‘Leonardo the Visionary’ – the Florence Dance Festival’s Grand Finale
Artist, inventor, architect, inventor, engineer and scientist — these aspects of the Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci are turned into contemporary dance pieces at the September 16 closing performance (8:30 pm) of the 2020 Florence Dance Festival at Teatro della Compagnia. “Leonardo the Visionary” is the name of the show entirely choreographed by prima ballerina étoile Marga Nativo to original music by Stefano Burbi. Interpreted by the FloDance 2.0 Company of the Florence Dance Center, the work is a physical expression of themes explored by Da Vinci during his lifetime, including the harmony between man and the universe, flight and flying machines, human anatomy, research into the new techniques of painting as well as sources of inspiration for the iconic “Mona Lisa” and the “Last Supper.”
The performance will be preceded by the presentation of the Premio Mercurio Volante prize, annually awarded to a company or an individual who has made a significant contribution to the art of dance and culture (7:30 pm). Past recipients have included the ballet school at Milan’s La Scala; Bill T. Jones; the Joffrey Concert Group; and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre. (rosanna cirigliano)
