Meraki Festival 2026: Dance & Narrative at Artscape

Jazzart Dance Theatre, a prominent contemporary dance company in South Africa with a history of over fifty years, is excited to announce the reintroduction of the Meraki Dance Festival. This year’s festival has expanded into a two-week event celebrating dance and storytelling at Artscape from 26 February to 7 March 2026.

Meraki – meaning “to do something with soul, creativity and love, leaving a piece of yourself in the work” – returns in 2026 under the theme “Our Stories”. This theme emphasizes the importance of lived experiences, culture, identity, and creativity, expressed through the medium of dance.

The festival illustrates how dance can serve as both a reflection and a communicator. It embodies who we are and our origins, presenting narratives of happiness, hardship, remembrance, and growth, while also transcending verbal communication to connect with others.

New in 2026: Two Weeks, Two Spaces

This year, Meraki will extend over two weeks and two venues at Artscape.

Week One: (26 – 28 February 2026) will occur in the Arena, hosting three days of workshops covering styles such as Contemporary, Pan-African, Amapiano, and Hip Hop, culminating with a performance showcasing young talent. This initiative aims to engage and inspire school-aged audiences.

Week Two: (5 – 7 March 2026) will shift to the Artscape Theatre, featuring masterclasses by prominent artists, evening performances, and a Saturday matinee open to a wider audience.

Jazzart Managing Director, Averil Hughes, states: “Every collaboration begins with a story. We give each other our thoughts, dreams and ambitions… and often, pieces of our hearts. As Meraki enters its second year, although we’re still finding our feet, what is already visible, is the community and connection that gathers around this festival – artists and audiences coming together to share their stories through movement and we look forward to seeing that bond strengthen in 2026.”

Meraki 2026 will include returning participants such as Figure of 8 Dance Theatre, Gain Collective, Imbewu Dance Collective, Cape Ballet Africa, and SboNdaba Dance, alongside first-time participants like EOAN Dance Company, Basic Black, Waterfront Theatre School, Unmute Dance Theatre, and Dance for All.

As part of its commitment to nurturing emerging talent, Jazzart encourages new storytellers through the Meraki 2026 festival. Young choreographers such as Ashlynn Erasmus, Adrienne Newman, Lee van der Merwe, Nick Masepe, and Zoe Fredericks will have the opportunity to showcase their work.

In conclusion, Jazzart Dance Theatre has partnered with New World Dance Theatre to unveil a new performance titled “Our Stories”, highlighting the festival’s theme.