© Casa da Arquitectura / “Connecting…”, de Inês Freitas e Mor Yaron / Open House Porto 2023 | © Tomás Laranjo / “CON·CORDA”, de Sabrina Danielle Baranda e Mathilde Granier / Bairro da Bouça, Open House Porto 2025 | © Ivo Tavares Studio / “Starting Point”, de Katerina Vavouraki / interpretação de Margot Thuillier, Anastasia Kapra, Eirini Papadaki, Passainte Hicham, Joana Correia / Lavadouro Público da Afurada / Open House Porto 2024

FOCAR

FOCAR – Intensive Course in Choreography for Architecture is an intensive and interdisciplinary 18-week programme promoted by Instável – Centro Coreográfico, dedicated to choreographic creation for informal, public, private and collective spaces.

With an approach that intersects contemporary dance and architecture, the course offers tools to interpret, appropriate and reinvent space, both from the perspective of performance and architecture.

With a modular structure, FOCAR brings together experienced creators and presents diverse methodologies, promoting an environment of sharing, experimentation and artistic research. It is currently one of the few programmes of its kind in Europe and includes collaborations with renowned institutions in the fields of architecture and the performing arts.

Who is it for?
Creators in the fields of dance, performance, architecture and other performing arts interested in exploring choreographic creation for and from space.

Duration
18 weeks
From January to July 2026

Schedule
Mon–Fri, from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm
(with open access to studios until 11:00 pm)

Focus Areas
– Composition and choreography for and from space
– Thinking and conceptualisation of space

Objectives

– Stimulate choreographic creation for non-conventional spaces — public, private or collective — through interdisciplinary practices between dance and architecture.
– Encourage critical and artistic appropriation of space, promoting practical research on movement, the body and place.
– Provide training that bridges theory, practice and creation, with contributions from artists, architects and cultural programmers.
– Support the development of authorial projects, offering tools for a choreographic language that is both personal and sensitive to architectural and urban contexts.
– Foster a shared research environment and knowledge exchange, where each participant can test and expand their methods and references.
– Provide direct contact with methodologies and creative processes of choreographers and creators with different approaches to composition for alternative spaces.

Performances and public presentations

Between 6 and 8 public presentations throughout the course, integrated into events such as:

– Percursos pela Arquitetura
– Open House Porto

These presentations result from long-standing collaborations with leading institutions such as the Serralves Foundation, Casa da Arquitectura and FAUP, offering participants real-world experience and visibility within the professional circuit.

Internships and professional integration

Instável – Centro Coreográfico strives to create opportunities for participants to engage in short-term internships and artistic projects – paid or unpaid – both within the organisation and in collaboration with partners.
These experiences provide insight into the cultural sector’s working environment and foster connections with the job market.

Modules

The programme combines theoretical-practical and complementary modules, including:

– Choreographic creation for and from space and architecture
– Critical thinking and spatial conceptualisation
– Complementary modules

Tutors

FOCAR brings together nationally and internationally recognised professionals from dance, performance, architecture and scenography, offering a pluralistic approach to creation for non-conventional spaces.

In previous editions, we have featured the following names:
– Alessandro Carboni
– Willi Dorner
– Gustavo Ciríaco
– Pedro Azevedo
– Daniela Cruz
– João Figueiredo
– Helder Seabra
– Rui Horta
– Gabriela Vaz
– Mafalda Mendonça
– Catarina Miranda

© Joana Rodrigues / “As If”, created by Sacha Buskermolen and interpreted by FAÍCC and FOCAR 2021 / Percursos pela Arquitetura

“FOCAR provided me with great and important moments where it was possible for us to put to practice what we were learning and what the tutors were offering us. FOCAR inspired me to create for the public space and for the audience. It also made me want to create bridges between practice and theory.”

“Both FOCAR and FAÍCC seek to have tutors who are active at the moment – this, for me, is the best of both courses. These tutors allow the students to create a real and practical image of the current situation in Portugal. Also, the courses allow the participants to network, which, for me, is imperative.”

“I was fully satisfied with the investment I made to participate in FOCAR. I feel like it was the right step I needed to take in order to open to the exterior. It helped me in showing my ideas, communicating and sharing them, but it also gave me tools to receive and give feedback.”

©Joana Rodrigues / FAICC e FOCAR 2021 “Percursos Pela Arquitetura”, criação de Natia Chikvaidze e Veronica Vagnoni

Past Editions

2nd edition – 2024

The 2nd edition of FOCAR took place in 2024 and was still somewhat affected by government restrictions due to the pandemic situation. As such, some course modules were adapted to an online format (mainly theoretical and theory-practice modules). On the other hand, some trainers chose to conduct their modules outdoors. Participants engaged in two site-specific creation and presentation projects.

Training hours: 280 hours
Participants: 9 participants (1 Portuguese and 8 international)

Trainers:
Ana Figueira (PT) – Cultural Production (online) / Coaching
Ana Renata Polónia (PT) – Testimonial
André Braga (PT) – Testimonial
Bruno Costa and Daniel Vilar (PT) – Programming (online)
Catarina Campos (PT) – Testimonial
Carla Barros (PT) – Programming (online)
Cláudia Figueiredo (PT) – Testimonial
Cristina Grande (PT) – Programming
Daniela Cruz (PT) – Contemporary Dance / Coaching
João Mendes Ribeiro (PT) – Theory (online)
Joclécio Azevedo (PT) – Choreographic Composition / Coaching
Gabriela Vaz Pinheiro (PT) – Theory (online)
Gustavo Ciríaco (BRS) – Creative Process
Helder Seabra (PT) – Choreographic Composition
Henrique Pina (PT) – Theory (online)
Luís Mestre (PT) – Coaching (online)
Mafalda Mendonça (PT) – Theory (online)
Manolis Tsipos (GR) – Feedback Method (online)
Paulo Covas (PT) – Cultural Production (online)
Pedro Azevedo (PT) – Testimonial (online)
Pedro Branco (PT) – Videodance
Pedro Prazeres (PT) – Testimonial (online)
Rui Horta (PT) – Choreographic Composition
Sara Garcia (PT) – Testimonial
Space Transcribers (PT) – Testimonial
Vânia Rovisco (PT) – Creative Process

Collaborations with other institutions:
Teatro Municipal do Porto
Serralves Foundation (Porto)
Faculty of Architecture – University of Porto
Casa das Artes (Porto)
Open House Porto (Maia)

1st edition – 2021

The 1st edition of FOCAR took place in 2021 and was still somewhat affected by government restrictions due to the pandemic situation. As such, some course modules were adapted to an online format (mainly theoretical and theory-practice modules). On the other hand, some trainers chose to conduct their modules outdoors. Participants engaged in two site-specific creation and presentation projects.

Training hours: 280 hours
Participants: 9 participants (1 Portuguese and 8 international)

Collaborations with other institutions:
Teatro Municipal do Porto
Serralves Foundation (Porto)
Faculty of Architecture – University of Porto
Casa das Artes (Porto)
Open House Porto (Maia)

In this FAQ (frequently asked questions) section, you can find answers to any doubts you may have. For further clarification, please email: focar.program@gmail.com

FAQ’s

I only intend to attend part of the programme rather than the full course. Can I still enrol?
Although FOCAR is structured in modules, the programme is designed as a complete multidisciplinary experience, establishing a cohesive relationship between the different modules. Therefore, it is not possible to enrol in just part of the course. In the absence of attendance issues, students may combine it with other professional activities. However, some modules will occasionally be open to external participants.

Do I need to present a health certificate to participate in FOCAR?
The health, well-being, and physical condition of FOCAR participants are taken very seriously by Instável. In fact, the participation agreement includes a confirmation of the student’s physical well-being. Still, Instável reserves the right to request an official medical statement (which you can obtain from your GP) confirming the physical fitness required to take part in FOCAR.
If your statement and/or results indicate a condition that could put your health at risk, Instável will encourage you not to participate in this edition. However, if you still choose to attend FOCAR, you will be asked to sign a declaration taking full responsibility for your participation.

Once enrolled in FOCAR, can I attend only some modules?
FOCAR is designed to be experienced as a whole, so the enrolment covers the complete course. You may choose to miss some modules if you wish. However, if you miss more than 50% of a module, it will not be listed in your final certificate.

How many public presentations will there be during the programme?
The number of presentations varies depending on the partnerships established each year. Nevertheless, the programme always includes a strong creative and performance component. You can expect:
up to two informal studio showings of pieces developed during research weeks;
up to two site-specific presentations within the project “Percursos pela Arquitetura”;
a final co-created performance with other FOCAR participants, presented as part of Open House Porto.

Will there be any kind of evaluation during FOCAR?
At Instável, we consider positive, specific, and individual feedback as the most constructive form of evaluation. Therefore, students will receive written feedback from trainers during and at the end of each module. In addition, a Feedback Method module created by DasArts is included. When appropriate, the use of the feedback method will also be encouraged among the participants, always in a safe environment based on mutual trust and respect.
There will be no quantitative evaluation, as we believe it is not compatible with artistic creation.

Does the course provide accommodation or meals?
FOCAR does not provide accommodation or meals, but we are always happy to share information or contacts to help you find a place to stay. Instável can also provide some tips about the cost of living in Porto.

Does the course provide a certificate?
Yes, each student receives a final certificate listing the completed modules. To have a module included, you must attend at least 50% of its duration.

Can I apply for a scholarship?
Since 2012, the GDA Foundation has awarded grants to Portuguese students or foreign students with tax residency in Portugal. If this applies to you, feel free to contact us.
If you plan to apply for a different grant (from another country, for example), Instável is also available to assist you with any necessary bureaucratic processes.

Can I use Instável’s studios for other activities?
Yes. After classes and on weekends, you can use the two available studios for rehearsals or research. You must book the studio in advance, as the space is in high demand. There may also be other activities at the Choreographic Centre you can attend: classes, workshops, masterclasses, etc.
What are Instável’s facilities like and how can I access the studios? (link to “About – Spaces”)
Besides the office, there are 2 studios, a dressing room, a terrace, and a common area. Access to the studios and the rest of the space is available daily from 9am to 11pm.

Where can I eat?
There are some restaurants and supermarkets near Instável. Two cafeteria-style canteens are also located a few minutes away: one at the Planetarium and the other at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto. Since they are university cafeterias, their prices are more affordable. If you prefer, you can also bring your own food and use our microwave.

What is a typical weekly schedule like?
The regular schedule runs from 3:30pm to 7:30pm, Monday to Friday. Occasionally, some weeks may take place in the morning. Also, there may be weeks requiring evening or weekend rehearsals, especially when preparing for performances.
Any changes to the schedule will always be communicated well in advance.

What kind of professional experiences can I expect?
This will depend on each edition, as partnerships and Instável’s projects vary from year to year. It will also depend on each participant’s availability, interests, and profile.
One of FOCAR’s goals is to promote professionalisation. Therefore, students may be invited to participate in short internships organised by Instável, the trainers, or partner institutions. These professional experiences are not part of the official FOCAR curriculum but have been a regular feature in recent editions.
Moreover, since the Choreographic Centre is a hub for various artists and other training programmes, you will have contact with Porto’s artistic scene and beyond. In fact, some FOCAR alumni were invited to join projects simply through the connections made in the studios and shared spaces!

Can I work while attending FOCAR?
Yes, many FOCAR students choose to work while attending the programme — this is one reason why classes are scheduled in the afternoon.
However, balancing work and training can be demanding in terms of time and energy. Keep in mind that you will need both, not just for classes but also for research and creation work.

Where can I find more information about FOCAR?
The Instável team is always available to answer any questions. You can contact us via social media, email, or phone.
However, we believe former FOCAR students are the best source of information! We’re happy to connect you with alumni who’ve gone through similar experiences.

Why do I have to pay the FOCAR enrolment fee?
The enrolment fee covers administrative costs and personal accident insurance. It also confirms your commitment to attending FOCAR — your place is only secured after the enrolment payment. If you’re still unsure, we recommend not paying the fee yet, as it is non-refundable.

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