French Riviera by Emilie
Dance Festival 2026: which evening to choose in Cannes, Grasse or Antibes?
If you are planning a stay between 21 November and 6 December, look at the Dance Festival programme before settling on your dates. I suggest five evenings, from Cannes to Mougins via Grasse and Antibes. There are drums on stage, the voice of Nina Simone, contemporary dance and ballet accompanied by an orchestra. You can start by choosing the music you would like to hear.
In Cannes, nine drum kits set Manifesto in motion
On Saturday 21 November at 9 pm, Stephanie Lake places nine drummers above the stage, with nine dancers in front of them. In “Manifesto”, percussion makes the music visibly present: you see the drummer's movement as well as the dancer's.
I suggest this opening performance if you would like an evening driven by rhythm, even if contemporary dance is unfamiliar to you. Bear the volume of the drums in mind if you are coming with children who are sensitive to noise. The festival lists the show for ages 8 and over, with a running time of one hour.
The venue is the Grand Auditorium at the Palais des Festivals, 1 boulevard de la Croisette. A 9 pm start leaves time for dinner beforehand, with a margin to get into the auditorium. Manifesto programme and tickets.
In Grasse, eight dancers in Leïla Ka's new work
“Lullaby Shot” brings together eight women dancers, including Leïla Ka, on a stage without scenery. Their footing, the weight of their bodies and the group's movements shape the piece. This 2026 creation is performed on Thursday 26 November at 8 pm at the Théâtre de Grasse.
If you are staying in the Pays de Grasse, make this your evening out for the week. For those who have seen “Maldonne”, it is also a chance to return to the choreographer's work with a new ensemble. Allow one hour for the performance, at 2 avenue Maximin Isnard. Discover Lullaby Shot.
In Antibes, follow Nina Simone's voice
On Tuesday 1 December at 8 pm, “Her Voice, a tribute to Nina Simone” begins with a short documentary, followed by four dance pieces. Daniel Proietto brings images, songs and bodies into conversation, with Marion Barbeau among the performers.
If Nina Simone is already part of your evenings at home, here is a familiar starting point for choosing a ticket. This is a tribute combining film, music and dance, rather than a concert of cover versions. It lasts about an hour and is intended for audiences aged 12 and over.
The venue is Anthéa, 260 avenue Jules Grec. If you have lunch or walk around old Antibes beforehand, allow for the journey to the theatre. The Her Voice evening.
In Mougins, a 6 pm performance to begin the weekend
On Saturday 5 December, Scène 55 hosts Iker Karrera's “The Room Where It Happens”. Five performers explore what happens when we are alone, away from everyday demands. Contemporary dance, urban movement and music by Alex Aller run through this hour-long show.
The 6 pm start makes it possible to go before dinner. I recommend not booking a table immediately afterwards: a meeting with the artistic team is scheduled after the performance. The show is for ages 12 and over, at 55 chemin de Faissole. The programme at Scène 55.
Sunday in Cannes, with ballet and a live orchestra
On 6 December at 6 pm, London City Ballet comes to the Grand Auditorium with the Orchestre national de Cannes. The programme pairs John Neumeier's “Ghost Light”, set to Schubert, with Glen Tetley's “The Firebird”, set to Stravinsky.
For a weekend devoted to performance, you could book Mougins on Saturday and Cannes on Sunday. For a single family outing, consider the running time too: the closing performance is listed for ages 8 and over, but lasts two hours including an interval. Choose it with children who are keen on that evening at the theatre. The London City Ballet programme.
Book the performance that interests you first, then arrange dinner and travel. If you are staying several days, leave mornings for a walk or a museum. You will have something else to talk about between evenings out.