What’s On in Dublin: Upcoming Dance Shows and Performances You Can’t Miss (Jan & Feb 2026)
January 22, 2026 • Kevin Brennan
The cultural calendar in Dublin is heating up for 2026. For those of you constantly Googling "What dance performances are happening in Dublin soon?" or looking for a "list of upcoming dance shows in Dublin," you might be looking in the traditional theater listings. But the most exciting performances often happen on the social floor, where improvisation meets high-stakes competition.
This January 30th and February 1st, the Kan Flow Bachata Weekend is blurring the line between a dance class and a spectator event.
The "Show": A Competition of Leaders and Follows
While you might be searching to "buy tickets for a ballet performance in Dublin," consider widening your scope to Latin dance competitions. Why? Because the level of technicality required—musicality, footwork, and body movement—rivals that of any stage production.
On both Friday, Jan 30, and Sunday, Feb 1, the Dublin Salsa Academy is hosting a Best Leaders & Follows Competition. This isn't a pre-rehearsed recital; it is raw, improvised performance art. The winners are "fairly chosen by You the Dancers on the Night," making the audience the ultimate critic.
The stakes are high, which guarantees a great show. The prizes include:
- Best Leader Prize: €100 cash + a €350 Evershot Photography Voucher for a professional dance video recording.
- Best Follower Prize: €100 cash + a €350 Evershot Photography Voucher.
Watching these dancers compete is a learning masterclass in itself. As we know, watching other people dance is a key step in learning; it helps you identify steps in context and understand movement quality.
The Star Performer: Tonio Kan
If you want to see world-class talent, you don't need to fly to Paris. Tonio Kan, a world-renowned international artist from France, is headlining the event.
Tonio is bringing a specific flavor of performance to Harbourmaster Bar & Restaurant in the IFSC (Dublin 1, D01 W0X8). His focus is on "Flow"—a quality that contemporary dancers and ballet enthusiasts strive for. His Masterclasses focus on Musicality, Footwork, & Body Movement. If you appreciate the discipline of ballet or the fluidity of contemporary dance, watching Tonio Kan demonstrate these principles is essential viewing.
Which Companies Organise Dance Events in Dublin?
If you are looking to follow the movers and shakers in the industry, the answer to "Which companies organise dance events in Dublin?" often points to the Dublin Salsa Academy and their weekly classes.
Led by Kevin Brennan, this organization is not just about weekly classes; they are about bringing international standards to Irish soil. For this event, they have assembled a diverse cast of instructors including:
- Jonathan (Ecuador)
- Juli (Brazil)
- Camila (Spain).
This international roster ensures that the "performances" you see on the dance floor are culturally rich and technically varied.
Limited Slots Available
Join the Kan Flow Bachata Weekend 2026
Experience world-class instruction with Tonio Kan. Don't miss Dublin's biggest bachata event of the year!
Book Your Pass NowHow to Attend the "Show"
Unlike a seated theater event where you passively watch, this event invites you to be part of the atmosphere. However, if you want to treat it as a show, the Party Passes are your ticket in.
- When: Friday 30 Jan 2026 & Sun 01 Feb 2026.
- Where: Harbourmaster, Custom House Quay, IFSC, Dublin.
- Tickets: You cannot buy these on Ticketmaster. You must contact Kevin Brennan via WhatsApp (+353861453015) to reserve your entry.
For those interested in the professional track of dance, attending events like this is crucial. Professional dancers, whether commercial or company-based, require extensive training and commitment. Observing high-level social dancing and competitions helps you understand the industry landscape, especially if you are aspiring to be a "triple threat" performer.
So, if you are looking for upcoming dance shows, don't just sit in the dark of a theater. Come to the Harbourmaster, grab a drink, and watch the drama unfold on the competition floor.
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