DanzainFiera’s 2018 World of Dance

February 22-25: DANZAINFIERA. Fortezza da Basso Florence. Open Thursday 3 – 8 pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 8 pm. Admission: 1 day €15, 4 days €40; free for children under 8; €10 for 8 – 10 year olds.

Florence becomes the stage of world dance at WOW! organized by Danzainfiera.  With an emphasis on Modern and Contemporary, the four days on the program offer workshops, exhibitions and videos, auditions, showcases, performances, special guests, and fashion shows.

Dance Classes for the Solo Artist

Those who have never stepped foot in a dance class or those who are professionals, will have something in store for them at this event: short courses for beginners, to teacher workshops, as well as competitions.

Some examples of classes provided include Contemporary, Oriental, Flamenco, Hip-Hop, Breakdance, and Caribbean dance. Those interested in Contemporary dance can join in experimentation and research with the eclectic Emanuele Cristofoli, in art Laccio. Mothers-to-be may be interested in attending Bellydance lesson in pregnancy held on Saturday at 3 pm. This class encourages women to exercise and find harmony in their new form.

Partner Dancing

Entering the world of partner dancing, there are workshops, and competitions in Swing, Burlesque, and other vintage styles.

For the Non-Dancer

If moving right on stage sounds a bit intimidating, Danza in Fiera also offers countless preparatory classes including Pilates, yoga, holistic disciplines, and stretching.  Those wanting to get a taste of dance without lacing up their shoes can check out the various competitions taking place, such as 5 skillz, a Hip Hop contest on Saturday at 3 pm, where Hip-Hop dancers battle with their new age moves.

The Dif Show held daily displays fashion associated with different dance styles. Atelier Italia: The Made in Italy Tailoring Expo area showcases the history and complexity of Italian dance costumes. There are performances every day, such as the one devoted to Contemporary Choreography (February 23, 2 pm at La Ronda pavilion) in addition to ethnic and folk dance (February 24, 1 pm at La Ronda).

Fun for Families

The fair is also family- and child-friendly, with classes for the young and very young involving parents and qualified teachers to promote a fun environment to encourage children to take their first steps as young dancers to be. The Baby Dance Area is full of daily scheduled activities for one- to 10-year-olds. If watching children dance to choreography sounds heartwarming, head to the POP TAP FESTIVAL entirely devoted to the world of tap as interpreted by ages 6-14 on February 25 starting at 9:30 am.

Those who are interested in taking master classes can purchase tickets in advance online, and all those who wish to take classes during the festival should go to Danzainfiera’s website to fill out a health waiver in order to participate. The full schedule of dates and times for all classes and events mentioned as well as answers to any other questions can be found by visiting www.danzainfiera.it. (cooper davis)