Looking both to the past and the future, the festival explored the role of historical dance transmission and earlier forms of dance knowledge in contemporary dance practice. Cultural heritage was examined as a force that continues to shape new approaches to dance pedagogy and artistic performance. At the same time, attention was directed toward contemporary dance practices that reinterpret the past through current and multifaceted forms of expression.

Among the festival’s outstanding performances were Kyle Abraham’s “White Space,” Omar Rajeh’s “The Gathering: Dance People,” and Yasmine Hugonnet’s “Our Times.” The highlight of this year’s edition, however, was Pina Bausch’s restaging of the iconic 1978 work “Kontakthof,” performed by dancers from the original ensemble under the direction of Meryl Tankard. This newly staged revival created a compelling dialogue between past and present.

Workshops and talks also played a central role in the festival, addressing both national and international perspectives. Workshop topics ranged from regionally rooted dance practices, such as Omar Rajeh’s Maqam methodology led by Elise Bruyère and Nunzio Perricone, to practical guidance on production and touring challenges in Switzerland, including the workshop “Tool de Suisse.” The political dimension of dance was explored through Chiara Bersani’s workshop on the concept of “Corpo Politico.”

Talks featuring, among others, Kyle Abraham, Cathy Levy, Emily May, Chiara Bersani, Yasmine Hugonnet, Kyle Walters, and Chus Martínez examined the festival theme from practical, theoretical, academic, national, and transnational perspectives. The program was further enriched by a curated short film program by Argentine artist Cecilia Bengolea, exploring themes of collectivity and individuality through the body and movement.

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