Still I Dance - Rising Together

Presentation

“Still I Dance – Rising Together” is an artistic and social impact initiative developed by Orsolina28 Art Foundation, Still I Rise and Alessio Carbone, former Premier Danseur of the Paris Opera and Founder and Artistic Director of Balletto di Venezia.
The project uses dance as a universal language to foster personal growth, intercultural dialogue and social inclusion. It will involve a group of 30 students from the Still I Rise International School in Bogotá, Colombia, a school serving children and adolescents from highly vulnerable backgrounds, including displaced, immigrant and underserved communities.
The project unfolds in three phases. First, Alessio Carbone and an internationally renowned choreographer will lead two one-week creative residencies at the school in Bogotá, introducing students to contemporary dance practices and beginning the collective creation of a new choreography.
The artistic process will then continue through a one-week residency at Orsolina28 in Italy, where students will work alongside professional dancers from leading European institutions, including Teatro alla Scala and the Paris Opera Ballet.
Throughout the residency, participants will engage in choreographic workshops, creative movement sessions and intercultural exchanges, culminating in the creation of an original performance co-created by the students themselves. The project aims not only to provide access to high-level artistic training, but also to strengthen confidence, teamwork, self-expression and a sense of belonging.
The final performance will be presented to local audiences in Monferrato and subsequently shared in Venice and other Northern Italian cities, creating opportunities for dialogue between communities and showcasing the creative potential of young people whose voices are too often excluded from cultural spaces.

Artistic Team

The artistic team of “Still I Dance – Rising Together” brings together internationally recognised dance professionals and organisations with extensive experience in artistic creation, education and social impact. Alessio Carbone (Italy), former Premier Danseur of the Paris Opera Ballet and Artistic Director of Balletto di Venezia, is the project's Artistic Director. Having collaborated with Still I Rise since 2024 through dance workshops and fundraising galas, he leads the artistic vision and ensures a creative process that combines excellence with education and inclusion. An internationally renowned contemporary choreographer, yet to be confirmed (several choreographers have been contacted, but the final selection will be made once the project has been confirmed and based on their availability), will co-create the new work alongside Alessio Carbone. Selected for their innovative artistic language and collaborative approach, they will guide students through a participatory choreographic process, encouraging creativity and self-expression. The artistic team will also include professional dancers from Teatro alla Scala Ballet (Italy) and the Paris Opera Ballet (France). Beyond their outstanding artistic careers, these performers have been invited for their commitment to mentoring young people and their ability to inspire participants through direct collaboration in rehearsals, workshops and performances. The project is led by Orsolina28 Art Foundation (Italy), which provides artistic production, residency facilities and educational coordination. In particular, Simony Monteiro, the Foundation’s Artistic Director (who comes from the USA and lives in France), and Kaveh Daneshmand, Director of Production (originally from Iran), will assist, mentor and provide support as needed to the artistic team. On Still I Rise's side, the project will be curated by Nicolò Govoni, Founder and CEO of Still I Rise.

Partners