Welcome to Our Fairytale

Fairytales, myths and legends are the theme of this year’s 20th “Cracovia Danza” Court Dance Festival (21-28 July). The programme includes fantastical tales drawing on Cracovian, Polish and global cultural heritage, translated into the most beautiful language: the language of dance.

During the anniversary gala opening the festival, held at Variété Theatre, we will see the premiere of Pan Twardowski. What a Fairytale! performed by the “Cracovia Danza” Court Ballet set to music by Stanisław Moniuszko, one of the patrons of this year.

The festival also features spectacles and presentations by troupes from all over the world. Dancers appear in some of the most beautiful spots of the Old Town (such as the Collegium Maius and the Barbican), bringing Kraków’s ancient building to life with dance. During the finale weekend, the stage at the Main Market Square presents the international production Metamorphoses. Puss in Boots with choreography by the maestro of Baroque dance and choreography Pierre-François Dollé and the acclaimed dancer Irène Feste, the spectacle A Fairytale About Princesses performed by the youth ensemble Capella Antiqua Bialostociensis acting as the ensemble-in-residence at this year’s festival, and a performance by the Indian virtuoso of Kathak dance Alaknanda and her ensemble Sanskriti. Traditionally, events close with a public ball. The main programme will be accompanied by five days of dance workshops Dancing Kraków.

(Justyna Skalska, “Karnet” magazine)