A New Year’s dance experience in Iceland combining Contemporary Dance, Contact Improvisation, research, performative practice, sharing and nature, where movement meets the unique landscape of the Icelandic winter.
Where: Samskara Retreat Centre, Laugarás, Iceland
When: December 27, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Deadline for applications: December 27, 2026
NEW YEAR’S INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL — ICELAND
Come and welcome the New Year through movement, dance, connection and creative exploration, surrounded by the extraordinary landscapes of Iceland.
For several days, we will gather at Samskara Retreat Centre to practice, research and share through Contact Improvisation and Contemporary Dance. The festival combines daily intensives, movement research, jams, improvisation, live music, conversations and celebration.
But the festival is not only about what happens inside the studio.
The Icelandic winter becomes part of our experience — darkness, cold, wind, water, geothermal warmth, vast landscapes and volcanic history. The environment becomes another partner in our research.
THE FESTIVAL
• Daily Contact Improvisation & Contemporary Dance intensives
• Movement research & laboratories
• Contact Improvisation jams
• Live music
• Improvisation & performative practices
• Conversations & sharing
• Vegetarian meals
• Nature & free time
• Hot pot & geothermal experiences
• New Year celebration
TEACHERS
– Maya Schwartz — Contemporary Dance • Contact Improvisation • Improvisation
12-hour long dance intensive exploring solo work, floorwork, CI, performance, composition and collective research.
– Pep Nebot — Contact Improvisation
Losing Control — falling, weight sharing, momentum, physical listening, trust and conscious risk.
– Kirill Berezovski — Contemporary Dance • Urban Movement • Floorwork
Molecular Flow — flow, musicality, dynamics, floorwork and movement availability.
– Marcela Rozanska — Co-organizer & Facilitator
-Pola — Vegetarian Cook
SAMSKARA — THE PLACE
Our main practice space is a beautiful old greenhouse surrounded by Icelandic landscape. Samskara also offers cosy communal spaces, a hot pot, and access to nearby geothermal waters, depending on conditions.
How to register:
To reserve your place, you must complete the registration form and pay a €200 (30.000 ISK) deposit to confirm your reservation.
The remaining amount can be transferred before the event or paid in cash on the first day of the festival.
Find all the information about Bank Accounts, Paypal, Revolut options, in the link of the event.
Costs for participants:
EARLY BIRD – Until November 15, 760 EUR (105,000 ISK)
REGULAR PRICE – After November 15, 820 EUR (113,000 ISK)
Contact details:
Catalonia / International
Pep Nebot
+34 685 166 358
info@emotionbodies.com
Iceland / international
Marcela Rozanska
+354 666 6815
marcelarozanska@gmail.com
For further information, please visit https://www.emotionbodies.com/events/88-new-year-dance-festival-iceland-2026-2027.html
For more dance FESTIVALS, visit https://dancingopportunities.com/category/festivals/
