The final programme has now been published including intimate and large scale performances taking place on established stages as well as unusual and outdoor spaces. With a range of styles from contemporary, classical, hip hop, and flamenco, to a special three day South Asian focused programme, IDFB 2016 promises to get Birmingham dancing again!

In an exciting new development for IDFB, Centenary Square LIVE NIGHTS (11th-14th May) will feature the world première of The Machine Show, a FREE outdoor spectacular, with dancer and choreographer Melanie Lomoff (France) and hip-hop sensation Salah (France), headlined with live music by cult band rinôçérôse (France). Famed for their fusion of rock and electronic dance music, their new album ‘Fighting the Machine’ is out in May. LIVE NIGHTS also features two new IDFB commissions by Corey Baker Dance (New Zealand) and ZoieLogic Dance (UK) as part of a dynamic line-up of free entertainment throughout each evening, accompanied by food and drink from award-winning Digbeth Dining Club – creating a busy festival vibe and helping to drive the night time economy.

A new IDFB 2016 Festival Hub will pop up in Birmingham’s iconic Municipal Bank, with a café, a stunning exhibition of Cosmic Birds by Japanese kinetic Sculptor Shun Ito, and a programme of talks and workshops.

At the large scale, Festival partner Birmingham Hippodrome leads the IDFB 2016 theatre programme with outstanding performances from some of today’s leading international names. Carlos Acosta (Cuba) brings his fascinating and acclaimed career to a close with his ‘Classical Farewell’; Ballet BC (Canada) present works by three of the finest female choreographers; Nederlands Dans Theater 2 (Netherlands) features a hugely exciting company of outstanding 18-23 year old dancers; and Cloudgate Dance Theatre of Taiwan (Taiwan) return to cover the Hippodrome stage with three tons of rice for a mesmerising show. Dance: Sampled, a taster selection of dance styles in one night (with all tickets just £15), includes local acts in the foyers before live performances of contemporary (Wayne McGregor), ballet (Birmingham Royal Ballet), kathak (Birmingham’s Vidya Patel), tango and hip hop.

A key focus of the smaller scale IDFB theatre programme is work from Eastern Europe and South Asia (Kathak, Odissi and Bharatanatyam), much of which is based in The Patrick Centre which will host Correction from VerTeDance, Jirí Havelka and Clarinet Factory (Czech Republic), plus a world premiere of Eclipse from Csaba Molnár (Hungary). It also stages the UK premiere of Monchichi from Company Wang Ramirez (France, Germany, Korea),who recently worked with Madonna on her Rebel Heart tour and were photographed by Paul Smith for L’Equipe Sport and Style, and a premiere from Compagnie Philippe Saire (Switzerland) which will offer a new perspective on watching dance.

The South Asian programme includes UK premieres from Indian companies Sujata & Preetisha Mohapatra & Shijith Nambiar/Parvathy Menon (India) at Brindley Place’s Crescent Theatre.

David Massingham, DanceXchange’s Artistic Director and co-Artistic Director of IDFB 2016 said: “IDFB returns in 2016 with dance for all. If you’re new to dance or familiar with the dance artists and companies in our thrilling line-up, the 2016 festival promises to wow city residents and visitors to the West Midlands and we are excited to announce the final programme. IDFB 2016 promises to engage people of all backgrounds in our international city as Birmingham continues to make its mark culturally and moves further into the 21st Century.”

Fiona Allan, Birmingham Hippodrome’s Artistic Director & Chief Executive, and co-Artistic Director of IDFB 2016 added: “Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the UK’s best dance stages – a natural magnet for some of the most sought-after and talked-about international companies, choreographers and dancers. For years we’ve invested in substantial international work with partners of all scales and we’re determined to make everyone feel welcome both on stage and in the auditorium.

“Expanding our wider community links is hugely important so Dance: Sampled in particular will be a perfect blend of the very best dance from around the corner and around the world. Do something different, see something new this Festival.”