The 2026 edition of the Ice Hot Nordic Dance Platform, originally scheduled for June in Stockholm, will not proceed as planned. The Ice Hot partners across the Nordic region were forced to make the difficult decision to postpone the event after failing to secure sufficient funding for the upcoming summer.
The absence of Ice Hot is a significant setback for the international dance community, particularly as it coincides with the cancellation of Düsseldorf’s Internationale Tanzmesse for similar reasons. Together, these cancellations serve as stark, concrete examples of the rapidly deteriorating landscape for cultural funding in many European countries. Large-scale international platforms are becoming increasingly difficult to execute as the willingness to finance such endeavors dwindles, despite clear demand.
A vital platform under pressure
Founded 15 years ago, Ice Hot was established to create touring opportunities, strengthen collaboration, and boost the visibility of Nordic contemporary dance. These long-term objectives rely heavily on stable and sufficient public investment in international cultural exchange. However, securing such backing has become increasingly challenging in the current cultural-political climate.
The demand for such platforms remains undeniably high. A total of over 400 artists and groups applied to present their work at the Stockholm edition, with more than 100 applications coming from Finland alone.
The platform has also historically drawn a significant number of international presenters. The most recent edition in Oslo (2024) was attended by over 300 industry professionals.
Adapting to a new reality
Organizers emphasize that artistic exchange and mobility are vital for the success and development of the dance field, making the decision to postpone all the more difficult.
“The postponement gives us time to reflect on the future of Ice Hot and adapt to changing cultural and economic horizons,” the Ice Hot partners stated in a joint release. “However, our shared goal remains the same: to create meaningful encounters for artists and presenters, and to ensure that Nordic contemporary dance continues to reach new audiences despite the challenging circumstances.”
Ice Hot Nordic Dance Platform presents Nordic contemporary dance and choreography to hundreds of dance presenters from around the world. The platform is organized every other year in a different Nordic country, since 2010. In Helsinki, Finland, Ice Hot was organized with success in 2022.
Circus & Dance Finland represents Finland in the Ice Hot network. The other partners are Dansens Hus Stockholm, Dansens Hus Oslo, Dansehallerne (Denmark) and Performing Arts Centre Iceland.