Six Dance Shows at Teatro Pérez Galdós from September to November 2026

After a long summer, the cultural calendar in Gran Canaria picks up speed again, and the Teatro Pérez Galdós is setting a clear accent right from the start. Instead of scattering dance performances across the whole season, the theatre has bundled them into a focused cycle of six evenings. The idea, as the organisers put it, is to take the audience on a journey through “different languages, aesthetics and ways of understanding movement”. That means you can expect everything from the polished precision of a national ballet company to the raw energy of flamenco and the experimental spirit of contemporary dance.

For locals and visitors alike, this is a rare opportunity to see top-class Spanish and international dance companies on one of the most beautiful stages in the Canary Islands. The theatre itself, a historic gem in the heart of Las Palmas, is worth a visit just for its architecture. But this autumn, the real stars will be on stage. Whether you are a seasoned dance lover or simply curious to try something new, the programme offers an accessible and exciting mix. And with tickets already on sale, it is a good idea to plan ahead, as some of these performances are likely to sell out quickly.

The Opening: Ballet Nacional de España with "Afanador"

The season opens with a true heavyweight of Spanish dance. On 10 September 2026 at 20:00, the Ballet Nacional de España takes to the stage with its production Afanador. The company, known worldwide for its mastery of Spanish dance styles, brings a show that blends classical ballet, escuela bolera, flamenco and contemporary influences into a single, powerful performance. The title refers to the Colombian photographer Ruvén Afanador, whose striking visual language inspired the choreography.

This is not a traditional story ballet but rather a series of vivid, almost cinematic tableaux. The dancers move through contrasts of light and shadow, tradition and modernity, with the unmistakable stamp of Spanish dance culture. For anyone who wants to understand the breadth of what Spanish dance can be today, this opening night is the perfect starting point. It sets the tone for a season that is all about crossing boundaries and exploring new territories.

Flamenco and Basque Contemporary: Two Bold Voices

Just over two weeks later, on 26 September 2026 at 20:00, the Compañía Flamenca Rocío Pozo presents Liberté. Flamenco on the island has a loyal following, and this production promises to be a highlight for aficionados. Rocío Pozo is known for a style that respects the deep roots of flamenco while daring to push it forward. Liberté, as the name suggests, is about freedom — freedom of expression, freedom from rigid forms, and the liberating power of dance itself. Expect intense footwork, soulful singing and guitar playing, and a stage presence that fills the grand hall of the Pérez Galdós.

Then, on 3 October 2026, the tone shifts dramatically with OTS by Haatik Dantza. This Basque company brings a completely different energy to the stage. Their work is rooted in contemporary dance but draws on the physical traditions of Basque culture. OTS is a piece that explores sound, silence and the body as a resonant instrument. It is likely to be one of the more experimental evenings of the season, appealing to those who enjoy dance that challenges and surprises. Together, these two shows in late September and early October show the wide spectrum the season covers in just a few days.

MASDANZA: A Festival Within the Season

In mid-October, the dance season merges with one of the Canary Islands' most important international dance events: the MASDANZA Festival Internacional de Danza Contemporánea Moderna. On 15 and 16 October 2026, the Teatro Pérez Galdós hosts the solo and choreographic competitions, where emerging talents from around the world present their work. These evenings are a fantastic way to discover new voices in contemporary dance and to feel the buzz of a live competition. The atmosphere is often electric, as the audience witnesses the future stars of the dance world.

The festival culminates on 17 October 2026 with the Gala de Ganadores, the winners' gala. This is where the jury's favourites perform their award-winning pieces, offering a concentrated dose of the best the festival has to offer. For dance enthusiasts, this three-day block is probably the most exciting part of the whole season. It brings an international flair to Las Palmas and connects the local theatre directly to the global contemporary dance scene. If you can only make it to one part of the season, this is a strong contender.

Closing with Lorca: "Las hijas de Bernarda"

The season concludes on 28 November 2026 with a production that draws on one of Spain's greatest literary works. Taiat Dansa, a company from Valencia, presents Las hijas de Bernarda, a dance interpretation of Federico García Lorca's famous play The House of Bernarda Alba. The story of a domineering mother and her five daughters, trapped in a house of mourning and repression, is a powerful source material for dance. Taiat Dansa is known for its theatrical, emotionally charged style, and this piece promises to translate the tension and poetry of Lorca's words into movement.

This closing performance brings the season full circle. From the grand, polished spectacle of the Ballet Nacional to the raw, emotional world of Lorca's Andalusia, the journey is complete. It is a fitting finale that anchors the season in Spanish cultural heritage while speaking a thoroughly modern dance language. For many, this will be the emotional highlight of the autumn programme.