The international performing arts festival Vertebra Dansa, formerly known as Deltebre Dansa, is starting a new chapter in Tortosa, the city where it originated in 2004. After 17 years based in the Ebro Delta, the project by dancer and choreographer Roberto Olivan returns to the capital of Baix Ebre, having become an international benchmark in dance training and performances.
This edition features 150 dancers from around the world. For the first time, the festival opens its doors to urban dances and maintains its training program for the general public with 192 registered participants. The main circus tent has been erected in front of the Teatre Auditori Felip Pedrell, currently undergoing renovation, which will serve as the primary venue for shows and workshops.
Roberto Olivan celebrated the return to Tortosa, expressing gratitude for the institutional support, particularly from the city councils of Tortosa and Roquetes. He emphasized that this change signifies renewal and a homecoming, reflecting his long-held dream for performing arts in the Terres de l'Ebre region.
The introduction of urban dances is one of the notable novelties, inspired by the rise of artists like Rosalía. The faculty includes dancers who have collaborated with internationally renowned artists such as Madonna.
Participants like Ariadna from Milan and Isabelle from Norway have shared their excitement. Ariadna highlights the dance research and international artists, while Isabelle values the community, the strong program, and the professors, noting that the festival's spirit remains the same despite the venue change.
The mayor of Tortosa, Mar Lleixà, underscored the festival's role as a cultural driver and the city's ambition to become a dance epicenter. Deputy Mayor Jordi Jordan mentioned the historic spaces that will be utilized, such as the Plaça de l'Absis de la Catedral and the Museu de Tortosa, to bring the city to life.
