An extraordinary edition of OnDance has posted record numbers. Approximately 12,140 people actively participated in at least one of the dozens of dance activities at this year’s event, with total visitors estimated to be at least 30,000.
This record-breaking edition of the grand Dance Festival was conceived and inaugurated eight years ago by étoile Roberto Bolle. This year, it found a new home around the Arco della Pace, described by Bolle as “a symbolic location and, given the sad times we are living through, one we hope is auspicious.” The event featured 32 open classes for all to try every genre of dance, guiding participants from early morning until evening. It also included four dance talks with major guests and three dance evenings that attracted thousands. Highlights included the “Ballo in Bianco” (Dance in White)—the world’s largest ballet barre class, which drew 2,200 people from across Italy and beyond, including a delegation from Australia—a brand new “Ballo in Rosso” (Dance in Red), and a final workshop showcasing young talents from around the world.
A continuous celebration, the festival was a great hymn to dance developed this year around the theme “Dance and Sport,” earning it a place in the calendar of the Milan Cortina Cultural Olympics. The huge success follows the recent announcement by Siae of a 13% increase in ballet audiences, creating a virtuous cycle fueled by events like this, as well as by Roberto Bolle’s Galas—which celebrated their 25th anniversary this year—and television projects like the broadcast of “Il Ballo in Bianco,” set to air on Rai1 on Sunday, September 14 at 9:40 AM.
The event also featured the presentation of the photographic book “Roberto Bolle,” published by Rizzoli.