The Dance School (Escuela de Danza), an integral part of Paraguay’s Higher Institute of Fine Arts (Instituto Superior de Bellas Artes), is set to host the closing performance of its 2025 Choreographic Showcase, titled “Where the Gesture Dwells” (Donde Habita el Gesto). This event promises a celebration of dance in its myriad forms, spanning classical elegance to cutting-edge contemporary expressions.
Scheduled for Friday, 31 October at 20:00, the gala will unfold at the Ycuá Bolaños Memorial and Cultural Center in Asunción, showcasing more than 100 talented artists on stage. Here, gesture transcends mere movement, embodying a profound presence that infuses each step with meaning, stirring communication and evoking deep-seated memories.
A poetic exploration of movement and space
Bodies will not simply dance, but command the space around them; venues will not merely host but inspire action; moments will not fleetingly pass but pulse with life. This philosophical approach underscores the showcase’s theme, inviting audiences to experience dance as a living, breathing entity.
Coordinated by Patricia Martínez, the programme unites works from esteemed national masters and choreographers, including Carmen González, Alicia Alvarenga, Dulce Romero, Jacqueline Méndez, Miriam Moreno, Pamela Giménez, and José Álvarez, alongside Martínez herself.
Classical icons and contemporary innovation
The Dance School evening’s repertoire features timeless classical pieces such as Paquita and Don Quixote, juxtaposed with bold original contemporary works like Synergy, The Echo of a Form, Mondrian, and Vy’a’y Jave. These creations draw inspiration from a quest for artistic identity, harmonising technical precision, raw emotion, and shared collective memory.
In a ceremonial highlight, certificates will be presented to the new Classical Dance Performers. Additionally, recognition will honour groups that have represented Paraguay in national and international competitions, securing impressive accolades in the Yanza, National, and Lazos 2025 events.
The Dance School: Celebrating international triumphs
Notable achievements include the Sinergia trio’s first-place international win, granting them direct entry to the final of the Valentina Kozlova International Competition in New York. Professor Patricia Martínez will also receive the Outstanding Teacher award for her exemplary contributions.
Through this exhibition, the Higher Institute of Fine Arts reinforces its dedication to holistic artistic training, academic rigour, and cultural outreach for its students. It further solidifies the CEDARTS administration as a vital hub for artistic experimentation and growth within Paraguay’s cultural landscape.
More dancing? Read how Pulso International Dance Festival held its seventh edition last month.
