An Interactive Dance Festival & Show: DanzainFiera 2019

Feb. 21 – 24: DANZAINFIERA. Fortezza da Basso.  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.

Danzainfiera once again returns to Florence this year, better than ever. Come and experience four days packed with opportunities for dancers and non-dancers alike: instruction, contests, exhibitions, fashion shows, auditions, showcases and guest speakers.

Performances

Prepare to be wowed by innovative performances integrated into this year’s festival. The Magie D’Oriente show will bring together choreography from all oriental disciplines of dance on Saturday at 5:30. Come to the 19th century grand classical gala on Saturday at 12:30 pm or the Renaissance dance performance on Sunday at 1 pm if interested in being transported back in time by shows of classical waltzes or intricate steps once executed throughout history by the nobility, including the Medici family.

Dance Classes for the Solo Artist

Everyone from novices to professionals are invited to dance at the variety of classes offered this year. Visitors have the chance to experience: Tap, Musical Theater, Ballet, Tango, Classical, Contemporary, Afro, Hip-Hop and Oriental.

One can expect everything from brief lessons to longer competitions and the chance of being awarded an internship or grant. Teachers will add depth to their instruction through individualized attention and choreographic analysis. The Oscar DanzaTeatro invites guests ready to take their performing skills to the next level to attend a lesson at 4:15 pm on Friday.

Partner Dancing

Those looking for a chance to try out or practice partner dancing can participate in workshops and competitions offered various styles: Latin, Contemporary and more.

For the Non-Dancer

If not quite ready to jump into a dance class, there are preparatory sessions aimed at building confidence provided each day of the event. DanzainFiera’s schedule also includes a number of fitness programs such as Barre, dance, pilates, yoga and holistic courses. An innovative addition, Backroll lessons, have been added to instruct the proper use of a roller in preventing injury and promoting a toned figure.

The event also welcomes those interested in watching the many performances, lectures and fashion shows that occur every day of Danza in Fiera. One will undoubtedly be entertained by the numerous competitions interspersed throughout the four days, one being the Burlesque contest taking place Sunday at 4 pm, which opens its doors to classic, comic or fantasy interpretations.

Fun for Families

The fair welcomes families and encourages children of all ages to participate in the engaging classes offered, cultivating the skills of dancers-to-be. Those under 14 can twirl their way through Ballet on Friday at 11:30 am or learn the fundamentals of street dance at Kidz Hip Hop…Hurray! on Sunday at 10:30 am. The whole family will be inspired when meeting acclaimed guests including Anthony Heinl, a choreographer who unites dance and tricks together in the show The Magic of Light which will take place on Thursday at 8:45 pm.

Those intending to attend the festival should be sure to fill out the health waiver found online. Also, if planning to compete or attend master classes, don’t forget to purchase tickets in advance. Any additional inquiries regarding the schedule of the events can be found on the website.  (kim brooking)