OPUS 1 – PLESNA MINIATURA 2026
17. MEDNARODNI FESTIVAL MLADIH PLESNIH USTVARJALCEV
Slovensko ljudsko gledališče Celje, 4. april 2026
17. International Festival of Young Dance Creators
OPUS 1 – Short Dance Piece 2026
Slovenian National Theatre Celje, 4th April 2026
THEMES
- BODY INTUITION
- WHATEVER
BODY INTUITION
“Dance first. Think later. It's the natural order.” / Samuel Beckett
“I have to feel the thing myself through my gut, so that I can then deal with it and create something from it.” / Jasna Knez
“For hours and hours I stood completely still, with my hands clasped between my chest, covering my solar plexus. Standing completely still, as if in a trance, I finally discovered the central source of all movement, the crater of motor power, the unity from which all the diversity of movement is born, the mirror of the vision from the creation of dance.” / Isadora Duncan
“trust your body
it reacts to right and wrong
better than your mind does
- it is speaking to you” / Rupi Kaur
The body is not just a physical structure that carries us through life, but a sensitive compass that knows what is right and wrong for us even before we can explain it to ourselves with our minds. When we consciously slow down, become aware of our breathing and the sensations in our body, we can observe the wisdom of the body, which reminds us that truth is not found in the noise of the mind, but in the whisper of the body. When we listen to it without forcing it into certain forms or patterns, authentic movement emerges. Instead of trying to "choreograph" from the mind, we allow the body to guide us. This approach creates an original and deeper emotional truth in dance—one that resonates with both the dancer and the witness.
Connecting with bodily intuition often means slowing down, easing control, and trusting gentle impulses. A slight shift in weight, an unexpected pause, or a spontaneous movement of the hand can develop into an entire sequence if we remain open. In this sense, dance creation is not so much invention as discovery of what the body already knows. Every sensation, every spark of energy can be a seed of authenticity that will shape a choreography. Trust these signals, give them space, and allow them to guide you.
Film director David Lynch says that intuition is like a signal—a quiet but powerful frequency that guides the creative process. When we trust it, we gain access to ideas and forms that transcend what the rational mind can create. So, this year, let dance come before explanation, feeling before meaning. The architecture of dance will come later.
Many dancers and choreographers use practices such as improvisation, conscious breathing, and somatic exploration to strengthen this connection. These methods help to connect the inner world of feelings with the outer form of performance. When bodily intuition and dance creativity intertwine, the result is organic movement that is not only aesthetically rich but also deeply embodied—carrying the presence of experience and the wisdom of the body.
WHATEVER
But if the theme above does not inspire you, you are free to do, well, whatever. Whatever is in you, whatever is around you, whatever you are looking for, whatever you are wondering about, whatever you question, whatever you are interested in… we are interested as well!
Guidelines for mentors and creators:
The required part of the creative process should include translating your ideas and procedures into words. The same as every year, you have to attach a description of your creative process to your application (literary origins, thoughts, procedures, decisions…). Think about it and work on it so as to genuinely delve into the depths of your short dance piece.
The theme is designed to offer a wide scope of possibilities to all artists, regardless of their age. Mentors should discuss it with young creators, while the latter should be autonomous and creative in shaping their ideas and pieces.
The role of mentors in creating the short dance piece is to counsel, lead and guide the young creators in creating their own ideas, dance expressions and autonomous choreographies.
Approach the theme with exploratory zeal and creative inspiration.
Think and work on it to really delve into the creation and formation of the short dance piece, thus meaningfully fulfilling the concept, process and results of your work.
