CHANEL INVITED US TO ORSOLINA28, A PLACE WHERE ART AND NATURE COME TOGETHER
In the gentle embrace of the Monferrato hills, where vineyards stretch endlessly beneath a golden sun, there lies a place where art breathes alongside nature ,Orsolina28. This sanctuary of creativity, nestled in the UNESCO heritage site of Moncalvo, is a world apart from the everyday, a haven for artists, dreamers, and those who believe in the power of movement, sound, and image to shape new realities.
Ph. Stefano Trovati
Led by the visionary Simony Monteiro, founder and artistic director, Orsolina28 has become a crossroads for international artists. Here, dancers, choreographers, composers, and musicians gather from across the globe to create, to teach, and to share in a unique dialogue with the landscape and each other. The summer 2025 season promises a rich tapestry of projects, from the Call for Creation, which nurtures the next generation of European choreographers under 35, to intensive dance trainings led by some of the world’s most influential figures. In this radiant setting, I, Federica Trotta Mureau, together with Danilo Falà, had the honor of being invited by Chanel to spend two days immersed in the Call for Creation program, an experience that unfolded like a living canvas, where creativity, dialogue, and artistic expression thrived.
Ph. Thomas Norrgård
Among the many highlights of the season was RED, a breathtaking choreographic exploration by Japanese-American artist Hiroki Ichinose. Created during a three-week residency at Orsolina28, RED draws from the ancient Japanese legend of the “red string of fate,” an invisible thread said to connect destined souls across time and space. The piece examines themes of identity, destiny, and cultural convergence, a poetic conversation between East and West, family and autonomy, fate and free will. What makes this project truly extraordinary is the collaboration that extends beyond the stage. With Chanel’s support, RED was transformed into RED FATE, a dance film that captures the work’s emotional core through stunning visuals set against the rolling vineyards and lush natural backdrop of Monferrato. The film brings a new dimension to the performance, blending cinema and choreography into a seamless narrative of connection and longing.
Ph. Andrea Macchia
The performers are no less remarkable: Victor Ketelslegers, a Belgian dancer and actor celebrated for his work with renowned companies and his acclaimed film roles, including the award-winning Girl by Lukas Dhont; and Madoka Kariya, a Japanese-born dancer turned model, whose presence on stage was marked by an elegant white Chanel gown, a symbol of the seamless fusion between art, fashion, and storytelling. This collaboration between the artists and Chanel is more than sponsorship; it is a shared vision. Chanel’s enduring commitment to supporting the arts, especially contemporary dance, aligns perfectly with Orsolina28’s mission, to nurture creation in a setting where nature and human creativity coalesce.
Ph. Andrea Macchia
Beyond RED and RED FATE, the summer at Orsolina28 is vibrant with opportunity. The Intensive programs offer rigorous, week-long training sessions where emerging dancers engage deeply with the repertoires of legends like Marco Goecke and Jiří Kylián, as well as contemporary innovators such as Sharon Eyal and Akram Khan. These experiences culminate in free public performances, a gift back to the community that celebrates the transformative power of dance.
Ph. Andrea Macchia
Moreover, Orsolina28’s commitment extends to social engagement, partnering with regional organizations to bring the arts to vulnerable groups, from families supporting children with disabilities to refugees and adolescents recovering from illness. These initiatives reflect a profound belief in the healing and uniting potential of creativity.
Ph. Julien Benhamou
The story of Orsolina28, and of RED in particular, is ultimately a story about connection, about the invisible threads that tie us to one another, to our histories, and to the places we inhabit. It is a story that resonates deeply in a world eager for beauty, meaning, and hope.
Ph. Andrea Macchia
To witness this was to step into a moment where art, nature, and human spirit converge, a moment made possible by the generous support of Chanel, whose dedication to elegance and innovation continues to champion the most vital expressions of contemporary culture.
Federica Trotta Mureau