MENORCA WINTER DANSE FESTIVAL
15–21 February 2027 · Ciutadella, Menorca · 2nd Edition
Contact Improvisation · Contemporary Dance · Improvisation · Workshops · Jams · Underscore · Nature · Performance · Ecstatic Dance
The Menorca Winter Dance Festival is a festival of Contact Improvisation, contemporary dance, improvisation and performance, held in the beautiful town of Ciutadella, a unique place in the heart of the Mediterranean, rich in magic and tradition.
A wonderful opportunity to enjoy a 7-day immersive experience, bringing together up to 35 participants for an in-depth exploration of dance and movement through high-quality workshops, jams and many other activities to share together.
Who is the festival for?
The festival is open to everyone who wishes to share, learn or deepen their experience of Contact Improvisation and contemporary dance.
A welcoming space for all levels: beginners, experienced dancers and professionals.
Practical Information
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Dates and schedule: From Monday, 15 February, in the afternoon to Sunday, 21 February, after lunch.
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Places available: Limited to 35 participants. Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Accommodation and meals: ALBERG SA VINYETA – Camí Vell de Sa Farola, s/n, Ciutadella, Menorca.
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Dance venue: The beautifully renovated theatre at Institut Josep Maria Quadrado, located right in the centre of Ciutadella.
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Food: Delicious vegetarian meals prepared with care.
FESTIVAL PHILOSOPHY
This festival was born from an initiative between a brother and a sister and their passion for dance. Mercè Nebot, who has lived in French Provence for 20 years, and Pep Nebot, who lives in Barcelona, have joined forces to create this space for sharing dance, creation and beauty. After many years of organizing the Festival En Provence in summer, spring and autumn, our roots in the Mediterranian Sea bring us to create this event in Menorca for winter time.
At each edition, people of many different nationalities have gathered for the Festival, which is very enriching and allows the establishment of a cultural bridge around art, dance and creativity.
In this festival we want to prioritize some approaches:
• Quality pedagogy in Contact Improvisation dance to promote better body awareness;
• Welcoming a small group that will live together for a week an intimate and profound human adventure. We want to generate a sense of belonging to the group and a sense of community, by creating an inclusive, generous and supportive environment;
• Contact with nature, surround yourself with aesthetic beauty and charismatic villages;
• The cultural exchange between participants, locals and international visitors; We have already experienced on many occasions that, when people with different cultures and life experiences get together, we all grow in a spiral of creativity and self-knowledge;
• Live Contact Improvisation and other dance forms in its essence, with its living principles present at all times: self-respect and respect for the other, sense of group, security and creativity, movement in gravity, contact, attention and self-knowledge, among others.
OUR DANCE VENUE
An exceptional space to dance in the heart of Ciutadella
For the Menorca Dance Festival, we will be dancing in the beautifully renovated theatre at Institut Josep Maria Quadrado, a versatile space that combines the character of a theatre with the functionality of a spacious dance studio.
With its excellent parquet floor, generous open space and outstanding acoustics, it offers wonderful conditions for contemporary dance, Contact Improvisation, floorwork and movement research. A comfortable and inspiring environment where we can move freely, explore, share and enjoy dancing together.
Located right in the centre of Ciutadella, the venue also offers the convenience of being within easy reach of the town's charming streets, cafés, restaurants and everyday life.
A wonderful place to make dance happen during our time in Menorca!
STRUTURE OF THE INTENSIVES
Jori Snell Contact Improvisation Intensive
“COMPOSING AND PERFORMING” IN CONTACT IMPROVISATION
- From somatic embodiment to performative awareness -
How can we (re)connect with that “natural (authentic) place” in us, where we can be “fully alive and at ease” in our dancing, while receiving the attention of others seeing us? How can we be both fully present in our dancing and develop a keen sense of the organic compositions and designs appearing in the space, while in solo, duet, trio and in a group?
Inspired by the very roots and early years of CI where the practice was witnessed by each other and by an audience, we will “ease” into witnessing each other, inviting for an embodied state of dancing and witnessing as we go.
We will explore the dance in its many colors and dimensions, through momentum, weight, textures in touch, and the relation to time and space. Unleashing a free and connected bond with our body/mind; we can “train” the muscles and skills of our attention.
It will be an invitation and inquiry into what truly happens when we meet in an improvisation, both as a witness and as a mover, thus allowing our attention to perceive ourselves, others and the dance as part of a bigger ecosystem, a field of interconnectivity and spontaneous play.
Victòria Janer Barber – Contemporary Dance Classes
ORGANIC MOVEMENT – PRIMARY ECHOES
This workshop is a body practice that begins from the floor, focusing on releasing accumulated tension, reclaiming lost space, and lengthening the body, thereby facilitating the learning of new movement patterns. Moving efficiently becomes a fundamental factor, reconnecting us with the organicity of the infant body and the most primal aspects of our being.
In this intensive, we will dedicate significant time to floorwork with fluid and acrobatic movements (soft acrobatics). All exercises are adapted for all levels, from advanced to beginner, as more complex movements can always be simplified, ensuring accessibility and safety for everyone.
Participants will explore small choreographic phrases as well as specific movements, allowing a deep understanding of how the body moves, transitions, and flows. Moments of improvisation will also be included as a window for self-expression and for discovering each participant’s own natural movement pathways.
This workshop arises from the need to share experiences gained through the exploration of bodily organicity, intuition, and efficiency in movement. We work with the physical body and movement techniques to enable the body to act freely and effectively in diverse situations. Emphasizing organicity, awareness, and playful experimentation, the workshop offers participants the opportunity to reconnect with their natural movement impulses while cultivating creativity, sensitivity, and fluidity.
By integrating floorwork, acrodance, choreographic exploration, and improvisation, this intensive provides a holistic approach to body movement, allowing participants to strengthen their physicality, expand their movement vocabulary, and reconnect with the innate intelligence of their bodies.techniques to allow the body to act freely and effectively in diverse situations. The emphasis on organicity, awareness, and playful experimentation offers participants the opportunity to reconnect with their natural movement impulses while cultivating creativity, sensitivity, and fluidity.
By integrating floorwork, acrodance, choreographic exploration, and improvisation, this intensive provides a holistic approach to body movement, allowing participants to strengthen their physicality, expand their movement vocabulary, and reconnect with the innate intelligence of their bodies.
Pep Nebot – Contact Improvisation Class
EXPLORING THE FOUNDATIONS OF CONTACT IMPROVISATION
A deep exploration of the fundamental principles of Contact Improvisation (presence and physical awarness, listening, the Small Dance, weight sharing, rolling point, risk-taking and emergence...). Through a series of carefully designed movement routines and explorative scores, we will investigate how these principles interact, influence our movement and open up new possibilities in the dance.
Rather than simply learning or practising techniques, we will take time to revisit the foundations of Contact Improvisation as a living practice. We will explore the relationship between body, gravity, momentum and other dancers, developing sensitivity, clarity and confidence in how we give, receive and share weight.
This intensive is open to all levels. For those new to Contact Improvisation, it offers an opportunity to discover and experience its essential principles; for more experienced dancers, an invitation to revisit familiar territory, deepen their understanding and uncover new layers of exploration. A space for curiosity, awareness and discovery, where learning and dancing remain inseparable.
FOOD FOR BODY AND SOUL
Homemade vegetarian food, local flavours and a little bit of magic
A dance festival is also about sharing meals, taking a break, gathering around a table and enjoying the simple pleasure of being together. During the Menorca Winter Dance Festival, food will be an important part of our shared experience: delicious, nourishing vegetarian meals prepared with care, creativity and love.
We are very happy to have Sita, co-owner of Ànima, the charming café in the heart of Ciutadella, taking care of our kitchen. She will be cooking for us using local products, seasonal ingredients and her own unique sensibility. Ànima is much more than a café: it is a place built around beauty, authenticity and attention to the little things. That same poetry and philosophy will find their way into the food she prepares for us.
Expect colourful, flavoursome and generous vegetarian dishes, inspired by the island and made to nourish both body and soul. Because dancing, connecting and exploring together is even better when we can share beautiful food around the table. Check them out on instagram: www.instagram.com/cafeteria_anima/
ABOUT CIUTADELLA
Ciutadella, located on the western coast of Menorca, is one of the island’s most enchanting towns, blending history, culture, and natural beauty. Once the island’s capital, it is a place where narrow cobbled streets wind between centuries-old buildings, revealing hidden squares, charming cafés, and elegant palaces. Its strategic position by the Mediterranean Sea has shaped its identity, offering stunning views of the harbor and easy access to the crystal-clear waters that lap the coastline. The town’s maritime heritage is evident in its picturesque port, where fishing boats and yachts share space with lively restaurants and bars, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates both tradition and modern life.
Ciutadella’s architecture reflects its rich history, with influences ranging from Gothic and Baroque to neoclassical styles. The majestic cathedral of Menorca, built in the 14th century, stands as a symbol of the town’s religious and cultural significance, while countless palaces, noble houses, and restored townhouses showcase intricate stonework, wrought-iron balconies, and colorful shutters. Walking through its streets, one can sense the layers of history—from medieval fortifications to Renaissance-era plazas—making the town feel like a living museum.
The town’s connection to the Mediterranean Sea is deeply woven into its character. Beyond its scenic harbor, the coastline around Ciutadella is dotted with secluded coves and sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, sailing, and exploring the island’s natural beauty. Local festivals often celebrate this maritime bond, with lively parades, traditional boat races, and music echoing through the streets. Combining historical charm, architectural elegance, and the timeless allure of the sea, Ciutadella remains one of Menorca’s most captivating and memorable destinations.
HOW TO GET TO MENORCA AND CIUTADELLA?
Getting from Barcelona to Ciutadella (Menorca) during the winter low season is quite easy. Here are the main ways to travel, with practical notes for wintertime:
1. By Plane (Fastest Option)
• Route: Barcelona El Prat (BCN) → Menorca Airport (MAH)
• Flight time: ~1 hour
• Airlines: Typically Vueling, Iberia, or Air Europa (frequency reduced in winter, but usually daily)
• From the airport to Ciutadella:
◦ Bus (Line 01) to Maó + Bus to Ciutadella (~1 hour total)
◦ Taxi (~45 minutes)
Pros: Fast and reliable year-round
Cons: Fewer daily flights in winter; prices can vary
2. By Ferry (Overnight & Scenic)
• Route: Barcelona Port → Ciutadella or Maó
• Companies: Balearia (most common), sometimes Trasmed
• Travel time:
◦ Fast ferry: ~5 hours (less frequent in winter)
◦ Night ferry: ~8–9 hours (often overnight)
Pros: Comfortable, scenic, good if traveling with lots of luggage
Cons: Reduced schedules in winter; weather-dependent (sea conditions)
3. Plane + Ferry Combination (Flexible Option)
• Fly from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca, then take a ferry to Menorca.
• Ferry Palma → Ciutadella: ~1.5–2 hours
• Useful if direct flights are limited or expensive.
ACCOMODATION - Albergue Sa Vinyeta
The Sa Vinyeta Hostel is a modern and comfortable facility with an educational and social purpose. It is located in Ciutadella, about a 10-minute walk from the port, 15 minutes from the town center, and approximately 7 minutes from the small Farola beach.
The main building is a restored traditional farmhouse and features a newly built annex. The hostel offers parking, Wi-Fi, and spacious common areas including a garden, a play area, a terrace, and a lounge with a reading and TV area.
It also provides hot water, bathrooms in all rooms, individual lockers in the rooms, a dining room, an air-conditioned multipurpose room, an outdoor terrace and garden, a kitchen area equipped with a fridge and microwave, and a first aid kit.
Participants of the festival will be sleeping in confortable and modern rooms of 10 people, having access to their own bathroom and showers.
Address: Camí Vell de Sa Farola, s/n, Ciutadella de Menorca. Phone numbers: 971 487 763 and 971 365 073
PRICES & REGISTRATION
Price WITH FOOD and ACCOMODATION in Sa Vinyeta Hostel:
• Early Bird until February 5th, 2026: €560
• After February 5th, 2026: 605 €
Price WITH FOOD but WITHOUT ACCOMODATION:
• Early Bird until February 5th, 2026: 460 €
• After February 5th, 2026: 505 €
Price WITHOUT FOOD but WITH ACCOMODATION (includes Breakfast):
• Early Bird until February 5th, 2026: 440 €
• After February 5th, 2026: 485 €
Price WITHOUT FOOD and WITHOUT ACCOMODATION:
• Early Bird until February 5th, 2026: 310 €
• After February 5th, 2026: 355 €
To reserve the place, you must pay the deposit of €150, and the rest can be transferred or paid in cash at the event.
What is included in the price:
• Accommodation in Sa Vinyeta Hostel in shared rooms. People will be distributed as they register.
• All Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners, with vegetarian cuisine.
• Use of the common spaces of the Sa Vinyeta Hostel, dining room, bathrooms, terraces, etc., (people not sleeping in the hostel, will be able to enter the common spaces and share time with the group).
• All workshops and jams.
• Liability insurance.
What is not included in the price:
• Accomodation and food for those not paying for it.
• For those paying for Food but not Accomodation, Breakfast is not included; for them there is only lunch and dinner.
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENTS
To reserve your place you must register in the registration form and pay the deposit of €150 to confirm your reservation, and the rest can be transferred before the event or paid in cash on the first day of the event.
The transfer of the deposit can be made to a Spanish or French bank, or by Paypal:
• Spanish bank: IBAN: ES47 0081 0900 8000 0334 3240SWIFT: BSABESBBXXX (Owner: José Nebot Muns)
• French bank: IBAN : FR76 1390 6001 4200 1891 0602 595 / BIC : AGRIFRPP839 / Association Corps Raccords
• Paypal: emotionbodies@gmail.com If you choose to pay pay Paypal, there is an applyed commission that can vary from 5 euros (Euro zone) to 20 euros (Israel or Australlia for instance). Due the this high quantities, we will ask you to pay us back this commission in cash in the festival. Thanks for understanding.
When making the transfer, write in the concept "your name and surname + Festival Menorca". For international transfers, make sure that the amount being sent is free of bank commissions.
Contact and information:
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Contact in France: Merce Nebot +33 666124365, corpsraccords.asso@gmail.com
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Contact in Catalonia: Pep Nebot +34 685166358, info@emotionbodies.com
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CANCELLATION POLICY: If the workshop is canceled for a reason attributable to the organization or beyond its control, the organization has the obligation to refund the total amount paid by the participant. If the participant cancels, we regret that we cannot make any refunds, due to all the administrative work and in order to ensure the sustainability of the event. Make sure you have the dates available.
PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA: In accordance with the provisions of current regulations, we inform you that your personal data will be incorporated into a file owned by Associació E Motion Bodies Handstand. You can exercise your rights of access, rectification, cancellation and opposition by writing to emotionbodies@gmail.com.
IMAGE RIGHTS: By completing and submitting this form, you authorize Associació E Motion Bodies Handstand to take photos of you to illustrate the materials for the dissemination of the activities that are carried out. The images can be broadcast on any medium (TV, press, internet, external media, promotional material, social networks, etc.). Distribution may only be made free of charge and for the purpose of disseminating the activities of the Associació E Motion Bodies Handstand. This authorization is completely free of charge and you agree not to claim any compensation, payment and / or indemnity in exchange for the authorization agreed with the Associació E Motion Bodies Handstand for the use of your image or the person that you represent.