elpais.com
dFeria 2025: Balanced Dance and Theater Programming
dFeria, San Sebastian's Performing Arts Fair, celebrated its 31st edition from March 16-20, featuring a balanced program of dance and theater, with notable performances by Martin Zimmerman and Christos Papadopoulos, showcasing a commitment to promoting dance alongside theater.
- How does the inclusion of experienced dancers in Mellowing contribute to the broader conversation surrounding age and artistic merit in dance?
- dFeria's commitment to dance is longstanding, dating back to the Victoria Eugenia Theatre's 2007 reopening. This year's focus on established European choreographers like Zimmerman and Papadopoulos highlights the fair's dedication to promoting dance alongside theater, reflecting a shift towards balanced representation within the performing arts.
- What are the potential long-term effects of dFeria's model of promoting dance alongside theater, and what implications might this have for other performing arts festivals?
- The success of Mellowing, Christos Papadopoulos's piece featuring Dance On Ensemble's dancers over 40, exemplifies dFeria's role in fostering opportunities for experienced artists. This focus on mature dancers challenges ageism within the dance world, setting a positive trend for future festivals and events.
- What is the significance of dFeria's balanced programming of dance and theater, and what impact does this have on the visibility of dance within performing arts festivals?
- The 31st edition of dFeria, San Sebastian's Performing Arts Fair, from March 16th to 20th, featured prominent international dance performances, including works by Martin Zimmerman and Christos Papadopoulos, showcasing a balanced program with 40% dance and 40% theater, according to director Norka Chiapusso.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the positive aspects of dFeria's commitment to dance, highlighting its inclusion of prominent international choreographers and its dedication to showcasing mature dancers. This positive framing might overshadow any potential challenges or limitations of the festival or the dance industry more broadly.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive, employing words like "impactful," "impressive," and "fascinating." While subjective, these terms generally avoid overly loaded language. The use of "exuberant" to describe the set design could be seen as slightly subjective, but not necessarily biased.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the dFeria festival and two specific dance performances, potentially omitting other noteworthy events or perspectives within the festival or the broader dance world. While acknowledging space constraints is valid, a brief mention of other significant works or artists could enrich the narrative.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic contrast between dance and theater, but it also acknowledges the increasing interdisciplinarity of performing arts. The 40/40/20 split in programming suggests a more nuanced approach than a strict eitheor framing.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights dFeria, a performing arts festival, which actively promotes dance and movement arts, thus contributing to the accessibility and appreciation of artistic expression and potentially fostering creativity and cultural understanding among audiences. This aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) which emphasizes the importance of inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong opportunities for all. By showcasing diverse dance performances, the festival can contribute to broader cultural education and appreciation.