In the historic center of Alessano, where centuries-old stone facades frame Piazza Castello, an evening of contemporary dance transforms the public square into an open-air stage. Uno Nessuno Tre brings the artistry of contact improvisation to one of Puglia's most atmospheric settings, where the Castello di Alessano serves as a dramatic backdrop for movement and expression.
The Art of Contact Dance in Motion
This performance showcases the work of Scuola di Formazione Professionale Danza Contatto, a training ground for contemporary dancers exploring the interplay of weight, balance, and connection. Written and directed by Pierluigi Polisena with artistic direction by Aurora Ventruto, the piece explores themes of identity and relationship through physical dialogue. The choreography emphasizes fluid transitions and shared momentum, inviting the audience to witness dance as conversation.
Contact improvisation requires dancers to listen through touch, creating spontaneous duets and trios that shift and reform. The result is a performance that feels both rehearsed and alive with possibility, where each gesture carries intention.
The Castle Square as Stage
Piazza Castello offers a theatrical setting few indoor venues can match. The medieval castle walls rise behind the performance space, their weathered stone catching the evening light. As dusk settles over Alessano, the square becomes an intimate gathering place where history and contemporary art meet.
The open-air format means you'll experience the performance alongside the sounds and rhythms of the town itself—church bells marking the hour, swallows darting overhead, neighbors greeting each other across the piazza. This is dance rooted in place, not separated from everyday life.
What to Expect During the Performance
- Dynamic physicality: dancers lifting, rolling, and balancing in intricate partnering sequences
- Improvised moments: sections where performers respond in real-time to each other's movement
- Intimate scale: the square brings you close enough to see the focus in the dancers' eyes
- Atmospheric lighting: as natural light fades, the performance takes on a more theatrical quality
- Community vibe: locals and visitors mingle freely, creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere
Exploring Alessano Before Curtain Time
Arrive early and wander the narrow streets radiating from the castle. Alessano is a town of Baroque churches and hidden courtyards, where grandmothers sit on doorsteps and artisan workshops still practice traditional crafts. The Chiesa Madre and Palazzo Legari are both worth a quick visit.
The town sits in the southern reaches of the peninsula, just a few kilometers from the coastal villages of Marina di Novaglie and Torre Vado. If you're spending the day in the area, combine the performance with a swim along the rocky Adriatic shore or an afternoon exploring the centro storico of nearby Tricase.