The Pas de deux (literally, step for two) features two performers. When they dance together, one is responsible to support the other both on the ground and in the air. Their arms move in unison, their movements are fluid, and their postures in perfect harmony.

In “Dance for the Planet” one of the dancers represents our suffering nature, the other represents humanity aware of the cry for help and starting to look for ways to reach out and restore harmony.

The glaciers of the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions in Italy, stretching from Mont Blanc to the Monte Rosa are the stage for an unprecedented “pas de deux” to bring a message of harmony and beauty precisely to these fragile environments that we are quickly losing. A slow and respectful dance, a movement that is both an eulogy and a heartbreaking request for help.

The glaciers of the Italian Alps are the stage for an artistic expression that speaks of the need to rebuild a lost relationship between humanity and nature. Dancers, composers and musicians have collaborated to bring to live an original score of sound and movement, taking into account both the possibilities that the high-mountain environment offers as well as the limits that it teach us to learn and respect. The music is inspired by the sounds of nature, and the choreography is designed to fit the natural scenery.

• Art Direction: Daniela Tricerri
• Director: Matteo Bellizzi
• Dancers: Veronica Piccolo, corps de ballet dancer at Avignon Opera Theatre, Avignon, Lorenzo Belviso  performer with Rancia Company.
• Choreography: Loredana Avagliano and Oliviero Bifulco
• Costumes: Huguette Viotto
• Music: Piero Salvatori

Our deep, dark and starry skies are at risk. We are rapidly losing the experience of the night. Artificial light is replacing the natural light of stars and galaxies have provided night views of immense beauty while also guiding humanity through their journeys across deserts, seas and faraway lands.

The Pas de deux between light and darkness takes place in two natural theatres that underscore the importance of the night sky for humanity.

The first is the Bosco delle Sorti della Partecipanza, in Trino Vercellese, one of the largest remaining forest in the Northern planes of Italy, which highlights the importance of darkness for the lifecycle of all living species. The forest has survived anthropomorphic pressure thanks to strict tree management rules in place since 1275, when the area was given as shared ownership (the “participation”) to the citizens of Trino.

The second is the Astronomical Observatory of the Aosta Valley, to highlight that we dark skys are also essential to the study of galaxies, of the universe as well as our own natural history.

The artistic narrative is complemented with the participation of academics, entrepreneurs, writers, scientists, experts and artists who also meet on the stage, between performances, to talk about the future prospects of the different themes.

Glaciers

A conversation where scientists, mountaineers, alpine entrepreneurs and artists explore the transformations that we will see not only in mountain communities but much beyond, as glaciers are part of a much larger global system that regulates water and temperature across our planet.

Dark Sky

A conversation with astronomers, high-tech innovators, environmental experts, energy entrepreneurs to learn more about the threat of light pollution to life on earth, to debunk assumption about the need of strong lights during the night and to learn what can be easily done with new energy technologies.