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The International Dance Festival, under the artistic direction of the renowned choreographer of Albanian origin, Angelin Preljocaj, marked its first performances in Tirana by bringing together the most famous European and Albanian choreographers.
Supported by the European Union, this year’s edition takes contemporary dance out of the usual spaces, benefiting communities living in different parts of the city.
The EU delegation in Tirana highlighted that by bringing dance closer to communities, the joint commitment to inclusivity is reaffirmed.
For this reason, the festival’s opening took place in the premises of the Community Center “Let’s Stay Together,” featuring “G.U.I.D.” by Ballet Preljocaj, a performance that adapts to the space and transforms everyday environments into stages for all.
“Ballet, when brought to public spaces, can transcend generations and build bridges between cultures, nationalities, or worldviews. It is a universal language that everyone can understand, breaking down barriers and connecting people in ways that words often cannot. This is the true beauty of this art,” said the EU ambassador in Tirana, Slvio Gonzato, at the festival’s opening.
Present at this event, the Albanian Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, stated that when culture meets the community, every emotion and story becomes shared, a reminder that art belongs to everyone and can touch every heart.
The artistic director of the festival, choreographer Angjelin Preljocaj, commenting on the start of this artistic event, said that the festival aims to bring the art of dance closer to families, youth, and marginalized groups, creating exchanges and new bridges of communication between artists and citizens in their daily lives.
This is the first week of the 4th edition of this festival. Throughout the festival days, the latest creations of over 13 choreographers and international companies will be showcased over 3 weeks. The program opened with 4 public performances in the city and 5 shows on the stages of the Metropol Theatre and the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet.
The festival will run from October 9 to 25 and will offer free performances in public spaces throughout the city of Tirana. (October 10)