As the summer heat slowly descends upon the stone streets of Krešimir's city, and the scent of salt and pine fills the air, Šibenik is preparing to become the epicenter of the European dance avant-garde. In the week ahead, from July 14th to 19th, the city will not only be a backdrop for an idyllic vacation but also the most beautiful possible open-air stage. The fourteenth edition of the Šibenik Dance Festival will transform historic squares and monumental fortresses into arenas of contemporary dance, bringing a touch of the world's cultural scene to the heart of Dalmatia. This is not just a festival; it is an invitation to experience a summer holiday through movement, emotion, and art that defies boundaries.

This year's festival, richer than ever, brings together artists and dance companies from as many as nine European countries, creating a unique mosaic of dance poetics. Over six days, the audience will have the opportunity to witness a series of over twenty performances ranging from intimate solos to spectacular group choreographies, from classical techniques to bold experiments. The festival spreads through the city like a living art installation, occupying spaces from the popular Azimut club, across the central city square Poljana, to the magnificent fortresses that have become a trademark of this cultural event. For all those planning a visit, it is the ideal time to secure not only tickets but also accommodation in Šibenik to fully immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere.

Dance as a response to the challenges of our time

In times of global turmoil and uncertainty, art takes on the role of a powerful communication tool. This year's festival is based on this very idea, highlighting dance as a medium that transcends language barriers and speaks the universal language of the body. Zorana Mihelčić, the festival's artistic director, emphasizes that dance is more necessary today than ever. "At the 14th edition of the festival, we are not just gathering to watch. We are gathering to remind ourselves what it means to feel, to witness, and to be moved – emotionally and existentially," points out Mihelčić. According to her, when the ground beneath our feet seems unstable and when words lose their power, the body remains the last and most sincere speaker that tells the truth. The festival is, therefore, conceived as a platform for dialogue, questioning, and building bridges of understanding, and dance becomes a gateway to other, deeper dimensions of existence.

Kafka's world through movement at the grand opening

The festival will begin on Monday, July 14th, with a powerful and symbolic performance on one of the city's most beautiful stages – the Republic of Croatia Square, in front of the UNESCO-protected St. James's Cathedral. The honor of opening the festival has been given to the Portuguese dance company Almada Dance Company with the performance "The Process of Burning in Reverse". Choreographer São Castro found inspiration in the dark, absurd, and tragic universe of Franz Kafka, thus marking the centenary of the death of this literary giant. The title of the performance metaphorically refers to Kafka's last wish for his manuscripts to be burned and to his friend Max Brod's decision to betray that wish, thereby preserving an invaluable legacy for the future. Instead of words, the bureaucratic labyrinths, existential anxiety, and grotesque nature of Kafka's works are here translated into a powerful, precise, and emotionally charged dance expression that will undoubtedly leave a deep impression on the audience.

The festival's highlight: An explosion of energy with Gauthier Dance Company

The central event and, according to many, the highlight of this year's festival is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16th, on the spectacular summer stage of St. Michael's Fortress. For the first time in Croatia, the world-renowned and multi-award-winning Gauthier Dance Company from Stuttgart, one of the most exciting dance troupes of today, will perform. Under the artistic direction of Éric Gauthier, this company is known for its dynamism and innovation. They are bringing the performance "Contemporary Dance 2.0" to Šibenik, created by one of today's most influential choreographers, Hofesh Shechter. This performance is described as a hypnotic dance trance, a raw energy of movement carried by electronic music composed by Shechter himself. The formations of dancers constantly change like a kaleidoscope, creating the impression of a rave party rather than a classic theatrical performance. Unlike his other, often politically engaged works, Shechter here focuses on pure physicality and the freedom of dance, on a rhythm that draws both dancers and the audience into a shared, liberating experience. This event is an opportunity not to be missed, and planning a visit to Šibenik and booking accommodation in the city around this date is highly recommended.

Diversity of dance expression at Barone Fortress

Barone Fortress, another gem of Šibenik's cultural heritage, will host two evenings of contemporary dance, bringing the audience works that push boundaries and explore complex themes. On the first evening, July 15th, two performances are on the program. Greek choreographer Vasiliki Papapostolou will present the solo performance "Panopticon", a piece that explores the concepts of surveillance, control, and internal conflict in contemporary society, inspired by Bentham's idea of a prison where everyone is constantly being watched. On the same evening, the local collective Yellowbiz Art Collective (YAZ) will perform "Salopette", a tender and emotional ode to a love that lasts not because it is easy, but because it is consciously nurtured and chosen day after day.

The second evening at Barone Fortress, on July 18th, brings two new intriguing works. The Portuguese duo Beatriz Mira and Tiago Barreiros will perform the expressive and physically intense piece "The horMoans: Is That All There Is?". In it, through the story of two people in a Turkish bath, the boundaries of identity, shame, pleasure, and power are explored. The evening will be rounded off by the emotionally powerful and choreographically extremely precise creation "SAMIA" by the Italian author Adriana Bolognino. This performance is based on the tragic true story of Samia Yusuf Omar, a young Somali athlete who lost her life on her way to Europe, dreaming of competing in the Olympic Games. Through six dancers' bodies, Bolognino pays tribute to her and to all those who fight for their dreams every day in a world that is still not equal for all. Before you surrender to these powerful stories, secure your spot and find the ideal apartment or room in Šibenik.

Practical information and festival support

Tickets for all programs with an entrance fee, including the spectacles at Barone and St. Michael's fortresses, are available through the Eventim system and at their points of sale. A large part of the accompanying program on the city streets and squares is free for all visitors, further opening the festival's doors and inviting participation. A detailed schedule of all performances, workshops, and events can be found on the official festival website and on the pages of the co-organizer, the Fortress of Culture Šibenik, as well as on the social networks Facebook and Instagram.

Organizing such a significant international event would not be possible without strong support. The Šibenik Dance Festival is supported by the City of Šibenik, the Šibenik-Knin County, the Ministry of Culture and Media, the tourist boards of the City of Šibenik and the Šibenik-Knin County, and the Krka National Park. The international guest performances have been realized in cooperation with the Embassy of Portugal, the Embassy of the State of Israel, the Institute for Artistic Dance from Belgrade, and the Italian Cultural Institute in Zagreb. The performance of Gauthier Dance Company is realized in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, confirming the festival's status as an important point on the cultural map of Europe.