KlaipėdaDAnse is an educational partnership between Lithuanian and French contemporary dance artists. The three-year program consists of one contemporary dance co-production a year, its performance in Lithuania and abroad, as well as three masterclasses for professional dancers and the Klaipėda city community, and the development of International Contemporary Dance BA program.
The project began in 2017 with a creative workshop for students, dancers, and the Klaipėda community, culminating in the premiere of choreographer Alban Richard’s dance performance Shake that Devil!. In addition to dance professionals from France and Lithuania, a large number of dance students and Klaipėda residents participated in the performance. In 2018, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Lithuanian statehood, the performance I Declare – Brandir by A. Richard was presented in major cities in Lithuania and later in France. In 2019, choreographer Mathilde Monfreux’s performance Under the Skin of the City was presented during the international art festival PLARTFORMA.
The project activities highlight a close cooperation between the French Embassy, the French Institute in Lithuania, Klaipėda City Municipality, and Klaipėda University. This cooperation also puts contemporary French dance on the Lithuanian cultural map and strengthens the ground for other cultural projects.
