Baila España 2026

Jarana
Laia Santanach Company

Jarana explores collective traditional practices that have disappeared or are at risk of disappearing. The choreography concludes a three-part cycle that places the importance of preserving traditional celebrations at its centre. At the same time, the choreography explores new forms of collective expression in an increasingly changing and technologised world.

Jarana is a celebration rooted in the human need for connection and belonging.

Choreographer, dancer and teacher Laia Santanach runs her own ensemble in Barcelona. Her work focuses on exploring human relationships within their respective social contexts, examining fundamental approaches ranging from tradition to its contemporary manifestations in dialogue with live electronics. This resulted in a trilogy created between 2019 and 2024, the third part of which is being presented at this year’s dance festival. Her works have toured in Spain, France, the Netherlands, Réunion, Germany, Portugal and Italy. Laia Santanach has received several awards.

As a dancer, she has worked with various ensembles since 2005. As a teacher, she has led numerous courses and workshops and currently teaches at the Institut del Teatre de Barcelona and in the Dance and Choreography programme at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Laia also studied piano and saxophone at the Taller de Músics de Barcelona.

Concept and direction: Laia Santanach | Creation and performers: Anna Hierro, Mario G. Sáez, Carlos Martorell, Julia Sanz and Laia Santanach | Original music: Carlos Martorell | Choreographic assistance: Isaac Montllor | Lighting design: Jou Serra | Lighting technician: Arnau Sala | Lighting programming: Víctor Cuenca | Set design: Mariona Signes | Technical direction and sound design: Adrià Juan | Costume design: Mariona Signes | Strategic support: Caroline Giffard | Video artist: Ignasi Castañé | Photography: Jofre Moreno