Centro Danza Matadero is set to host the 11th edition of Cuerpo Romo, a contemporary dance festival that offers performances, workshops, live music sessions, and participatory initiatives for all audiences. The festival, directed by dancer and choreographer Elías Aguirre, will take place on October 16 and 17 at Plaza Matadero and in Naves 11 and 16 of Centro Danza Matadero, which are part of the City of Madrid's Department of Culture, Tourism, and Sports.
For the first time, Cuerpo Romo will include two free performances, which require prior ticket reservation, in Nave 11: Hope Hunt by Oona Doherty and Aurunca by Elías Aguirre. During the two-day event, Plaza Matadero will host a dozen short contemporary dance proposals, featuring solos, duets, and other formats designed specifically for public engagement outdoors.
On Friday, October 16, notable performances will include Strip by Fonsi López, Bad dog, not biscuit by Boris Orihuela, and Hasta dónde? by Sharon Fridman. The following day, Saturday, October 17, the program will feature Acto III by Empty Rooms, La peor de todas by Inés Narváez (10&10), Y entre otras cosas… by Los Innato, Principio de incertidumbre by Marina Melero, Cuentas corrientes by Jessica Castellón and Boris Orihuela, The falling man by Tom Weksler, and Danzas virtuales by Mauricio Pérez Fayos.
The indoor programming will also include two new creations in Nave 11: on Friday, October 16, Hope Hunt by Oona Doherty, performed by Sati Veyrunes, will explore themes of masculinity, identity, and stereotypes through movement, word, and sound. On Saturday, October 17, Aurunca by Elías Aguirre will delve into the concept of 'non-places' to examine the relationships between body, space, time, and identity through dance and elements such as sound and lighting.
Cuerpo Romo will feature two masterclasses and a workshop for professionals in Nave 16.1 of Centro Danza Matadero. On Friday, October 16, Sati Veyrunes will lead a masterclass focused on the process of Hope Hunt, exploring the physical, rhythmic, and expressive elements of Doherty's piece. That same day, choreographer Sharon Fridman will conduct a session on the INA technique, which aims to build a shared rhythm through breathing, contact, and listening. On Saturday, October 17, Marko Fonseca from Los Innato will lead the in-PRACTICAL workshop (Identification of the Other), a training inspired by various disciplines, including martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, addressing trust, coordination, and physical connection between partners.
The festival also includes participatory proposals for all audiences. The Baila el barrio workshop offers a playful and spontaneous approach to contemporary dance through movement, coordination, strength, flexibility, and shared listening exercises, recommended for families with children aged five and older. The Baby Romo workshop creates a space for parents and babies to freely inhabit and enjoy the sound experience provided by Jorge da Rocha and Eliën, aiming to foster a shared enjoyment of music.
The program will be complemented by Open Body Talks, participatory dialogues in movement led by Elías Aguirre, accompanied by live music from Jorge da Rocha, as well as various live music sessions. DJ and musician Ed Is Dead and Jorge da Rocha will offer different professional JAM sessions lasting 30 minutes, featuring invited dancers and musicians, while the JAM for all will open the space for public participation with live music and DJ sessions.
