Ana Rocha Nené - 2nd Gala Edition

Photography and Edition by Nibiru - Ana Rocha Nené

The 2nd Edition of the Solidarity Dance Gala brought exciting new features in 2024. Ana Isabel Casquilho, choreographer from the first edition, joined Miguel Nunes Esteves as co-curator, bringing fresh energy to the Gala's artistic direction. Additionally, Bemvindo Fonseca, a prominent figure in Portuguese dance, joined Catarina Furtado as co-host, ensuring a night filled with elegance and inspiration.

Profits from this Gala Edition were donated to Forum Dança, a nonprofit cultural association founded in 1990.

Forum Dança is dedicated to promoting contemporary dance through professional training, artistic research, and community engagement. Their work includes educational projects, seminars, artistic residencies, and workshops designed for both professional and amateur audiences, reaching adults and youth alike.

Forum Dança also strives to be an inclusive and accessible platform, embracing the individuality of all participants while fostering a spirit of respect and collaboration, in line with their ethical values.

On May 24th, 2024, the second edition of the Solidarity Dance Gala took place, once again at the Salão Preto e Prata in the Estoril Casino.

With an audience of over 700 and hosted once more by Catarina Furtado, it was a magical evening of dance featuring renowned choreographers and Artists such as Ana Isabel Casquilho, Miguel Esteves, Telmo Moreira, Hugo Marmelada, Valentina Turcu, Paulo Ribeiro, Edward Clug amongst others.

The night was made even more special with a guest appearance by Catarina Menezes, Portuguese Principal Dancer of Ballet Opera Maribor.

The second edition of the Gala raised over €5,000, which was donated to Forum Dança.

A special highlight of the edition was the introduction of a monetary scholarship, awarded to a promising dance student, supporting their educational journey and artistic development.

The 2024 edition received again support from several sponsors, including Estoril Casino, CNB, Opart, and the Union of Parishes of Cascais and Estoril.