This October, Tirana comes alive with movement and creativity as the International Dance Festival Tirana (IDFT) runs from October 9th to 25th. Mane Foundation is proud to have supported all editions of the festival and to stand alongside world-renowned choreographer Angelin Preljocaj, helping bring contemporary dance to the heart of the city.

The festival is already underway, with performances across multiple venues, transforming the city into a stage.

A standout of this year’s edition is the performance “The Unknown” at GOCAT Gallery of Contemporary Art Tirana on October 23rd. This free-entry event, led by Preljocaj’s collaborators Sandrine Lescourant and Abraham Diallo, blends hip-hop, spoken words, and music with visual art, turning the gallery into a living stage. We highlight this performance not only because it takes place at GOCAT, but also because it perfectly embodies the festival’s bold vision, bringing dance into unique urban spaces and creating dialogue between performers, artwork, and the public.

Under Preljocaj’s artistic direction, IDFT goes far beyond traditional theaters. His G.U.I.D. (Urban Dance Intervention Group) stages performances in streets, squares, and everyday spaces, while the participatory project “Blossom” invites citizens of all ages to perform alongside professional dancers.

Mane Foundation is proud to support IDFT and Angelin Preljocaj, celebrating their vision to make dance accessible, interactive, and inspiring for everyone.

Supporting this festival is about more than sponsorship, about fostering creativity, connecting communities, and celebrating the transformative power of dance. Mane Foundation is always happy to dance alongside IDFT and Preljocaj, helping bring these extraordinary performances to life.