#Japan #Tokyo #Dance To Connect #Ken Ossola #Madoka Kariya

Dance To Connect Festival: Connecting Worlds Through Contemporary Dance

The Dance To Connect Festival is set to launch on May 15 at Shibuya Hikarie, Tokyo, promising a groundbreaking experience for contemporary dance enthusiasts and newcomers alike. This innovative project bridges the gap between various cultures, nations, and languages through the universal language of dance.

Concept and Objectives

Dance To Connect serves as a platform for Japanese dancers to collaborate with world-class contemporary dance artists. It not only empowers these performers through direct experience with global standards in the creative process but also offers audiences an intimate opportunity to connect with diverse contemporary dance expressions.

The festival is founded on three key pillars:

1. Creation: Prominent choreographers from around the world collaborate with local Japanese dancers, fostering new forms of physical expression through dialogue.
2. Education: By transcending cultural and national boundaries, the festival provides workshops and learning opportunities for people from all walks of life, enhancing their understanding of movement and sensation.
3. Expansion: Through enlightening performances, the festival aims to present new perspectives and insights, thereby broadening the scope of contemporary dance.

In its inaugural year, 2026, the festival will feature workshops led by esteemed choreographer Ken Ossola, who worked with the renowned Nederlands Dans Theater and served as assistant to acclaimed choreographer Jiri Kylian. Selected local young dancers will engage in a week-long creation process, culminating in a performance at the festival.

Festival Performance

The highlight of the festival will be a performance featuring three distinct works. Not only will audiences witness new creations from the workshop participants, but they will also experience a solo performance titled "Moving Mountains" by Madoka Kariya, the festival's founder, choreographed by Ken Ossola.

Additionally, a unique improvisational session will take place, featuring talented artists from different backgrounds, including clarinetist Hidehito Naka and dancers Chiaki Horita and Karim. This will blend various styles, showcasing the dynamism and versatility of contemporary dance.

The event aims to create an engaging environment where audiences can dive deep into the world of contemporary dance through program talks discussing the creative process and background behind the works. It's an excellent opportunity not just for die-hard dance fans, but also for those experiencing contemporary dance for the first time.

Venue and Logistics

The festival will take place at the 8th floor event space of Shibuya Hikarie, a venue designed to be accessible to all. Approximately 80 seats will encircle the 360-degree performance space, providing attendees with a close-up view of the dancers' refined physicality and emotive expression.

Details for the festival performance:

• - Date: May 15, 2026
• - Time: 19:00 start (Doors open at 18:30)
• - Location: Shibuya Hikarie 8/COURT, Tokyo
• - Ticket Prices: 5,000 yen (advance) / 5,500 yen (on the day)

The event promises an intimate setting for experiencing the vibrancy and depth of contemporary dance, making it an unmissable experience for anyone interested in the Arts.

Future Vision

Looking ahead, Dance To Connect envisions evolving into an international dance festival that encompasses gala performances, workshops, and discussions, creating a sustainable platform that connects the world's dance scenes. It aims to introduce audiences in Japan and beyond to contemporary dance's varied and rich possibilities.

Through collaborative efforts with local and international partners, including ongoing support for donations, the festival hopes to cultivate an ongoing dialogue about contemporary dance's role in connecting people worldwide.

Additional Information

• - Founder & Director: Madoka Kariya, former dancer with Netherlands Dans Theater
• - Guest Choreographer: Ken Ossola, known for his contributions to various prestigious dance companies

Dance To Connect stands as a testament to the power of dance in bridging cultural divides and enhancing global artistic dialogue. Don't miss your chance to be part of this transformative event!