Festivals & Events

At Upstage, we believe the arts are a powerful force for social change, connection, and healing. We also believe that the cultural sector holds real economic value, offering viable, dignified livelihoods for artists across East Africa. That’s why our festivals and events are at the heart of what we do.

We create platforms for bold artistic expression, bring diverse communities together, and support professional development through performance. Each event is designed not only to showcase high-quality dance and music from across the region and around the world, but to grow local audiences, expand access to the arts, and strengthen the region's creative sector.

Our festivals are often accompanied by artist workshops and training, and powered by original creative productions. Together, these experiences form the core of our programming and the heartbeat of our impact.

SPOTLIGHT: Dance Life Festival

Dance Life Festival is Upstage’s flagship event, and the biggest international dance festival in Kenya. Launched in 2020, it has grown into a powerful annual platform for bold, inclusive, and collaborative movement work from East Africa and beyond.

Each edition brings together choreographers, dancers, and companies from across the region and the world, with a curatorial focus on inclusion, innovation, and cultural exchange. We spotlight women choreographers, artists with non-normative physicality, indigenous cultural dance, and children’s performances, creating space for expression across age, ability, and background.

Beyond the mainstage showcases, the Festival includes:

Workshops for emerging dance professionals
Artist talks exploring the dance economy, inclusion, and career development
Site-specific performances in both formal venues and public spaces
International collaborations, including partnerships with leading companies and festivals.