Nutida – Contemporary Dance Festival

Nutida, contemporary dance at sunset in Scandicci

Nutida – New Dancers is the contemporary dance festival that brings the Pomario Garden of Castello dell'Acciaiolo to life every summer in Scandicci, within the Metropolitan City of Florence, Tuscany. Promoted by the Stazione Utopia association, the festival has made the relationship between dance and its setting its hallmark: the performances, often in a "stripped-back" and site-specific format, take place at sunset, when the castle's medieval garden becomes a natural frame for human movement.

A festival dedicated to new talent

The festival's name – "New Dancers" – reflects its core mission: to place young performers alongside the great names of international choreography, with a special focus on artists under 25 and under 35. Alongside the performances, Nutida develops training and mentoring projects for emerging talents, including mentorship platforms for younger artists, as well as meetings and participatory dance sessions open to the public.

The 2026 edition

The 7th edition runs from June 18 to July 10, 2026 (with a preview on June 16), featuring a program of over 40 events spread across 18 days, highlighted by 18 national premieres. The artistic direction, led by co-founder Saverio Cona, is enriched this year by the associate direction of choreographer Diego Tortelli. Announced guests include ResExtensa Dance Company, Sita Ostheimer's MiR Dance Company, Pablo Girolami, Sofia Nappi, the Panzetti/Ticconi duo, Gianni Notarnicola, and numerous young performers. Featured works include "Lu baciu santu" by ResExtensa, "Mycelium" by Pablo Girolami, "Akoē" by Sofia Nappi, and "Neutra" by Gianni Notarnicola.

Open-air performances, between art and nature

• When: Evenings from June 18 to July 10, 2026, with performances starting around 7:00 PM, at sunset.
• Where: Pomario Garden of Castello dell'Acciaiolo, Scandicci (Florence).
• What: Contemporary dance, national premieres, site-specific performances, and projects for young dancers.
• Who: Italian and international companies and choreographers, with a strong emphasis on emerging talent.

A festival rooted in the local area

Nutida is supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Tuscany Region, the Metropolitan City of Florence, and the Municipality of Scandicci, and is part of the city's broader cultural project. More than just a festival, it has become a benchmark for contemporary dance in Tuscany, capable of bringing cutting-edge choreographic research to a historic and evocative setting just a few kilometers from the center of Florence.