Hear from Hrisanta Trebici Marin, Adjunct Professor of Music History, Professor Fabio Ferrari, Chair of the Academic Division of Arts and Cultures and Associate Professor of Italian and Comparative Literary & Cultural Studies, and Maria Bonzanigo, a renowned composer and choreographer, as they recount their unique experiences and visions for the transformative FUS-LAC Dance Project in Lugano.

Maria Bonzanigo, co-founder of the Compagnia Finzi Pasca, composer, and choreographer, is conducting a movement masterclass divided into three workshops between the fall of 2024 and the spring of 2025, exploring the awareness of dance and scenic gesture.

The first workshop focuses on SPACE. Through practical exercises for both group and solo work, participants analyzes the movement of their bodies in relation to themselves, others, and the surrounding environment. The session also includes reflections on natural organization, sensory awareness, and proprioception.

The second workshop focuses on the perception of TIME and its passage, emphasizing rhythm in movement and its intrinsic connection between dance and music. Participants analyze the formal structure of musical pieces in relation to choreographic creation. The first two hours involve physical work, followed by a final hour dedicated to theoretical discussion, collectively reflecting on the practical activities.

The third workshop explores the perception of one's ENERGY, examining how energy influences scenic gestures and its interplay with time and space. The final hour provides an opportunity for in-depth discussions, addressing questions, and delving further into choreographic creation, including useful tools and techniques to develop and refine.

September 15 | Luna Park - Come un giro di giostra by The Finzi Pasca Company

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Finzi Pasca Company with "Luna Park", an immersive theatrical journey. Experience theater like never before as you're guided through the heart of the show on a carousel-like ride. Dive into the world of theater actors, clowns, and stage machines, surrounded by lights, colors, music, and nostalgia.

October 4 | A Dance with Creation: Michel Gagnon & Rhodnie Désir

On Wednesday, October 4 at 14:00 in the Conference Room 1 of the Lugano Arte e Cultura, delve into the artistic minds of LAC's Director Michel Gagnon and Choreographer Rhodnie Désir. Part of the FUS-LAC Joint Program, this meeting is a unique chance to explore the intricate worlds of direction and dance. Joined by President Samuel Martìn-Barbero, the afternoon promises enriching dialogues and artistic revelations. Franklin students, professors, and staff are invited to this captivating rendezvous.

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October 6-8 | Real Life - Dance reel with Cristina Kristal Rizzo

Join dance maker Cristina Kristal Rizzo in a workshop during the 32nd FIT International Festival. This event seeks to meld dance and identity, providing an in-depth exploration of somatic practices. It's a fusion of dance and theory, challenging attendees to explore dance as an autonomous medium while deconstructing aesthetic, political, and economic imaginations.

October 11 | The Fairy Queen by Henry Purcell

Experience a reinterpretation of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with Mourad Merzouki's choreography set to Purcell's "The Fairy Queen". William Christie leads Les Arts Florissants and Le Jardin des Voix, presenting a Baroque masterpiece. Discover the history of this musical work inspired by Shakespeare, from its inception in 1692 to its rediscovery in the 20th century.

November 21 | Romeo and Juliet - Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo

The renowned Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo returns with their interpretation of "Romeo and Juliet", choreographed by Jean-Christophe Maillot. Delve into a unique rendition of Shakespeare's tale, exploring the perspective of Friar Laurence. Maillot's choreography seamlessly blends classical dance with modern narratives, integrating cinematic techniques for a contemporary experience. The performance promises energy, elegance, and a fresh take on a classic story.

January 25 | West Side Story @ LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura

Broadway's Lonny Price directs the international rendition of "West Side Story" at LAC. Featuring a dynamic cast of 34, Jerome Robbins' choreography, Leonard Bernstein's music, and a 20-member orchestra, the production tells a tragic love story set against the 1950s Upper West Side gang rivalry. With elaborate staging and vibrant costumes, the play embodies a narrative of love, identity, and unity across cultural divides, resonating with over three million viewers globally.

February 2 - 3 | UNITY - Exploring Dance with Maria Bonzanigo

Discover the art of dance with Maria Bonzanigo at the Student Lounge of the McNeely Center of Ideas & Imagination. This workshop, led by the co-founder of Teatro Finzi-Pasca, invites participants to explore the concept of unity through dance. Bonzanigo, known for her global performances, will guide attendees in interpreting balance and equilibrium as metaphors for emotional and physical wellbeing. Professors Ferrari and Marin will assist attendees. No dance experience is required – just bring your curiosity and openness. Dress comfortably and join us for a transformative experience of UNITY.

February 29 | Pina Bausch Company with The Rite of Spring

Franklin University Switzerland students will have the opportunity to experience the powerful 'The Rite of Spring' performed by Pina Bausch Company at LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura. This event provides a chance to witness a seminal work in contemporary dance. There's also the potential opportunity for students to meet with the esteemed choreographers Germaine Acogny and Malou Airaudo, offering a unique insight into the world of professional dance.

March 2 | Genoma Scenico LAB, a movement workshop by Choreographer Nicola Galli

The workshop, held by the choreographer Nicola Galli, leads the participants in a physical training that intertwines several dance and somatic techniques, to then discover the language of the body and explore the techniques of creating a dance performance. Through the use of an original composition method and a playful device inspired by genomic research, participants experience the role of authors and choreographers. The workshop thus stimulates people to activate compositional strategies, learn about the infinite creative possibilities, and perceive the scene as a permeable place where bodies, movement, space, and sound connect.

April 11 | Meet the Choreographer: Maria Bonzanigo

Students have a unique opportunity to engage with Maria Bonzanigo, a versatile and esteemed figure in the world of composition and choreography. Bonzanigo has achieved great success in dance, theater, opera, and significant events, blending music with movement in a harmonious and innovative way. Her collaborations with renowned artists and participation in prestigious events showcase her creative flair and technical expertise. This meeting will provide students with a glimpse into her artistic journey and her influential role in contemporary performing arts. You can find out more about her at the following link.

April 19 and 21 | Contemporary Dance and the Built Environment

Join Sean Henderson's workshop, an opportunity to explore the dynamic interplay between the human body and its surroundings and to be part of a collaborative creation process. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you will learn to warm up physically, generate movement from impulses, and develop an understanding of the environment as a partner. The workshop will span two sessions, featuring practical exercises, thought-provoking presentations, and exciting performances that showcase the integration of dance and architecture. You will also participate in stimulating discussions, sharing reflections on merging performers with their environment to produce site-specific works. The program aims to offer insights into adapting creations to unconventional performance spaces, treating obstacles as opportunities. No prior dance experience is necessary to participate in this workshop.

April 29 | "Dancing Free" documentary screening

Join us for the screening of "Dancing Free," a documentary that explores the creative journeys of three choreographers and the transformative power of dance during the first edition of the LAC Dance Project. The film emphasizes that true perfection lies in the creative process itself. It offers unique insights into the artistic process and encourages viewers to explore their own perceptions of utopia.

Professor Hrisanta Trebici Marin

Adjunct Professor, Music History

Professor Fabio Ferrari

Chair of the Academic Division of Arts and Cultures
Associate Professor, Italian and Comparative Literary & Cultural studies

The KHR McNeely Family Fund, Kevin, Rosemary, and Hannah Rose McNeely