Would you like to challenge yourself by exploring what happens when a body doesn’t just pass through a space, but inhabits it alongside other bodies?

With the Choreographic laboratory by Daniele Ninarello, you can take part in a free dance laboratory exploring the concepts of proximity, interdependence, and transindividuality in dialogue with other bodies and with the architecture of a unique space like the Esprit Nouveau Pavilion in Bologna. Apply by sending a photo, a cover letter, and a statement of interest to laboratori@genderbender.it by July 8th, and please indicate any physical or mobility needs.

The Project

To feel without holding back. To move, vibrating, from one posture to another. To embody visions. To be inspired. To play at transforming oneself. To play at disappearing.

The Choreographic laboratory by Daniele Ninarello aims to explore the idea that the individual is not isolated, but is continually shaped through relationships with others and with the environment.

Conceived by choreographer Daniele Ninarello in collaboration with Gender Bender (of which he is an associate artist for 2025–2027), the project invites city residents to reclaim the time for listening and to become familiar with their own bodies and perceptions.

The workshop will unfold through various choreographic and movement practices, culminating in a double performance open to the public.

Inspired by the Esprit Nouveau Pavilion

The itinerary is specifically designed to engage with the architecture of the Esprit Nouveau Pavilion by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret in Bologna. This space, conceived as a revolutionary model of living, will serve as the driving force behind research focused on the concept of cohabitation and relationship (what happens when a body does not merely pass through a place, but inhabits it alongside other bodies?) and on the dialogue between inside and outside. The large windows of the Esprit Nouveau, the structure’s ergonomics, and its openness to nature will guide participants in exploring how space transforms bodies and, conversely, how bodies transform space by allowing themselves to be inhabited.

The performative outcome

The laboratory will end with a double public presentation on October 24th and 25th, 2026, at the Esprit Nouveau Pavilion in Bologna (Piazza della Costituzione, 11)

Who is it for?

The workshop is open to all citizens, including performers and dance enthusiasts of all genders and abilities, as well as local residents and anyone who wishes to explore movement, dance, voice, physical contact, and the sharing of space, with no prior experience required.

How to apply?

To apply, please send the following by July 8th to laboratori@genderbender.it:

• a photo
• a cover letter explaining your interest
• any physical or mobility needs

Accessibility

The building is spread over two floors and has the following accessibility features:

• Entrance: accessible via steps and a platform equipped with a wheelchair lift.
• Internal connections: The floors are connected exclusively by an internal staircase. There are no elevators or other aids to overcome architectural barriers to the upper floor.
• Restrooms: There is a single accessible restroom for people with disabilities, located on the first floor.

Schedule

The workshop includes two group residencies, each lasting one week, in September and October 2026, during which participants will experiment with new shared artistic practices. Between the two research periods, there will be two days of group meetings and workshops with local organizations. The final residency will conclude with two group durational performances open to the public:

July 18 | Introductory meeting
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location TBC

September 7–13 | First week of residency and practical sessions
Monday–Friday 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Saturday–Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Esprit Nouveau Pavilion

September 26 | In-person meeting
Location and time TBC

October 10 | In-person meeting
Location and time TBC

October 19–23 | Second week of residency and workshops
Monday–Friday 5:30 PM–9:00 PM
Esprit Nouveau Pavilion

October 24 and 25 | Public presentations (Festival preview)
Rehearsals starting at 10:00 AM
Esprit Nouveau Pavilion

Daniele Ninarello

Daniele Ninarello is an artist active in the field of performing arts.
After attending the Rotterdam Dance Academy, he danced with various international choreographers. Since 2007, he has been pursuing his own choreographic and movement research and has presented his creations at various national and international festivals.
In 2012, he received an honorable mention at the DNA Romaeuropa Festival and was selected to participate in the international project “Residenza in Sharing” with the TROIS–CL and TanzTendenz centers in Munich. Also in 2012, the Centro de Documentação e Pesquisa em Dança in Rio de Janeiro invited him to collaborate on a co-creation with Ricardo Ambrózio.
In 2013, he founded, together with dancer Marta Ciappina, the CodedUomo Association with the aim of disseminating and promoting his research work in Italy and abroad.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he began working on NOBODY NOBODY NOBODY. It’s OK not to be OK. The complete work premiered at MART in Rovereto during the 2021 Oriente Occidente festival.
Since 2025, he has been an associate artist with Gender Bender.

The Choreography workshop by Daniele Ninarello is part of Bologna Estate 2026, a program of activities promoted and coordinated by the City of Bologna and the Metropolitan City of Bologna – Bologna-Modena Tourist Area, and is supported under the program agreement between the City of Bologna and the Ministry of Culture – Directorate-General for Performing Arts for live performance activities in outlying areas.

The choreography workshop curated by Daniele Ninarello takes place as part of Esprit Nouveau Bologna 2025-2027, a program promoted by the City of Bologna to celebrate the Esprit Nouveau Pavilion 100 years after Le Corbusier’s original design.

With the support of the Fondazione del Monte di Bologna e Ravenna.