Performare Festival

A contemporary dance festival in the heart of Sicily

Performare Festival is an international event dedicated to contemporary dance and performing arts, held in Serradifalco, a small town in the province of Caltanissetta, Sicily. Established in 2019, the festival has become a key reference point for the choreographic scene in Southern Italy, bringing performances, national premieres, and leading figures of contemporary Italian and European research to a village in the Sicilian hinterland.

Body, community, and territory

The hallmark of Performare Festival is the relationship between the body and the town's space: performances are not confined to the stage of the Teatro Comunale but spill out into public gardens, squares, piazzas, and unconventional locations, turning Serradifalco into an open-air stage. The festival also extends to the nearby town of Montedoro, with shows and performances hosted in the area's most evocative spots, such as the Observatory.

Artistic direction and recognition

The festival is promoted by the IN ARTE Association and curated by the SicilyMade Collective, under the artistic direction of Simona Miraglia and Amalia Borsellino. The event is officially recognized by the Ministry of Culture and supported by the Sicilian Region (Department of Tourism, Sport and Entertainment) and the Municipality of Serradifalco.

A multidisciplinary program

Each edition offers a structured journey that combines a full schedule of performances with a wide range of activities:

• Performances and national premieres by Italian and international companies and choreographers;
• Workshops and masterclasses for dancers and performers of all ages;
• Creative residencies dedicated to research and production;
• Participatory projects involving the local community, from children to local youth;
• Talks, meetings, and after-festival events with DJ sets and social gatherings.

A cultural hub for the Caltanissetta hinterland

In an inland area often far from major performance circuits, Performare Festival serves as a cultural hub that enhances the territory, engages residents, and attracts audiences and artists from outside the region. The choice to focus on contemporary dance in a village setting makes the festival a unique experience in the Sicilian landscape, where artistic expression blends seamlessly with community life.