MovesDate: Fri 1 MayTime: 7.30pmVenue: Unity TheatreSummary: A vibrant evening of contemporary dance by LGBTQIA+ artists from Liverpool, including newly commissioned works supported by Culture Liverpool.
Windows of Displacement | Toussaint To MoveDate: Sat 2 MayTime: 7.30pmVenue: Unity TheatreSummary: A compelling autobiographical solo blending dance, song and spoken word to explore migration, identity and ancestral memory.
Dancing in the StreetsDate: Mon 4 MayTime: 12pm – 4pmVenue: Liverpool ONESummary: A free outdoor programme of performances and pop-up dance activity bringing a wide range of styles to Liverpool city centre.
Interplay | Phoenix Dance TheatreDate: Fri 8 MayTime: 7.30pmVenue: Liverpool PlayhouseSummary: An exciting mixed bill featuring internationally acclaimed choreographers exploring collaboration, contrast and creative exchange through contemporary dance.
Shakespeare North TakeoverDate: Sat 9 MayTime: 12pm – 6pmVenue: Shakespeare North PlayhouseSummary: A full day of dance activity including free taster sessions, new works-in-progress, and a creative life drawing session inspired by live performers.
Big Burlesque CabaretDate: Sat 9 MayTime: 8pmVenue: Shakespeare North PlayhouseSummary: The festival finale brings an 18+ evening of burlesque, cabaret and aerial performance celebrating bold, inclusive and high-energy live entertainment.