In mid-July last year, specifically from July 14th to 19th, 2024, the historic city of Šibenik transformed into a vibrant international capital of contemporary dance. The fourteenth edition of the Šibenik Dance Festival once again confirmed its status as one of the most significant summer cultural events on the Adriatic, filling the ancient city squares and fortresses with the energy of movement and artistic expression. The festival proved once more how the blend of top-tier dance art and unique ambiances creates an unforgettable experience, attracting audiences from Croatia and around the world to this beautiful Dalmatian city.

During the six festival days, carefully selected locations served as spectacular open-air stages. Each space – from the Republic of Croatia Square in front of the magnificent St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, through the urban energy of the popular Poljana and the alternative vibe of Azimut, to the impressive walls of St. Michael's Fortress and the more intimate setting of Barone Fortress – breathed a special character into the performances. The historic stone, the starry sky, and contemporary dance expressions merged into a unique whole, offering the audience an experience that transcends the classic stage performance.

Diversity of the European Dance Scene in the Heart of Dalmatia

The program of the 14th festival edition brought an impressive cross-section of contemporary European dance production. Artists and dance troupes arrived from as many as eight countries: Portugal, Luxembourg, Greece, Germany, Italy, Serbia, Slovenia, and France. Alongside international guests, the festival traditionally provided a platform for domestic dance forces, presenting works by Croatian artists who actively shape and enrich the national dance scene. This diversity of approaches, styles, and themes allowed the audience insight into the breadth and dynamism of contemporary dance today.

The festival's artistic director, Zorana Mihelčić, emphasized the deeper message behind this year's gathering. The theme "Dance as a gateway to other dimensions" was not conceived merely as a poetic metaphor. "We believe that in these uncertain times, dance offers not an escape, but an entrance – a path towards deeper understanding, towards harmony," highlighted Mihelčić, inviting visitors to experience the festival as a space for introspection and connection. "Let the festival be more than program leaflets and names – let it be a place where you remember depth, the wondrous life, the possibility to exist and live together." Her words reflect the festival's ambition to be not only a showcase of dance art but also a catalyst for positive change and interpersonal understanding.

Grand Opening Marked by Kafka

The festival was ceremoniously opened on the Republic of Croatia Square, in front of St. James Cathedral, with a unique performance that immediately set a high artistic standard. The Portuguese dance company Almada presented the work The Process of Burning in Reverse, by choreographer São Castro. The piece was created as a tribute to the centenary of the death of the literary giant Franz Kafka, exploring his recognizable themes of alienation, absurdity, and internal struggles through the language of contemporary dance. Originally created for a more intimate theatre space, the performance was successfully adapted for the open stage in front of the cathedral, creating a powerful dialogue between the dancers, the architecture, and Kafka's legacy.

Energetic Explosion at St. Michael's Fortress

One of the festival's highlights was undoubtedly the performance by the renowned Gauthier Dance Company from Stuttgart (Germany) at St. Michael's Fortress. This mighty fortress, dominating the skyline of Šibenik and offering a spectacular view of the archipelago, became the stage for the show Contemporary Dance 2.0. The choreography is by the world-famous Hofesh Shechter, an Israeli artist whose work is synonymous with raw energy, tribal rhythms, and a deep emotional exploration of the human condition. The young, exceptionally talented dancers of the Gauthier Dance Company, under the artistic direction of the charismatic Eric Gauthier, brought incredible power and precision to the stage.

Contemporary Dance 2.0 has been described as an experience more akin to an energetic club event or a rock concert than a traditional dance performance. Pulsating beats, elements of pop culture, and intense, almost visceral physical expression characterized this performance. Shechter's choreography, known for its physical demands and group dynamics, explores themes of community, isolation, and the search for meaning in the chaos of contemporary life. The audience at St. Michael's Fortress was carried away by the rhythm and power of the performance, which confirmed Gauthier Dance Company's status as one of the leading contemporary dance troupes in Europe.

Intimate Stories and Strong Messages at Barone Fortress

The second Šibenik fortress to host the festival program, Barone Fortress, provided a more intimate yet equally impressive ambiance for a series of performances exploring the boundaries of body, identity, and freedom. Over two evenings, the audience had the opportunity to see works delving into personal stories, socio-political contexts, and universal human experiences.

The first evening at Barone was opened by the young Croatian dancer Anja Miličić, representing the "Young Rising Dancers" category, showcasing the potential of the new generation of domestic artists. This was followed by the emotional performance RAUM, by William Cardoso (Luxembourg) and Cheyenne Vallejo (France). This duet dealt with confronting inner fears and the psychological burdens of the modern age, transforming the stage space into a place for seeking inner freedom and peace. The evening concluded with the powerful solo PANOPTICON by Greek artist Vasiliki Papapostolou. Inspired by Michel Foucault's concept of the panopticon, the performance questioned the relationship between surveillance, exposure, and individual freedom in a society of constant observation.

The second evening at Barone Fortress brought equally provocative and impressive performances. The Portuguese duo Beatriz Mira and Tiago Barreiros performed the horMoans - is that all there is. Through an expressive and physically extremely intense duet, the artists explored the boundaries of identity, physical pleasure, and shame, questioning the security and taboos related to the body's primal impulses. The evening concluded with the work Samia, by Italian choreographer Adriana Bolognino. This poignant performance was inspired by the true story of Somali athlete Samia Yusuf Omar, who tragically died on her journey to Europe in search of better training conditions and a life in freedom. Her struggle and dreams were told by six dancers, symbolizing how her story resonates in the fates of many and how the fight for equality and freedom still continues. The performance strongly reminded of the inequality that still exists in the world today.

More Than Performances: Workshops and Free Content

The Šibenik Dance Festival was not only a platform for watching top performances but also a place for active participation and learning. For all dance enthusiasts, professionals, and those just discovering the world of movement, morning workshops and seminars were organized. These educational programs provided an opportunity to learn from renowned pedagogues and choreographers, exchange experiences, and deepen the understanding of dance art.

An important aspect of the festival was its openness to a wider audience. While tickets for the main performances at St. Michael's and Barone fortresses were charged (and available through the Eventim system), a significant part of the program was completely free. Performances on the Republic of Croatia Square, Poljana, and near the popular meeting spot Azimut allowed all citizens and visitors of Šibenik to experience the magic of dance without any barriers. This accessibility is key to the festival's mission to bring dance closer to everyone and make it an integral part of the city's summer life.

The successful realization of the 14th edition of the Šibenik Dance Festival would not have been possible without the support of numerous partners. The festival was supported by the City of Šibenik, the Šibenik-Knin County, the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, the tourist boards of the city of Šibenik and the Šibenik-Knin County, and the Krka National Park. A key partner in the organization was the Fortress of Culture Šibenik, the institution that manages Šibenik's fortification gems and plays a vital role in the city's cultural life. All information about last year's program and festival activities is still available on the official festival website, as well as on the pages of the Fortress of Culture Šibenik and the festival's social networks, serving as inspiration and a reminder of the successful 14th edition while eagerly awaiting news about the jubilee 15th edition.