From 15th to 20th of March 2025, the Czech contemporary dance company 420PEOPLE visited Mérida for their first co-creation workshop within the Dancing Histor(y)ies project. The residency was organized by Festival Mérida, in collaboration with local institutions and community groups.

The program opened with a visit to a local drama school, engaging teenagers with an artistic background in a shared session. Later that evening, the company attended the performance Memento by Germen Dance Project at Sala Trajano, followed by an exchange with the choreographer and dancers about integrating folklore into contemporary dance.

The second day included attendance at rehearsals for Ícaro y Minotauro at Giner de los Rios School, performed by the IES Santa Eulalia Dance and Theatre Group. In the afternoon, 420PEOPLE visited Proserpina’s Reservoir, drawing inspiration from myths connected to the site.

On the third day, the company took part in a conference on regional folklore songs and traditions, followed by an open workshop at C.C. La Antigua, where participants of all backgrounds were invited to explore dance and movement.

The fourth day was dedicated to meetings with experts in the history of arts and theatre, discussing the mythological themes shaping local culture. In the evening, the company attended a rehearsal of Grupo de Coros y Danzas – La Rondalla, their co-creation partners, to experience their music, style, and costumes.

The fifth day connected intergenerational perspectives, as 420PEOPLE met with women from the Elders Centre Reyes Huertas to hear about their experiences with traditional dances and entertainment. In the evening, another open workshop was held at C.C. La Antigua, welcoming both dancers and the broader public.

The residency concluded on the sixth day, with morning time reserved for internal reflections and adjustments. In the evening, 420PEOPLE again joined a rehearsal of La Rondalla, continuing the co-creation process with the folklore group.

Through this diverse program, 420PEOPLE forged strong connections with local artists, cultural experts, and communities, laying the foundation for a performance that blends myth, folklore, and contemporary dance.