DANCE HUB: ITALY

TRAIN
RESEARCH
PERFORM

Photo by Marta Baiano

About the program:

Program dates: July 1-13, 2024
Program locations: Florence and Rimini, Italy

Applications open December 1, 2023 and are accepted on a rolling basis until spots are filled.

Dance HUB: Italy is a two-week program designed to provide dancers with an unparalleled opportunity to develop their skills, artistic expression, and cultural understanding through an intensive and comprehensive curriculum. The program is located in the heart of Italy, renowned for its rich history, artistic heritage, and vibrant dance culture, creating a unique and inspiring environment for participants.

At Dance HUB: Italy, the focus goes beyond mere technical training. Emphasis is placed on nurturing the whole dancer—mind, body, and spirit. Participants are encouraged to explore the connection between movement and emotion, cultivating a deep sense of self-awareness, confidence, and creativity. The holistic approach not only enhances performance skills but also promotes overall well-being and personal growth.

Participants are exposed to Italy’s diverse traditions, art forms, and historical landmarks, deepening their understanding of dance within a broader cultural context. Engaging with local artists and dance communities enriches the experience, allowing dancers to gain a global perspective on their craft.

While the program covers various dance styles and techniques, the primary emphasis lies in preparing participants for performance experiences. Through rigorous rehearsals, masterclasses led by world-renowned instructors, and the participant-led ChoreoLab program, dancers refine their performance skills and stage presence. Throughout the intensive, participants have the chance to showcase their talents in performances and bridge connections between the local community.

All WADE programs embrace diversity, welcoming dancers from various backgrounds, styles, and cultures. The convergence of different dance traditions and perspectives fosters a dynamic and inclusive community, creating a space where dancers can learn from one another, share experiences, and grow together as artists.

One of the key strengths of WADE programming is its ability to adapt and evolve over time. Dance HUB: Italy continually refines its offerings based on participant feedback, industry trends, and the evolving landscape of dance. This commitment to staying current and relevant ensures that dancers receive the most up-to-date training and are prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing dance world. 

Dance HUB: Italy stands as a transformative and unforgettable experience for dancers, offering a balanced blend of technical training, personal development, and cultural enrichment. 

Meet the 2024 Artists-in-Residence

Giada Matteini, Assistant Arts Professor at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts

Vangeline, Artistic Director, Vangeline Theater/New York Butoh Institute,
Author of
BUTOH, Cradling Empty Space

KOMOCO | Sofia Nappi | research with Adriano Popolo Rubbio

Sample Daily Schedule

THURSDAY, JULY 4

9:00-11:00am warm up and ChoreoLab (Giada)
11:00am-12:00pm Butoh with WADE ensemble | Vangeline
12:00-1:00pm Lunch
1:00-4:00pm Butoh | Vangeline

Schedule subject to change dependent on variables such as artists' needs, travel schedules, and performance preparation

*ChoreoLab is a choreography program built into Dance HUB: Italy programming. This program is for participants interested in creating a work on their fellow artists. ChoreoLab works will be presented during the cumulative live performance(s) at the end of the two-week program. ChoreoLab choreographers will have the chance to not only create and present their work, but also receive invaluable creative feedback from Dance HUB's Artists-in-Residence! Dance HUB: Italy 2024 will feature one (1) ChoreoLab presentation.

Photo by Federica Capo

Performance Opportunities

Friday, July 5th
The Season: an evening of dance with the artists of WADE directed by Giada Matteini, NYU Assistant Arts Professor, and Vangeline, Butoh Master teacher. WADE, in collaboration with Vangeline, presents a Butoh work responding to the architecture and beauty of the Villa la Pietra Gardens. International dance artists will create evocative vignettes of longing, belonging, and growth immersing the audience in a dreamscape environment, inviting to deepen one’s connection with nature and each other.

Saturday, July 6th
“No Explanation Needed”: an evening of Butoh with the artists of WADE, A feminist representation of moving bodies of all genders, who are passionate against the oppression of prescribed and limited identities, presented by the prestigious 
Murate Art District.

Our approach

We believe in creating a safe environment for all participants while maintaining a healthy work/life balance. We do not believe in rote technique instruction but rather in a space for lifelong learning in which deep enquiry and critical reflection are supported. Both require down time from the studio. 

We value studio time equally with community interaction, performance, and research opportunities, as well as experiencing local foods, traditions, and sites. Our programs will never exceed a six (6) hour work day (studio time + performance/preparation time + events + meetings) over five (5) days. Just like the “nine to five” outdated grind-mentality has been proven to be detrimental to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, excessive work in the studio has proven to make dancers less productive, more stressed, injured, burned out, and worst of all, less creative.

As an arts organization committed to justice and community, we explore and honor each city that hosts us. We concentrate on its natural resources, facilitate conversations, and create artistic works around the urgent need to preserve, heal, and love these townships.

We hold space with intention, honesty, transparency and an unwavering commitment to open communication. We hold and support each other.

 

Florence

Murate Art District
Piazza delle Murate,
50122 Firenze FI

 

Rimini

Aulòs Danza
via Giulio Pastore n.8, 
47922 Viserba RN

Dance HUB: Italy FAQs

 

When do applications open?

Applications for Dance HUB: Italy 2024 open to the public on December 1, 2023 at 9AM EST and are accepted on a rolling basis until spots are filled.

Do you offer discounted tuition or work-study positions?

WADE is not currently offering work-study positions for our 2024 programs. If you require financial assistance and would like to discuss a personalized payment installment plan, please contact us.

What about housing accommodations?

Dance HUB: Italy 2024 participants are responsible for booking and financing their own housing arrangements for the duration of the program. We strongly recommended AirBnb options or affordable local hotels. We can assist you in finding accommodations need be, simply contact us.

 

What COVID-19 precautions will be taken to protect participants and instructors?

We are requiring that all Dance HUB participants must be fully vaccinated and follow guidelines of the host country, town, and studios in regards to rules and regulation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Exceptions apply to individuals who may be immunocompromised and therefore unable to accept the vaccine.

What is your tuition refund policy?

If the program is canceled due to COVID pandemic restrictions, a refund for tuition minus the payment processing fees will be granted. After June 15, 2024, 25% of the tuition fee will be refunded for medical reasons only and must be verified with medical documentation.  No refunds will be given after the workshop has begun for any reason. Refunds will be issued after September 15, 2024 only to the individual who made the original payment.

I paid my tuition already but my summer plans have changed. Can I attend next year instead?

We understand that plans change and are happy to work with you to apply your tuition credit to a future Dance HUB program. Our policy is that your tuition credit will remain valid for three (3) years after your last payment date. If you don’t utilize the credit within that time period, your credit will expire and a new tuition payment will be required.

2024 Pricing

We believe everyone should be able to take part in our programs, regardless of financial and economic status. We have enacting a rebalancing payment program that gives each individual the ability to pay what they can and helps to redistribute wealth where it is most needed. Those who pay more do not receive any extra advantages, rights, or power over others; the additional donation supports another student’s ability to participate who are of economic need. 

Accepted students are able to select the tier that makes the most sense for their financial situation — no questions asked.

€1700 / $1850

REBALANCING ACCESS

For those with more than enough financial resources and a desire to support access for others to help rebalance systemic injustices.

ONE TIME PAYMENT €1700 or $1850 (due by 5/1/24)
OR
TWO PAYMENTS OF €850 or $925 (50% due 5/1/24, 50% due 6/1/24)

€1500 / $1630

FAIR ACCESS

For those with sufficient financial resources and who can pay fair value for the experience.

ONE TIME PAYMENT €1500 or $1630 (due by 5/1/24)
OR
TWO PAYMENTS OF €750 or $815 (50% due 5/1/24, 50% due 6/1/24)

€1300 / $1415

SUPPORTED ACCESS

For those with currently limited financial resources who will benefit from access supplemented by the community.

ONE TIME PAYMENT €1300or $1415 (due by 5/1/24)
OR
TWO PAYMENTS OF €650 or $707.50 (50% due 5/1/24, 50% due 6/1/24)

Previous Resident Choreographers

Dance HUB Testimonials

I came solely for Vangeline’s butoh workshop, but I did not expect to be moved by the people here. Through WADE, I’ve encountered a warm community of people who are constantly uplifting one another, and who are also very open to the exchange of ideas. Thank you Giada for a festival that allows artists to take space, feel, be human, and connect with each other through art.

Weiying Tan
2023 Alum

Dance HUB is an experience of highly professional and human value. The organization is impeccable and the students are motivated, very prepared to create an excellent work environment. Dance HUB has become an important annual appointment for contemporary dance in Agropoli.

Piero Leccese
Founder and Director of ExOrto Danza, Choreographer, Teacher,
2023 Week II Resident Artist

Attending the Dance HUB and the Agropoli Danza Festival this summer was an amazing experience. Through the Dance HUB I was able to expand my artistic identity and my technical facility for my own personal journey into my professional career. I was surrounded by artists who both curated ways to enhance my own artistic voice as well as provided a nurturing environment to learn and explore from one another. Prior to attending the Dance HUB, I've always loved traveling and it's been a dream of mine to continue traveling while pursuing a career in dance. The Agropoli Danza Festival reassured me that this dream was more than accessible and gave me hope for a future where artists can continue to meet and create from across the globe. From simply being in a beautiful city, learning about a different culture, and connecting with people across the world, I felt a new sense of connectedness that I've been longing for.

Sophie Lai
2021 Alum

While dancing with WADE this summer I did not only grow as an artist, I was able to be immersed in a completely different culture and open my eyes to different realm of performative dance. I was challenged to step outside of my comfort zone and this allowed me to push the boundaries of my physical art form and learn from the other incredible artists at the program. I have found that I approach my practice with more purpose and intention and I have WADE to thank for this. I am forever grateful for the opportunity this program gave me.

Finleigh Grace Zack
2021 Alum

More than a training intensive, Dance HUB is a life experience: dancers from two continents united with a common passion for contemporary dance. For fifteen days (in Florence) they worked with international avant-garde choreographers (Roy Assaf - Sadé Alleyne) and with musicians as if they were a company, the same soul and interest. The result, on the prestigious stage of the Florence Dance Festival in the Chiostro of Santa Maria Novella, was an explosion of energy and dynamics thanks to the impeccable artistic direction of Giada Matteini; she allows new generations to learn and grow through exchange and the contamination of mediums.

Cristina Ventz
Ballet Nice Méditerranée Opéra de Nice/France, 2019 Alum

The collaboration between the musicians, dancers and choreographers was very creative and inspiriting. It was a gift to have this opportunity to have the best means of expression created in one studio. Music and Dance. The [WADE] team was very inviting and made both artist feel extremely comfortable and welcomed. We really enjoyed how the HUB supported each individuals goal. We are extremely proud and inspired by Giada. She is an inspiring woman that is encouraging the younger generation to follow their dreams and work hard to get it. We will definitely jump at the opportunity to be apart of the HUB again.

Kristina & Sadé Alleyne
Choreographers, performers, 2019 Week 1 Resident Artist

Dance HUB is full of passionate and talented young artists who inspired me deeply.

Roy Assaf
Choreographer, 2019 Week 2 Resident Artist