Le Danzatrici en plein air

A month of dance taking over the city

Le Danzatrici en plein air is an international contemporary dance festival that brings Ruvo di Puglia, in the province of Bari, to life for a full month between June and July. Conceived and organized by the Compagnia Menhir under the artistic direction of Giulio De Leo and Erika Guastamacchia, the festival has become one of the most anticipated events in the Apulian dance scene, successfully taking dance out of traditional theaters and into the city's living fabric.

The name and the city's memory

The festival's title is no coincidence: it pays homage to the famous Tomb of the Dancers, an extraordinary cycle of 4th-century BC funerary frescoes discovered right here in Ruvo di Puglia. Those female figures, captured in the movement of dance, have become the city's symbol and the guiding thread of an event that weaves together the body, archaeological memory, and community identity. Contemporary dance thus engages in a dialogue with the region's ancient heritage, creating a path that connects past and present.

A widespread stage

The festival's hallmark is its en plein air nature: performances take place in dozens of different locations, from cloisters and museum spaces to squares and the alleys of the historic center. The heart of the program is the former Dominican Convent, complemented by the evocative settings of the Jatta National Archaeological Museum and the streets of the old town. Ruvo di Puglia transforms into a massive open-air stage, where the audience follows the artists from one location to the next.

Companies, national premieres, and European flair

Each edition brings together numerous Italian and European companies, around a hundred artists, and dozens of events, with a special focus on national premieres and new productions. The festival hosts established choreographers alongside emerging artists, featuring international spotlights dedicated to individual authors and multi-year projects. The program is organized into thematic sections ranging from artists under 35 to international-level productions, offering a comprehensive look at contemporary creation.

A celebration for the community

Alongside the performances, Le Danzatrici en plein air offers workshops, participatory projects, and events for families and children, with matinees and evening shows at affordable prices. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Apulia Region, the Municipality of Ruvo di Puglia, and in collaboration with Puglia Culture, the festival is much more than just a review: it is an opportunity to rediscover the city and experience dance as a shared endeavor in the heart of Apulia.