The show ‘Gravity,’ performed on the opening day of the International Festival of Contemporary Dance at the National Theater of Opera and Ballet, thus a press conference was held with one of the most prominent figures in the world of choreography, Angelin Preljocaj.

“What I aimed to depict is the essence of gravity expressed through the medium of dance. My daily work with dancers encourages me to experiment with forms rooted in this question—a concept that is simultaneously abstract and concrete,” explains the choreographer.

Gravity, one of the fundamental forces of the universe, silently orchestrates the cosmic dance, like an invisible thread connecting two masses and giving rise to the attraction we recognize as weight. Angelin Preljocaj, the visionary choreographer, delves into this enigmatic force. Throughout his career, Preljocaj has been captivated by the concepts of weight, space, speed, and mass, which, though abstract, are deeply tangible and have served as the wellspring of his choreographic experiments. In ‘Gravity,’ Preljocaj’s keen artistic eye takes center stage.

Under the artistic direction of Angelin Preljocaj, the festival’s goal is to establish Tirana as a leading hub for international contemporary dance. Throughout the year, the festival offers not only captivating performances but also an array of dynamic workshops, public activities, and a parallel program of art events.

The festival is programmed by Nicole Saïd and Ajola Xoxa, so the dynamic and culturally rich event showcased performances by renowned dance companies from across the globe at the National Theater of Opera and Ballet. With a diverse program of captivating performances, interactive workshops, contemporary art events, and special meetings, the all month-long project aims to provide young artists with a unique opportunity to learn from well-known professionals.

The festival will provide complimentary dance courses for students and aspiring young dancers hailing from Albania and the broader Western Balkan region.

A series of exhibitions will be held in numerous galleries across Tirana, featuring the creations of talented Albanian visual artists from diverse backgrounds. These exhibitions will encompass drawings, paintings, and installations. Additionally, the workshops will cultivate a stimulating environment for young minds to explore their artistic expressions through painting, crafts, body language exercises, and interactive games.

/m.ll/