San Diego's annual Asian American Dance Festival returns August 2026!
Last year's inaugural festival and 5-month residency program were optimistic gambles that proved to be a huge success. With the help of over 30 community volunteers, we presented 34 choreographic works, served 191 artists from Southern California and around the globe, and reached over 500 local audience members here in San Diego. Building on this amazing momentum, AADF2026: Becoming Asian American is aiming even higher and hoping to increase the number of artists and audiences served. We've got some new events that will take place throughout the year, leading up to the festival, and we're introducing a more robust residency program.
In order to accomplish our lofty goals for 2026, we need everyone’s support—local dance artists, students, teachers, studio owners, volunteers, sponsors, business owners—from hands on help to fundraising and more. Team AADF is a small group of passionate volunteers, but we can't do this alone. We’re counting on community to join us again and help get AADF2026 on stage!
Planned Events
AADF Gatherings
AADF Gatherings are an ongoing series of networking events for AAPI dance artists of all genres–ballet, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, hip hop, cultural dance forms, etc. We welcome and encourage all in the dance community to join us–performers, choreographers, practitioners, teachers, educators, presenters, studio owners, advocates...everyone!
Gatherings provide dance artists the opportunity to come together, make connections, share stories and experiences, learn from one another, and develop shared resources in a community rich setting.
Planned for once every 2 months, each AADF Gathering focuses on a different topic or need of the community. Click on the link before to learn more!
AADF2026 Winter Symposium
AADF2026 Winter Symposium offers a weekend of classes taught by sought after AAPI dance instructors. A broad variety of dance genres, including western and API cultural dance forms, as well as different levels will be offered. The symposium is open for all to partake in. Whether you want to try out something new or take an advanced class, there's something for everyone.
Planned for late-winter, AADF2026 Winter Symposium gives visibility to AAPI dance teachers, while also providing exposure for choreographers and dancers looking to work together. This is one of our main fundraising events, with all proceeds going to help fund AADF2026 programming.
AADF2026 Dance Film Screening & Opening Night
This year, we're kicking off festival week with AADF2026 Dance Film Screening, along with opening night festivities!
Returning to the Mingei International Museum Theater, AADF will host a screening of dance films made by AAPI artists. Submissions will be reviewed by an AADF panel. Chosen films will be offered for live screening and be eligible for prizes - Audience Choice Award and Critics Choice Award (jury panel). A panel discussion will be held immediately afterwards, as well as an opportunity for audience members to mingle and chat with the artists.
AADF2026 Collaborative Residency, Internship & Fellowship (CRIF)
AADF recognizes the importance of supporting our local artists. We believe it is essential to provide a space for early to mid-career AAPI dance makers to not only present work, but also explore their unique identities, collaborate with one another, and engage with the AAPI community in a supportive environment.
For 2026, we're expanding our residency program to include a production internship track. Residents focus on dance making, collaborating, and exploring their multicultural identities. Interns dive into dance production and administration, while also getting exposure to other AAPI arts organizations.
In 2027, we will introduce the Fellowship sub-program that allows previous Residents and Interns to dive deeper into their work and develop leadership skills that support AAPI communities.
AADF2026 Community Day
Last year's Community Day was a blast! Dancers of all ages came together, both performing on stage and dancing in the audience. There was Hula, Tahitian dance, Chinese dance, Vietnamese dance, Classical Indian dance, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, breaking, k-pop and more! Audience tried out some new moves, and we even raffled off some AADF logo merch.
For AADF2026 Community Day, we once again invite local AAPI student and community artists to share short dance pieces alongside cultural dance troupes. Our goal is to make sure we represent the broad diversity of the Asian and Pacific Islander diaspora. Dance artists are also invited to offer classes from the stage for audiences to participate in. Taking place at City Heights Performance Annex and its adjacent park, organizations and businesses are welcome to set-up booths to distribute information and/or offer family friendly activities.
Planned as an all-day free event, bring a blanket, beach chair, picnic lunch, and enjoy the day with us!
AADF2026 Mainstage Showcase
We will once again be closing out the festival with our Mainstage Showcase. Last year, audiences walked away with so many wonderful things to say. We weren't sure what the public response would be. However, sharing our stories of the AAPI experience proved moving and important work. AAPI audiences felt seen, while others discovered how different and nuanced our experiences are.
A curated evening of live dance, invited dance makers will share personal works that touch on their experience of living multi-culturally. These AAPI choreographers represent different cultural backgrounds and create work in various dance disciplines. Each are inspirational and accomplished artists in their own right. Together they will present an evening of profound sharing and deep questioning. We hope audiences will come away with a richer understanding and appreciation of our AAPI communities and identities.
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