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The ninth SOLO Contemporary Dance Festival is bringing together 24 dance artists from 14 countries at CerModern in Ankara, Türkiye's capital, presenting solo performances alongside workshops and artist talks that explore different approaches to contemporary dance.
The performances are taking place at CerModern's Open Air Stage, where dancers from a range of countries share solo works with audiences. The program also includes artist talks and workshops covering different dance practices and contemporary approaches.
Zihni Tumer, general art director of CerModern and the festival's director, said the event is approaching its 10th year. He described solo performance as a discipline within dance that deserves particular attention and noted it has slowly been gaining ground internationally.
Tumer said only three solo dance festivals existed worldwide when SOLO began, with his event being the fourth. He said the number has since grown to around five, adding that the festival has reached an important position in terms of its standing among artists, audiences and international recognition.
He said audiences in Türkiye initially viewed solo dance as unusual, but the form gained a following over time as it found resonance within the wider art discipline.
Tumer said this year's edition includes 24 dancers from 14 countries, describing the international dimension as one of SOLO's core elements. He said the festival plays an important role in connecting young artists, noting that Turkish dancers benefit from communicating directly within their profession when they reach audiences in Europe and beyond.
He said the festival team visits other festivals abroad throughout the year and brings that experience back to Türkiye, with those relationships developing into partnerships over time.
He cited an ongoing yearly partnership with Solo Coreografico in Turin, Italy, saying SOLO has sent four dancers to that festival so far and intends to continue building the relationship.
Tumer said the international lineup performing on a single stage in Ankara draws strong interest from local audiences, adding that Ankara has embraced the festival both for its storytelling and its philosophical depth.
Tumer said workshops led by dancers working as choreographers have drawn particular interest from younger participants, with talks covering topics including video dance, the use of different spaces for dance and dance history.
He said SOLO aims to keep expanding its work in both Ankara and at CerModern in the coming period and that the festival intends to build further institutional relationships going forward.
The festival, which brings together solo performances from dancers across different countries, concludes today.
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