Semana pra Dança (Dance Week) was officially opened on the night of this Monday (30), at Teatro Aracy Balabanian, at CCJOG (Centro Cultural José Octávio Guizzo), in Campo Grande, with the show “Janela do Dia” (Window of the Day), presented by the Companhia de Dança do Pantanal, from Corumbá. The show proposes a reflection on looking toward the horizon and embracing the possibilities that the present offers. Each dawn represents renewal, an invitation to leave behind the worries of the past and embrace the hope of the future that lies ahead. The opening event featured Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) accessibility and was open to all audiences.
Until Sunday (6), the event will have an extensive program, with 16 shows, 57 choreographies, 12 workshops, 11 artistic mediation actions and a party. It will be possible to dance, learn and enjoy dance at schools, at Teatro Aracy Balabanian, at Armazém Cultural, at Praça Ary Coelho and at Shopping Norte Sul Plaza. The event is organized by the Colegiado Estadual de Dança de MS (State Dance Board of MS) and the Associação Arado Cultural, with investment from FCMS (Fundação de Cultura de Mato Grosso do Sul), Setesc (Secretaria de Estado de Turismo, Esporte e Cultura) and the Government of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul.
Representing the president-director of the FCMS, Eduardo Mendes, Giovana Correa congratulated the organizers for holding the event and highlighted the State Government’s support for Semana pra Dança. “I congratulate the Colegiado Setorial de Dança and the Associação Arado Cultural, and I reinforce the importance of this Semana pra Dança. The State Government, through Setesc and the Fundação de Cultura, invests in projects like this one because it believes in the quality of what is produced in the State. This year, with the participation of national dance companies, we believe that the exchange between the national and the regional further strengthens the sector. It will be a moment to show the quality of our dance through conversation circles, debates and shows. May more projects and editions like this one come”.
Carla Rukan, from the Colegiado Setorial de Dança de Mato Grosso do Sul (Mato Grosso do Sul Sectoral Dance Board), stated that every detail of Semana pra Dança was carefully thought out by the Board, giving greater meaning to the event. “It is with great joy that we see Semana pra Dança taking place. After so many years without happening, it returns with a new format, created in partnership with civil society. Every detail was thought out by the Board and the artistic community, which gives even greater meaning to the event. This event fosters the local artistic scene and reveals the potential that Mato Grosso do Sul has. Our State is fertile ground, full of talented artists and high-quality professionals”.
She also emphasized the importance of expanding the event to the countryside of the state. “For the coming years, our vision is for Semana pra Dança to travel through different cities, further valuing the talents of all regions. The countryside has much to show, and we want to amplify our voices and talents”.
Marcos Mattos, representing Associação Arado Cultural, highlighted the significance of bringing back Semana pra Dança after five years. “Bringing back this event is very meaningful for Arado Cultural, which is made up of myself, Renata Leone and Roberta Siqueira, plus a team of more than 30 people who work to make it happen. The process began in March of this year, and it is important to note the relevance of this event, so that it becomes annual. Public investment done well returns to society. With more than 80 free attractions in various spaces around the city, our wish is for everyone to help spread the word about Semana pra Dança, since it is not an event just for artists, but for society as a whole. May the coming editions be better and better”.
Márcia Rolon, executive director of the Instituto Moinho Cultural Sul-Americano (South American Moinho Cultural Institute) and artistic director of the Companhia de Dança do Pantanal, expressed her honor in opening the event. “We were chosen by our peers, which is wonderful. We bring a work by choreographer Wellington Julio, who lived in Corumbá and brings a lot of Brazilianness in the music, as well as issues of prejudice that we deal with day to day. ‘Janela do Dia’ talks about new perspectives and about how we position ourselves before the windows that open in front of us”.
Aline Espírito Santo, dancer and creator-performer of the Companhia de Dança do Pantanal, commented on the night’s show. “Today we bring the Brazilianness of each of our home regions, the body that moves and dances, and the everyday adversities. We finish with much joy and hope. Dance is what moves me and makes me wake up happy every day”.
Meanwhile, Luiz Ricardo Silva Gonçalves Coelho, dancer and performer of the company, highlighted the special energy of the performance at the opening of Semana pra Dança. “The show talks about the new dawn, about the hope of each day. Performing here is incredible, a totally different energy. Sharing our Pantanal art with the audience here is something very special”.
Semana pra Dança 2024 takes place from September 30 to October 6 at various locations in Campo Grande. The full program of workshops, shows, choreographies and the party can be checked at this link. Tickets for the shows will be released always 30 minutes before each performance. The event is organized by the Colegiado Estadual de Dança de MS and the Associação Arado Cultural, with investment from FCMS (Fundação de Cultura de Mato Grosso do Sul), Setesc (Secretaria de Estado de Turismo, Esporte e Cultura) and the Government of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Follow the daily program on the Instagram of Arado Cultural and of Semana pra Dança.
Karina Lima, Setesc Communications
Photos: Ricardo Gomes/Setesc
