Orsolina28, where people dance to train the soul

«“You have to see it to believe it. I was truly amazed: combining this place with our artistic activity excites me ». Word of Ohad Naharin. «There is a tangible energy – however intangible – that supports what emerges in the rehearsal room» he confirms Akram Khan. And they are only two of the world’s leading choreographers who have chosen Ursuline28 as an inspirational place. To the list must be added, among others, Juliano Nunes, Sol Lèon and Paul Lightfoot (in February they will be at the Teatro alla Scala)Pontus Lidberg, Diego Tortelli and stars such as Alina Cojocaru (he is now preparing a new show here) and Diana Vishneva.

Cinderella of the arts

But what exactly is hidden behind the name of Orsolina28? What happens in Moncalvo (Asti), among those Monferrato hills declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2014? An area where, in reality, one breathes every type of artistic expression, from the sixteenth century to today: it gave birth, in 1596, to Orsola Caccia, an unrecognized painter of the caliber of Artemisia Gentileschi, a short distance away is the buen retreat of Paolo Conte…

«“28” is the street number, “Orsolina” because the oldest building was originally a farmhouse intended to supply the convent of the Ursuline nuns of San Carlo in Moncalvo» explains the founder and artistic director, Simony Monteiro, a New Yorker of Brazilian descent. «We offer choreographers spaces to create and hold workshops or masterclasses, and dancers the opportunity to train with them, but the key word is: inclusiveness. We are also open to non-professionals, both with full immersion and – for those who live nearby – with regular lessons from September to June. We particularly care about contemporary dance, which is a bit of a Cinderella of the arts. The intention that guided us, however, was not to train the next étoile: it was to train better human beings».

Parents inhibit us

How can this discipline contribute to personal growth? «Movement is in our nature, it’s natural, it would be enough to take some moments to listen to yourself. Unfortunately, parents raise us to the sound of: “What are you up to? Stand still! You have no rhythm, you look ridiculous,” and we freeze… We invite you to rediscover your most instinctive side without anyone feeling inadequate: dance is within anyone’s reach. And those who are in touch with their emotions manage reactions better. Dancing requires concentration, a “centering” which is not trivially a matter of balance: when you connect to that “center” you become receptive like a sponge, you have ideas, illuminations… Dancing you interact with your body (discovering the power to modify it) and with the body of others, you learn respect».

Statue of Perfection

When did you discover this passion? «At the age of seven – I remember it like it was now – I heard a “click” when I saw a class of older dancers: one of them, in particular, was a statue of perfection. The effort to remain still was “betrayed” only by the sweat dripping from her chin… It wasn’t the tutu that attracted me, it wasn’t the crown: it was the hard work! From there I started taking it seriously. First small schools, then the School of American Ballet and a scholarship at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where I discovered contemporary dance».

Fade out, we find Simony again in Piedmont. «I arrived in Italy following friends, and I fell in love. After living in Orsolina for months – watching the sunsets, witnessing the changing of the seasons – I asked myself: how can we share so much beauty? Of course, I always had dance in mind: “Imagine a rehearsal room with this view of the greenery!” I repeated myself».

Coincidences don’t exist

No sooner said than done? “Not now. One day in July, I met dozens of little girls in the village with buns: there was no doubt that they were dancers (in America we call them bunheads for the hairstyle). “Where are you going?”. “There is Moncalvo in Dance!”. I followed them: they performed on a stage mounted on the parking lot, they trained in a school gym on too hard a floor. I had to do something for them!”

Coincidences don’t exist, it seems. «Everything happens for a reason, I am convinced. It was 2016: I created a studio above the building where the wine for the nuns was bottled (and we still produce Barbera and Chardonnay, exclusively for internal use). This is how it began, as a dance school (classical, contemporary Graham technique and hip hop) aimed at the territory. Over time – also thinking of the parents who accompany their children – we have added yoga, pilates, Gravity (my favorite, performed on a machine that uses the force of gravity), Hiit (high-intensity interval training intensity, ed), Barre Workout (exercises inspired by the barre, ed)”.

Today there are four rooms, iron and crystal structures have been added to the two buildings (“No, no archistar: it is dance that has dictated its needs to architecture”), two bio-pools (everything is inspired by eco-sustainability), zones for glamping“glam camping”. The 28 tents are added to the 18 rooms of the “Le magnolie” hostel: 250 people can be accommodated at the same time.

Appointment with Ohad Naharin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLQGSztF-_E

Let’s not forget the vegetable garden and orchard, where guests are encouraged to collaborate. And special mention for The Eyea pavilion intended for workshops and shows, and for the open-air theater (the hills in the background), with a rich program of events, including musical ones.

The second fundamental step in the history of Orsolina28 was inviting the greatest choreographers, Naharin in primis. Why Naharin is more than a choreographer: he is the creator of the Gaga “method” (a term that imitates the babbles of a newborn). “The essence is realizing that dance is not just about performance and that it’s not just for dancers,” he explains himself in Sorcerer’s apprentices. The nature of the dancethe documentary on Orsolina28 available on RaiPlay. «Movement, when performed with awareness, can change the quality of life and make us happier, more empathetic, more capable of connecting with the outside world. Even longer-lived.”

Next appointment with GagaEden (Naharin’s workshop for non-experts) in October. And, in October, appointment in Turin, Milan, Brescia and Reggio Emilia with his latest show with the revealing title: Momo, Magic of Missing Outthe magic of getting lost. A show that was staged in Orsolina and that the Orsolina28 Art Foundation (non-profit organization) co-produced. As well as co-produced Pit by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber, which premiered in March at the Paris Opéra.

Orsolina28 and philosophy

Yes, because the commitment to contemporary dance also includes production. And that’s not all: there is Call for Creation in support of under 35 choreographers: the most deserving project is rewarded with a three-week stay, spaces available to develop the work, salary. The results of the initiative can already be seen: Adriano Bolognino, winner of the first edition, in February 2021, was then invited with his Rua da Saudade at the prestigious Torinodanza festival.

To experience Orsolina28’s philosophy first-hand, an excellent point of view is the restaurant: collective tables, no reserved seats (zero km food). You can happen next to a choreographer, a student, an enthusiast, a child with disabilities or at risk of marginalization (there is a collaboration with the Paideia Foundation and with the Asai Association). Or you can find yourself next to it Nadia Tereszkiewiczsublime protagonist of Les Amandiers and of Mon Crime as well as practitioner of Gaga. “One day I met her walking through the vineyards,” recalls Simony. «He was in tears. “What’s going on?” I asked her worried. “I’m too happy to be here”!».

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