Exploring Contemporary Dance: A Festival for All
From October 7 to 14, the vibrant city of Casablanca will once again play host to the acclaimed Casablanca Choreographic Encounters, now in its twelfth edition. This year, the festival will extend its reach to the capital city of Rabat, showcasing an impressive lineup of around 20 performances from 15 different countries. The event will take place across six venues, with a significant focus on African and Arab dance scenes, highlighting the rich diversity of contemporary choreographic expressions.
A Platform for Global Artistic Exchange
Since its inception in 2015, the Casablanca Choreographic Encounters have aimed to facilitate the exchange of contemporary dance narratives, a vision spearheaded by Col’Jam, an organization founded by choreographers Ahlam El Morsli and Wajdi Gagui. This year’s programming reflects the festival's dedication to inclusivity and dialogue among artists from various backgrounds. Notably, the festival will feature talents from France, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland alongside representatives from Morocco, Tunisia, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Lebanon, Syria, and Cyprus, among others.
One of the pivotal themes of this year’s festival focuses on enhancing the visibility of Southern dance scenes, promoting exchanges that do not solely rely on European circuits. The initiative aligns with the upcoming launch of the Arab Dance Platform in 2025, which aims to further support and connect artists from the Arab world and beyond.
This year, performances from African and Arab artists will take center stage, with Tunisia represented by Al Badil presenting _Labes_, and Mali showcasing work by **Samuel Coulibaly** and the collaborative project _Face à Face_ from the Labo **Fari Foni Waati**. The diversity of geographic representation is complemented by an equally rich variety of artistic expressions, offering audiences a unique opportunity to witness pieces such as _El Hijo_ by Spanish choreographer **Daniel Abreu**, which delves into the connections between the body, memory, and lineage.
Moreover, the festival is committed to more than just showcasing performances. It will feature masterclasses led by notable artists such as **Evie Demetriou**, **Salia Sanou**, **Daniel Abreu**, and the **Port-Avions** company. Attendees will have the chance to engage in workshops that emphasize skill development and artistic growth. Additionally, three documentary films will be screened, focusing on Palestinian dance and the influential choreographer **Germaine Acogny**. Two professional meetings will address critical issues such as artist mobility, production, and the dissemination of performances.
The festival also includes a special project, _Bal Maquis_, from the CCN of Nantes, which emphasizes the importance of making dance accessible and fostering interactions with diverse audiences. As the festival extends its footprint from Casablanca to Rabat, it signifies a growing network of choreography that transcends geographical boundaries, encouraging a fluid exchange of artistic practices and perspectives.
With the Casablanca Choreographic Encounters, dance evolves beyond mere performances; it becomes a conduit for artists to share their work, explore new ideas, and engage with audiences. From October 7 to 14, the city will resonate with the movement of bodies, bridging the gap between continents and cultures.
As reported by lecourrierdelatlas.com.
