A World of Dance at ‘Danzainfiera’

Feb. 23 – 26: DANZAINFIERA DANCE FESTIVAL. Fortezza da Basso, Firenze. Thurs. 3 – 8 pm, Fri. & Sun. 9 am – 8 pm. Admission: adults and teens €15, free for children under 8 & the disabled. A four-day pass is €40.

Showcasing dance as a universal language that transcends cultural barriers, “Dance Inside Out” is the theme of this year’s edition.

Come and explore unrestrained creativity at an event in which dancers from diverse backgrounds communicate rhythms of music through individual enactments. Weaving together emotions and stories of past and present, their performances become a way to express and relate without use of words

The fair welcomes a lineup of dancers from around the world that will enrich Florence with their melodic movements. The four-day dance experience will offer performances, lectures, workshops integrating dance styles of all kinds as well as providing accessibility to grants and internships.

Guest Artists

Danzafiera presents visiting stars pretty in pink: Dorothée Gilbert and Sarah Lamb, both of whom will bring the eloquence of ballet to the stage. Ryoko Kudo and Bradley Shelver will explore the robust forms of contemporary dance while Guadalupe Tores, with a fiery Spanish attitude, delivers a cultural taste of Flamenco. Also from Spain, Guillem Alonso will tap his way across the stage creating rhythm and soul in contrast to street dancers Nelson and Icee, competing to show who reigns in the house of hip hop.

Classes & Workshops

With Josè Salguero’s lyrical touch on the guitar, flamenco master Guadalupe Torres will oversee an uncompetitive showcase, open to all students of Flamenco, in which each individual will refine their technique to mirror life’s trials and joys (daily).

Join choreographer Gian Luca Del Zoppo for a physical and mental challenge as he teaches different types of hip hop to all ages from 3 and up on Thursday at 5 pm.

Instructor Antonio Fini will illustrate an opportunity to advance a career in modern dance: selected participants will audition to receive study grants to Fini Dance New York Summer School and other American dance institutions (Fri. 12 noon).

Sunday will feature a special event: internationally acclaimed dancer Sarah Lamb, principal dancer at London’s Royal Ballet, will host both an advanced and intermediate level ballet workshop (9:30 & 11:30 am, respectively). The cost is €35 which includes general admission.

The fair will also host booths and exhibitions from companies and institutions including the 2017 Italian Atelier project, an area dedicated entirely to authentic made in Italy dance costumes, showcasing fine craftsmanship.

To register for events, visit www.danzainfiera.it. (grace liu)