What seemed absurd two months ago actually happened, and was a success! The risk was high, but the Swiss Dance Days actually took place on our partners’ stages: the Kaserne, Theater Basel, junges theater basel, Neues Theater, Vorstadttheater, Roxy, Theater Tempus Fugit and Humbug. In total: this meant 21 shows, most of them sold out, and almost 3500 visitors, an atmosphere of joyful anticipation and intriguing discussions surrounding the events!

We braved the weather as much as the omicron variant, raising glasses of mulled wine and filling theatres. We welcomed and hosted just over 150 national and international presenters in Basel, concentrating on our core mission: making dance and performance events happen, and facilitating their touring in Switzerland and abroad. This also means that many regioal visitors attended the shows. We accomplished showcasing twelve pieces selected by a jury – the Final Selection – and eight artists working in Switzerland who presented their work at the Salons d’artistes. With a heavy heart, we had to forego the parties, so as to make the remaining events as safe as possible.  All this gives us optimism for the dramatic arts and dance in particular.

The side events focused on the younger audience in a well-attended panel discussion. There was also a network meeting hosted by the cultural departments of the Cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft, with the goal of overcoming triregional borders. Finally, the format of international dance platforms was reflected upon – together with performing artists, Pro Helvetia and presenters from Switzerland and abroad. Conclusions from this event and their impact on the next edition of the Swiss Dance Days will be communicated at a later date.