The National Choreographic Center is doing everything to involve young people in ballet

The Centro Coreografico Nazionale Aterballetto in Reggio Emilia has launched "Alla ricerca della meraviglia" (In Search of Wonder), a year-long research and production project aimed at engaging younger audiences through contemporary dance. The initiative involves three choreographers—Fernando Melo, Jacopo Jenna, and Francesco Marilungo—who are developing works that adopt a child’s perspective rather than simply creating content for children. These studies will be presented at the Internazionale Kids Festival in May 2026, with one selected for full production later that summer.

This project represents a strategic shift in how national choreographic centers approach audience development and creative research. By treating childhood as a "point of view" rather than a demographic target, Aterballetto seeks to revitalize the language of dance and ensure the future of the medium. The initiative highlights a growing trend of integrating dance with other disciplines and social missions, positioning performance art as a tool for perceptual freedom and cultural regeneration.