The countdown to the start of the fourteenth edition of the Šibenik Dance Festival has entered its final phase, and we are less than a month away from the moment when Krešimirov grad will once again become the European epicenter of contemporary dance art. In the period from July 14 to 19, the historic city cores and magnificent fortresses will be transformed into open-air stages, hosting dancers, choreographers, and dance ensembles from as many as eight European countries, along with, of course, a strong presentation of domestic artistic forces. The whole of Šibenik will breathe in the rhythm of movement, celebrating an art that connects cultures, generations, and ideas.

This year's festival is held under the thematic framework "Dance as a gateway to other dimensions." This idea, as the organizers point out, is not just a mere poetic metaphor or a call to escape from everyday life. On the contrary, it positions dance as a medium for a deeper entry into reality, into a space of harmony and accord where we become more aware of the miracle of existence itself and the importance of togetherness. Over six days, the audience will have the opportunity to enter these other dimensions, whether through free performances in squares and streets, a carefully curated program at the fortresses, or through active participation in workshops intended for dancers of all levels of knowledge and experience.

Exclusive dance experience at the Tvrđava sv. Mihovila

The central event of this year's festival is undoubtedly the exclusive performance at one of the most spectacular stages on the Adriatic, the Tvrđava sv. Mihovila. It will host the world-renowned Gauthier Dance Company from Stuttgart with the show “Contemporary Dance 2.0”, created by one of the most influential contemporary choreographers, Hofesh Shechter. This performance breaks the boundaries of traditional dance theater; with a pulsating electronic music score and dancers who constantly rearrange into new, hypnotic formations, the experience is closer to an energetic rave party than a classic performance. The body becomes an instrument, and movement becomes a raw, unfiltered emotion that draws the audience into its vortex.

Gauthier Dance Company, led by the charismatic founder, dancer, choreographer, and musician Eric Gauthier, was founded in 2007 and in a relatively short time has become one of the most dynamic and recognizable dance troupes on the highly competitive German scene. Their international reputation has been confirmed by numerous guest appearances on the most prestigious world stages. Gauthier is known for his passionate promotion of contemporary dance and for gathering top talents. Commenting on the guest performance, he expressed particular excitement: “The show presents contemporary dance from the unique perspective of Hofesh Shechter. It has turned out that this dance is much closer to a club experience than one might think. Our company rarely performs on open-air stages, so the performance at the Tvrđava sv. Mihovila will be something completely different and new for us,” said Gauthier, adding that this is their premiere performance in Croatia and they are greatly looking forward to meeting the local audience. Anyone who wants to secure their place at this artistic spectacle can purchase tickets through the Eventim system.

More intimate dance stories at the Tvrđava Barone

In addition to the main event at Mihovil, the audience will have the opportunity to enjoy two evenings of contemporary dance at the Tvrđava Barone, which offers a more intimate ambiance but an equally powerful artistic impression. The program at this fortress brings a cross-section of recent European production and different authorial poetics. The schedule includes “Panopticon”, a work by the award-winning Greek artist Vasiliki Papopostolou, and the performance “RAUM” by the Luxembourg author William Cardosa. The Portuguese artistic duo, Beatriz Mira and Tiago Barreiros, will present themselves with the intriguing piece “The horMoans: Is That All There Is?”, which explores the boundaries of identity, shame, and pleasure. The evening will be rounded off by a masterpiece from the young and exceptionally talented Italian choreographer Adriano Bolognino titled “SAMIA”, inspired by the tragic but inspiring true story of a Somali female athlete. Tickets for these performances, which promise deep emotions and powerful performances, are also available on the Eventim platform. A stay in Šibenik during the festival offers a unique opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the world of dance.

Grand opening in the spirit of Kafka and a rich free program

The honor of officially opening the 14th edition of the festival has been given to the esteemed Portuguese dance company Almada Dance Company. They will perform “The Process of Burning in Reverse”, choreographed by São Castro, at the Trg Republike Hrvatske, in front of the magnificent St. James's Cathedral. The work was created to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of the literary giant Franz Kafka. Through movement, the dark, absurd, and tragic motifs that permeate Kafka's opus are explored. The title of the performance symbolically refers to the writer's last wish – that all his manuscripts be burned – and the decision of his friend Max Brod not to fulfill that wish, thereby preserving an invaluable literary treasure for humanity. This performance thus becomes a dialogue between literature and dance, past and present.

One of the key values of the Šibenik Dance Festival is its openness and accessibility. Therefore, in addition to the performances at the fortresses for which tickets are charged, citizens and numerous visitors to the city of Šibenik will be able to enjoy a series of free programs in public city spaces. Urban locations such as Poljana and the area in front of the Azimut club will become lively dance spots, bringing top-tier art to everyone and creating a unique festival atmosphere throughout the city.

More than performances: festival philosophy and education

The Šibenik Dance Festival is not just a platform for presenting dance works, but also a place for learning, exchange, and growth. As part of the accompanying program, morning workshops and seminars will be organized for all dance lovers. Professionals will have the opportunity to hone their skills with renowned pedagogues, while amateurs and complete beginners, from children to adults, will be able to discover the charms of dance movement and expression. This educational component is crucial for the long-term development of the dance scene and the creation of a new, educated audience.

The artistic director of the festival, Zorana Mihelčić, summarized the spirit of the festival with an invitation to the audience: “Šibenik itself, with its ancient walls and open sky, reminds us that although time flows relentlessly, the essence of movement as a fundamental human expression remains eternal. People have always danced and will always dance. Therefore, I invite you to take a step towards our stages yourselves. Let the performances wash over you, challenge you, open you up, and stir something forgotten deep within you.” Her words reflect the festival's ambition to be more than just a series of events – to be a catalyst for emotions and introspection. For all visitors coming from out of town, it is important to note that Šibenik offers a variety of accommodation options, allowing them to enjoy the entire festival program without a care.

The festival also prides itself on strong support from the local and national community and numerous international partnerships that confirm its significance. It is 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 and county, and the Krka National Park. The key organizational partner is the Fortress of Culture Šibenik, the institution that manages the city's fortifications. International guest performances have been realized in cooperation with the Embassy of Portugal, the Embassy of the State of Israel, the Goethe-Institut from Zagreb, the Italian Cultural Institute, and the Institute for Artistic Dance from Belgrade, as well as partner festivals such as Quinzena de Dança de Almada from Portugal.