From 27th to 29th of March 2025, the Swedish contemporary dance company ilDance visited Nora and Cagliari (Sardinia) as part of the Dancing Histor(y)ies project.

The residency was organized by Assoenti Locali, in collaboration with Fondazione Pula Cultura Diffusa, Gruppo Folk Nora, and Gruppo Folk San Giovanni Battista (Pula).

The program opened with a day at the archaeological site of Nora, where ilDance explored the ancient ruins, legends, and landscapes as a source of artistic inspiration. Dedicated time was set aside for video diaries, reflection, and short clips, enabling the artists to process the experience and translate heritage into creative ideas.

On the following day, the company met with young dancers and volunteers at Sala Pittaluga in Cagliari for a movement workshop focused on text and expression. The agenda also included a visit to the Cagliari Archaeological Museum, where the main remains from Nora are preserved, connecting the participants’ artistic practice with tangible archaeological heritage.

The final day in Pula was dedicated to encounters with local communities and folk groups. Through meetings with Gruppo Folk Nora and Gruppo Folk San Giovanni Battista, the artists engaged with traditional costumes, music, and ancient rites, exploring how these living traditions could intersect with contemporary performance. Evaluation moments and feedback sessions were interwoven throughout, ensuring that local voices and perspectives shaped the creative process.

This residency highlighted how heritage sites, museums, and living traditions can merge with contemporary dance, creating a performance deeply rooted in local stories, rituals, and collective memory.