Ivaldo
Bertazzo

Awardee

Country

Brazil

Ivaldo Bertazzo promotes free expression through dance.

Themes
Free Expression / Civil Society
Disciplines
Dance
Awards
Archive - Prince Claus Laureate 2004

Profile

Ivaldo Bertazzo is a choreographer and therapist based in Brazil. Bertazzo has had a profound impact on the world of dance and movement therapy. His work is known for incorporating a wide range of cultural traditions, notably from Brazil and India, to engage young people from diverse backgrounds, including those from favelas. Bertazzo's innovative approach to dance involves large groups of 60 to 120 youngsters, whom he not only trains in dance but also supports with education and welfare assistance.He founded the School for Re-education of Movement in 1976 and introduced the concept of "citizen dancers" to broaden participation beyond professional dancers. Bertazzo emphasizes the importance of gesture, awareness, concentration, and communication in his teachings, which culminate in public performances celebrated for their expressiveness and vitality. Through his programs, Bertazzo has helped young people explore their identities and achieve psychophysical integration, underscoring the power of dance for personal and community development.