Marrakech – Casablanca is preparing to take center stage in the Arab and international contemporary dance scene as the city welcomes the 11th edition of the Rencontres Choregraphiques de Casablanca from October 1-5.
Organized by the renowned Col’jam company, founded and directed by choreographers Ahlam El Morsli and Wajdi Gagui, the festival has become one of the most important cultural gatherings in the region.
For over sixteen years, Col’jam has been a driving force in Morocco’s contemporary dance movement, developing a body of work rooted in local identity while reaching out to international stages.
Beyond its singular artistic creations, the company has worked to professionalize young artists and build connections across public, private, and community sectors.
This year, the Rencontres will take a bold step forward with the launch of the Arab Dance Platform – an initiative designed to spotlight choreography from the Arab world and reinforce Casablanca’s role as a rising cultural hub.
By enhancing the visibility of emerging talents and encouraging exchange with global cultural institutions, the platform seeks to address the challenges of unequal access to mobility and international stages faced by many Arab artists.
Over five days, Casablanca will come alive with more than twenty performances, featuring artists from Tunisia, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Poland, Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Morocco.
The program promises variety: contemporary stage works, to a dance battle for young urban dancers, and even a participatory choreographic ball open to amateur dancers and the general public.
True to its mission of cultural democratization, the majority of performances will be free of charge.
Alongside the shows the festival emphasizes training and knowledge-sharing. Residencies, masterclasses, workshops, and intensive training sessions will provide Moroccan dancers and choreographers with practical tools to refine their craft and expand their international reach.
A key highlight will be the professional meeting on October 3, which will gather regional cultural players from across the MENA region to discuss the structuring of the choreographic sector, foster cooperation, and build sustainable cross-border partnerships.
