1-30-2026 5:59am

Laguna Beach Dance Festival | Laguna Playhouse | Feb 13 - 15

Eric Bergstrom Editor

Three Nights of World-Class Dance Performances Celebrate Connection, Movement, and the Language of the Heart

Laguna Dance brings you its 2026 festival, LOVE LETTERS, an extraordinary weekend of dance performances featuring world-renowned dancers and choreographers at the historic Laguna Playhouse. From February 13-15, audiences will experience three distinct evenings of dance, where movement holds a message and every step tells a story.

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Highly respected Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) is the festival’s featured performer. DCDC has redefined dance and increased awareness of the African-American experience, ethos, and cultural heritage. Founded in 1968 to create performance opportunities for dancers of color, its history is rich with recognition, performances on international stages, and a 1995 MacArthur "Genius" award bestowed on its late founder, Jeraldyne Blunden. DCDC’s dedication to breakthrough creativity and a focus on financial stability has earned it a reputation as a leader on the American arts and culture stage. It attracts a steady stream of internationally recognized dancers and choreographers as it continues to wow audiences at home and abroad.

DCDC founder Blunden’s daughter, Debbie Blunden-Diggs, who serves as Chief Executive and Artistic Director, commented, “We are so excited to be part of the Laguna Dance Festival. The company has not performed on the West Coast in several years and we are delighted that this is our reentry.”, and cultural heritage.

The company will open the festival on Friday night, Feb. 13, with its signature verve, performing Jacob’s Ladder by choreographer Rennie Harris, Paul Taylor’s famed Esplanade, and Ray Mercer’s Mental.

Saturday, Feb. 14, is a one-night-only, all-duets blend of romantic, classical, contemporary, and ballroom dance, featuring Miami City Ballet performing Balanchine’s Diamonds duet, Joffrey Ballet dancing Round of Angels, Complexions Contemporary Ballet dancing a Dwight Rhoden duet, ballroom guest artists, Jodie Gates’ Delicate Balance, and electrifying performances from Kynetiqs and Ballet Project OC. This intimate Valentine's Day celebration explores love in all its forms—friendship, passion, and partnership.

Closing out the festival on Sunday, Feb. 15, it’s funday, a joyful community finale for the whole family, featuring Backhausdance, Chinese Dance Company of Southern California, Ballet Project OC, Kynetiqs, and works by Azuki Umeda, Jodie Gates, and Kynetiqs founder Rauf “RubberLegz” Yasit, called by Dance Magazine “the B-Boy who throws genre distinctions out the window.”

LAGUNA DANCE FESTIVAL – EVENT SCHEDULE

Thursday, February 12 – FREE EVENT – Onstage rehearsal with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Open to the public.

Friday, February 13 – Dayton Contemporary Dance Company performs Paul Taylor's iconic work “Esplanade,” alongside choreography by renowned hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris.

Saturday, February 14 – HEART 2 HEART: An Evening of Duets – one night only. Celebrity dancers from Miami City Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet, Kynetiqs, BalletX, and world-class ballroom dancers.

Sunday, February 15 – Showcasing local favorites Backhausdance, Ballet Project OC, Chinese Dance Company of Southern California, with featured choreography by Azuki Umeda and Rauf "RubberLegz" Yasit.

SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DAY VIP EXPERIENCE

Limited VIP tickets are available for the February 14 Heart 2 Heart performance at $250, including:

• Pre-show Champagne reception

• Reserved VIP seating

• Exclusive onstage party after the show with gourmet food, drinks, and opportunities to meet the dancers

• Special surprise entertainment