Why a professional’s program?

Hello Dag Rosenqvist, head of the professional’s program for Step.

Why does the festival need a professional’s program?
– We want to support the dance scene! That’s why we started Step. But we soon realised that the sector needed more than just a festival – it also needed a meeting place. Many people working in this sector miss the sense of collegiality. They work locally and often feel quite isolated. Through the professional’s program, we create an opportunity for everyone to meet, whether they are public officials, producers, practitioners or presenters.

What does the professional’s program include?
– Three packed days filled with networking and performances, workshops and talks. If I were to highlight one event, I’d like to mention The Nordic Map. On Thursday after lunch, together with representatives from all the Nordic countries, we will try to create a shared overview of the current situation in each country, and then discuss how we can work towards greater collaboration and more touring opportunities across the Nordic region.

Who do you think should take part in the program?
– The professional’s program is aimed at everyone working with dance, performing arts, or culture for children and young people more broadly. We have no strict criteria – if you feel that this is for you, then it most certainly is.

How do you take part in the professional’s program?
– You register online via Step’s website starting on 15 January. You can sign up for one day or all three. Everything is free of charge except for one performance in Gothenburg, but some events have limited capacity. In those cases, it’s first come, first served.

What are you looking forward to the most?
– For everything to start! After all the thousands of emails and phone calls, it will be wonderful to finally meet everyone and see all those encounters happen live.

Facts: The professional’s program
When: 4–6 March 2026
Where: Vara Concert Hall, Mölnlycke Cultural Centre, Folkteatern in Gothenburg, with the possibility to see additional performances in Mölndal and Gothenburg.
How: Registration takes place online from 15 January until the program begins. Admission is free to all program events (except for the performance Rock me Baby at Atalante in Gothenburg on 5 March).