For the longest time, Filipino youth were groomed with the idea that there is no future in pursuing the arts. We are taught that finding a sustainable, fulfilling life in this career path is almost impossible. But that narrative is now changing.

Many talented Filipino artists are now embedding their names in the creative industry, like theater, dance, and visual arts. And to bring the dance culture closer to Filipino youth, the Ayala Foundation, for the third year in a row, is spearheading the International Dance Day Fest at Ayala Circuit, Makati City.

Through this program, international dance groups, together with different local dance companies, come together on one stage to perform different genres, from folk and street to ballet. This year’s festival is made even bigger and more special with an international dance director coming in and partnering with different public schools to teach young dancers. In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle last March 25, 2026, Christopher Mohnani, managing director of Samsung Performing Arts Theater and Circuit Makati Arts and Culture manager, shared more details about this youth education program, the exciting details about the fest, and more.

What began as a celebration of movement has grown into a platform for learning, exchange, and access. To be held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, the International Dance Day Fest continues to expand its reach, bringing global talents closer to Filipino audiences while opening doors for aspiring young dancers.

“We really started the education component of the festival last year,” Christopher shared, recalling its initial partnership with the British Embassy and British Council. The collaboration introduced masterclasses led by a director from Company Wayne McGregor, offering pre-professional dance students in Manila a rare opportunity to train under an international figure.

This year, the program evolves into something more immersive. Instead of simply attending workshops, students are invited into a hybrid experience that blends performance and learning. Leading this initiative is the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, under the direction of Sascha Radetsky. Their lecture demonstration gives public school students a behind-the-scenes look at how a full production comes to life.

The initiative primarily targets elementary and high school students within Makati, with plans to expand access if more seats become available. For many of these students, the experience goes beyond watching a show; it becomes their first real encounter with the discipline, creativity, and rigor of professional dance.

More importantly, it signals a long-term vision. Christopher said that the education component will remain a core part of the festival in the years to come. The goal is to extend these programs beyond a single day and eventually mirror the full five-day run of performances.

The festival itself reflects this diversity and growth. Opening on April 22, the gala features the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company alongside principal dancers Thomas Forster and Christine Shevchenko, setting the tone for a week of world-class performances.

From there, each day highlights a different genre. The Folk Dance Gala celebrates Filipino heritage through groups such as Bayanihan and university-based dance troupes. The Street Dance Gala brings together dynamic crews from the local scene, while the Ballet Gala showcases the precision of companies like Ballet Philippines and Ballet Manila. The festival closes with a Contemporary Gala, featuring innovative works from both established and emerging choreographers.

Beyond the stage, the festival carries a message that resonates deeply with the youth. Dance is not just a performance; it is a shared language that connects communities and cultures.

For those who dream of pursuing it, Christopher offers simple advice: “Keep on dancing. Enjoy it. If you have the passion, reach for your dreams,” he said. “But also remember to have fun and share your art.”

In a landscape where practicality often overshadows passion, the International Dance Day Fest stands as proof that the two can coexist. For the next generation of Filipino artists, that might be all the encouragement they need to take the leap.