CHIARA FERSINI
Winner artist of SIC RESIDENCY AWARD 2024
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Chiara Fersini is an Italian dancer and choreographer from Salento, Italy, currently based in Germany. She began her dance training at the age of six, focusing on ballet until she was 19. She graduated in 2014 from the Mo.Da. school in Modena, Italy, as a professional modern-contemporary dancer, where she also assisted teaching. In the same year, she earned a degree in European Languages and Cultures from the University of Modena e Reggio Emilia. ​
In September 2014, Chiara joined the Junior Ballet de Lille in France, performing under choreographers like Olivier Dubois and Sebastien Thierry. In 2016, she participated in the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company International Program in Israel, dancing in original company choreographies. Since relocating to Germany, she has worked as a freelance artist with various companies, including Luana Rossetti- cie. [LR], Toula Limnaios cie., Oxymoron Dance Company, Chaim Gebber Open Scene, Hans-Otto-Theater, Theater Thikwa, Vola Stageart Company, and Three Sixty Shows.
Since 2022, Chiara has been creating her own works, gaining both national and international recognition. Her choreography stems from a desire to address social issues, exploring human actions deeply to uncover their original reasons and meanings.
SAFIRE HIKARI​
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Safire Hikari is a dynamic dancer and circus performer, whose artistry is defined by over ten years of professional experience in a wide array of movement disciplines. With a fierce passion
for creative expression, Safire has been a teacher across Europe, inspiring students in various forms of movement including dance, vertical dance, cyr wheel, acrobatics, and physical theatre.
A lifelong learner, Safire's journey began at Greentop Circus in Sheffield, UK, where they studied circus, dance, and performance. Their passion for acrobatics led them to Polinchinelo
Acrobatic School in Liverpool, UK. Further expanding their artistry, Safire honed their contemporary dance skills at Companhia Olga Roriz (FOR Dance Theatre), while exploring contact improvisation and vertical dance through transformative experiences in Lisbon, Rustrel,
Limerick, and Letterkenny. Safire extends their practice to diverse communities across Europe, they have taught aerial dance at the Irish Aerial Creation Centre in Limerick, physical theatre and dance at Griese Youth Theatre in Kildare, Ireland, and inclusive dance at Ajuda in Lisbon. Their teaching philosophy fosters creativity, inclusivity, and connection, empowering students to embrace the transformative power of movement. An artist driven by innovation, Safire developed a powerful and original duet performance blending vertical and contemporary dance, which they presented at the Dublin Fringe Festival 2024. This work won the IACC Ten Year Anniversary Award. Safire is also a member of the acrobatic dance theatre collective Allyon-Nous, a diverse ensemble that explores themes of gender and identity. The collective’s work has a deep commitment to celebrating diversity in all its forms.
Throughout their career, Safire has collaborated with renowned companies and groups, including Fidget Feet, Off The Rails, Musici Ireland, High Top Circus, Urban Angels, B-Collective, Aeritiko, Jazzy Dance Studios, Companhia de Chapitô, Trincheira Teatro, Marionet, Magma Banda, and Cirque Normandie—each project contributing to the evolution of their distinctive artistic voice.
At the heart of Safire’s practice is a belief in the raw, unfiltered essence of life and connection. They are dedicated to making the world of movement more inclusive, fostering a sense of community through performance. Safire’s ambition is to transform these beliefs into powerful, ambitious performances that resonate deeply with diverse audiences, creating art that is as transformative as it is passionate.
