The former Dominican Convent once again hosted the fourth edition of the contemporary dance festival “The Dancers en plein air”, under the artistic direction of Giulio De Leo.
The event featured a rich program of performances, culminating in a special performance at the Jatta National Museum, entitled “Corpographic”. The evening saw extraordinary talents alternate with performances “Dressing Diplomacy”, “Peacocks and Samba”, “Searching for Europe” and “Mediterraneo Incanto”. Performances that paid homage to the beauty and diversity of contemporary dance, involving the audience in an emotional journey through movements, sounds and visions.
Among the most anticipated performances, “Searching for Europe”, saw the choreography curated by Giulio De Leo and the music composed by Vaggelis Gettoswith Erika Guastamacchia and with the participation of Michele Canatatore Polyphonic Choirdirected by maestro Angelo Anselmi. This Menhir/Le Danzatrici en plein air 2024 and ANTI-SKINO PERFORMING ARTS co-production received the support of the Deputy Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus and collaborated with the “alle SERRE” project of the Cooperativa Sociale Zorba of Terlizzi.
The show explored the different shores of the Mediterranean Sea, evoking landscapes that chase each other like sea waves. On the island of Cyprus, marked by war, you cross the middle area that divides the island. The oscillation seems to be the only possible movement in the Mediterranean Sea, where one oscillates between past and present, sometimes actually moving, other times remaining still. We oscillate in the seas and on the land, on migrant boats and on borders; we oscillate between harmonies and dissonances. What ultimately emerged was that we will never find beautiful Europe again, but we will look for it anyway and welcome this oscillation, without reservations.
The audience then moved to the atrium of the Jatta National Museum for “Corpographic”, where Erika Guastamacchia’s choreography, enriched by the filming and animation of Sara Napoletanowere the result of a permanent laboratory developed in collaboration with “Luci e Suoni d’Artista 2023”, the Multipurpose Center for Minors, the Shalom Cooperatives, Vivere Insieme, Koinos, Caritas citizen Sector Minors and Un Mondo di Bene 2.0 APS Onlus of Ruvo di Puglia.
In a historical period in which adolescents are exposed to an enormous amount of visual material that constantly places the body at the center of attention, events such as these offer an important opportunity for reflection and growth. “Corpografico” allowed the young participants to explore their own identity through choreographic practice, creating a bodily symbolism which was then materialized in a video, a synthesis of the expressive path.
Following the performance of “Corpografico”, in the atrium of the Jatta Museum, the public attended an unscheduled live concert by Vaggelis Gettos and Gilberto Bufi. The extraordinary opening of the Museum throughout the evening made the celebration even more relevant, with a guided tour held by Claudia Lucchesearchaeologist and director of the Jatta National Museum, in search of music and dance on the exposed craters.
In a context in which freedom of expression is often limited, knowing how to assert oneself and respect one’s value becomes fundamental, yesterday as today. In this regard, Carl Jung’s words resonate with particular intensity: “He who looks outside, dreams; he who looks inside, wakes up”. Dance and music, in this case, become a powerful tool for introspection and awakening.
The evening, which began in the afternoon in the little square of the info point with the young promises of Ruvese band music by Neuma Giandonato, ended in the beautiful setting of Piazza dell’Orologio with the Music beyond borders Of Michele Di Modugno, Dr. Mysore Manjunath, Sumath Manjunath and Neyveli Venkatesh.
In the context of Ruvo Coro Festivalthe musicians recounted a magical encounter between East and West, between India and Europe, between apparently different sounds but with solid common roots.
All the performances gave the people of Ruvo, and the many who came from the surrounding area, an opportunity to explore freedom, transforming their bodies into a means of authentic expression.
In an increasingly complex world, initiatives like these remind us of the importance of looking within ourselves to find our voice and space in the world.
