The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) is pleased to announce that the Guam International Dance Festival (GIDF) has been officially sanctioned and certified by the Federation of International Dance Festivals (FIDAF), marking an important milestone in the continued growth of Guam’s international dance event.
The official certification, signed by FIDAF President Jang Gi Su on October 1, 2026 recognizes GIDF as an approved FIDAF festival and connects the event to an international network of dance festivals committed to cooperation, cultural exchange and the celebration of diverse dance traditions. The event is also made possible through GIDF top tier sponsors United Airlines, PHR Ken Micronesia, Inc., Bank of Guam, and Baldyga Group, as well as support from the Sinajana Mayor’s Office, Department of Chamorro Affairs, and PBS, Guam.
“We are thrilled to achieve official FIDAF certification for the Guam International Dance Festival as we prepare for an extraordinary second year,” said Régine Biscoe Lee, GVB President and CEO. “The strong momentum and international recognition GIDF has gained in such a short time is inspiring. This festival celebrates our rich CHamoru heritage and vibrant local culture while attracting dancers and visitors from across the globe, positioning Guam as a premier cultural destination in the region.”
Founded in 2012, the Federation of International Dance Festivals is an international nonprofit organization that brings dance festivals together through networking, cooperation and cultural exchange. FIDAF works to strengthen connections among festivals and promote friendship and understanding through dance.
GVB in collaboration with Guam dance and cultural leader Vince Reyes, FIDAF’s Local Chairman for Oceania and a member of its Development Commission, continues to advance GIDF’s international development. Reyes is currently working with the Department of Chamorro Affairs and the Guam Museum, collaborating closely with GVB on the development of the Guam National Indigenous Performing Arts Academy. With the festival now officially sanctioned, GVB will continue working with Reyes to strengthen international connections, encourage participation from dance groups abroad and expand opportunities for cultural exchange through the festival.
Preparations continue for the second Guam International Dance Festival, scheduled for December 4 – 6, 2026. Following its inaugural event in December 2025, which brought together 21 teams and 291 dancers, GIDF returns with an expanded program designed to showcase local talent alongside regional and international performers.
The 2026 festival will feature three competition divisions: International Folk Dance Competition – Invitational, Open Cultural Dance Competition, and Contemporary & Street Dance Competition. GIDF celebrates the diversity of dance while providing opportunities for artistic development, cultural sharing and international engagement.
The rules and regulations for the Contemporary & Street Dance Competition have been updated, including revisions to the competition format to provide greater creative flexibility in the first round and a more genre-specific evaluation in the second round. Participants are encouraged to review the updated rules and regulations at visitguam.com/gidf for complete details.
Virtual Participant Briefing
GVB will host a virtual participant briefing on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 3 p.m. ChST to provide information about the Guam International Dance Festival and answer questions from interested participants. GIDF registration is not required to attend the briefing.
