T*Danse Festival Explores Dance and Technology in Aosta Valley

The fourth edition of T*Danse – Danse et Technologie takes place in Aosta, Italy, from October 20 to 27, 2019. Curated by Francesca Fini and Marco Chenevier, the festival brings international dance and performance to a region lacking a contemporary theater season. It focuses on the relationship between performing arts and technology, interpreted broadly to include digital tools, philosophical concepts, and even traditional elements like salt in Melina Pena's work. The program features female performers such as Paola Zaramella, Nicoletta Cabassi, and Fini herself, who use technology as integral to dramaturgy. Notable artists include Cindy Van Acker and Kulu Orr. The festival emphasizes audience engagement through initiatives like #coinvolgiti, where locals host artists, and school-work alternation projects involving about 140 students. Free masterclasses and an All Style battle are open to non-professionals. Chenevier notes that audience numbers grew from 30-40 to sold-out shows in subsequent years. The festival also serves as a precursor to a new contemporary season at the Cittadella dei Giovani d'Aosta starting next year.