In Sweden, dance is part of the wider performing-arts scene, alongside theatre, opera and music. You’ll find everything from classical ballet to contemporary choreography, experimental works and performances that mix dance with theatre, music or visual art.

If you’re new to dance, contemporary dance can be a good place to start. It tends to be less focused on a traditional story and more on movement, music, ideas and atmosphere.

You don’t need to know the choreographer, understand every movement or have any previous experience. Think of it less like solving a puzzle and more like going to a concert or exhibition: you’re there to experience it.

You don't have to go to a specialist dance venue. Some of Sweden's biggest opera houses and performing-arts organisations have dance companies and productions, while smaller venues and touring companies bring performances to cities around the country.

stockholm 

Stockholm has several good entry points if you want to explore dance.

Try:

• Kungliga Operan (Royal Swedish Opera) — a good starting point for ballet and larger-scale productions. The Royal Swedish Ballet performs both classical and modern repertoire
• Dansens Hus — one of the best places to look for contemporary dance, with performances by Swedish and international choreographers
• Cullberg — Sweden's internationally recognised contemporary dance company, with performances in Stockholm and on tour

best for: first-time visitors who want to see a major production, or anyone curious about contemporary dance.

gothenburg — contemporary dance at its best

Gothenburg is home to GöteborgsOperans Danskompani, one of Europe's leading contemporary dance companies. Its repertoire is largely made up of new works created with internationally recognised choreographers and creative teams.

Try:

• GöteborgsOperans Danskompani — the obvious starting point for contemporary dance
• GöteborgsOperan — check the programme for dance productions alongside opera, musical and concert performances
• Skapa Dans — GöteborgsOperan also offers dance experiences, workshops and activities for people who want to engage with dance rather than simply watch it

best for: contemporary dance, international choreographers and something a little outside the traditional theatre experience.

malmö — explore the wider performing-arts scene

Malmö is another good place to look for dance, particularly if you're interested in contemporary and interdisciplinary performance.

Try:

• Malmö Opera — check the current programme for dance and larger stage productions
• Smaller theatres and independent performance spaces — these can be a good way to discover contemporary work without committing to a large production

best for: combining dance with theatre, music and other forms of contemporary performance.

outside the bigger cities

Don't assume you need to live in one of Sweden's biggest cities to see professional dance.

Riksteatern tours dance productions around Sweden, bringing contemporary dance to theatres and local venues outside the major cities. Its programme includes both established choreographers and new work.

Check your local theatre, cultural centre or municipality's events calendar for dans, samtida dans or dansföreställning.

good starting point: search for a performance near you rather than waiting for a major production to come to Stockholm or Gothenburg.

Not sure where to begin? Don't overthink it.

If you like classical stories and spectacle, try ballet at Kungliga Operan.

If you like modern art, music or experimental theatre, look for contemporary dance at Dansens Hus, GöteborgsOperans Danskompani or a smaller independent venue.

At many Swedish dance performances, you can expect the audience to be quiet and focused while the performance is happening.

The experience can vary enormously:

• Classical ballet can be highly structured and technically precise
• Contemporary dance can be physical, abstract, funny, emotional or all four
• Some performances tell a recognisable story
• Others are more about movement, sound, lighting and atmosphere
• Some productions combine dance with spoken text, film or live music

If you find yourself thinking “I don't know what this means”, that's completely fine.

You don't necessarily have to work it out.

Sometimes the most enjoyable part is simply noticing what the dancers, music, lighting and space make you feel.

You generally don't need to dress formally for a dance performance. Smart casual is perfectly fine unless the venue says otherwise.

Before you go:

• Book ahead for popular productions, particularly premieres and major touring companies
• Check the running time — performances can range from around an hour to several hours with an interval
• Arrive on time — late entry may not be possible until a suitable break
• Keep your phone away during the performance
• Don't take photos or video unless the venue specifically allows it
• Check the programme notes if you're worried about not understanding the work. They can give you useful context without telling you how you're supposed to feel
• Look for English information — major venues often provide English-language programme information or website content