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Dance festival: From urban dread to airborne joy
9 Feb
Summary
- Festival marks 20th edition with diverse performances.
- Shows range from dark urban nightmares to joyous exuberance.
- New works explore themes of human connection and resilience.
The 20th edition of the Holland Dance festival has opened, presenting a diverse program that spans from unsettling urban narratives to uplifting airborne spectacles. Spanish choreographer Marcos Morau's "Horses" for Nederlands Dans Theater offers a visceral experience, depicting human survival and ingenuity in a desolate urban landscape, a stark contrast to the piece's eventual hopeful conclusion.
Jan Martens' "Kid in a Candy Shop," also featured, explores individuality within a large ensemble, set against visual projections. Compagnie Tiuri presents "Please Hold My Hand," a powerful dance-theatre piece addressing femicide and advocating for women's safety. The work uses evocative imagery and personal testimonies to create a poignant and resonant experience.
Gauthier Dance's "FireWorks" offers an exuberant, crowd-pleasing celebration marking 40 years of Theaterhaus Stuttgart. This dynamic program includes numerous short works and a spectacular trampoline rendition of "Bolero." Other festival highlights include works by Fernando Melo, Inbal Pinto, Conny Janssen, and Johan Inger, showcasing a wide array of choreographic styles and themes.
