Alicante dance returned as the most celebrated discipline at the Valencia Performing Arts Awards, a prestigious event organized by the Generalitat Valenciana. The sixth edition gathered talent at the Castellón Main Theatre, where Valencian Cultural Institute attendees recognized outstanding achievements across the performing arts landscape.
Sol Picó, the Alcoyan dancer and choreographer, alongside the Santa Pola based Marroch Dance Company, emerged as standouts of the night. Picó earned top honors for best choreography direction and best street art show. Her work Perfume of Time captivated the gala audience, securing three accolades that included best theater show, best stage direction by Chema Cardena, and best actor for Juan Carlos Garés. Picó is celebrated for enriching the Valencian cultural scene with a career spanning more than three decades, and her latest triumph reaffirms her influential role in contemporary dance.
The event also highlighted Sol Picó through a brief visual tribute, with credits and photography featured in the show’s presentation. The evening underscored Picó’s continued impact on national dance, following the National Dance Award of 2016 and the José Estruch Award of 2023, which honored the Valencian Community’s contributions to performing arts. A show choreographed, directed and performed by Picó, titled Perfume of Time, debuted at the Palau de les Arts de València, earning widespread recognition.
In Santa Pola, the Marroch Company earned recognition for contemporary dance performances. Salvador Rocher, who previously received a best dancer award, alongside company members Maria Palazón and Melodía García, delivered a impactful piece in a tropical street show that explored vital cycles and human movement, resonating with audiences across the region.
The gala also celebrated the broader achievements of the Valencian performing arts community. The General Director of Culture attended the Castellón Theatre Directorate ceremony, presenting the Valencia Performing Arts Honor Award for Erasmus Stage. This honor recognizes the Erasmus Scene career and contributions to education, promotion, dissemination and production in international performing arts.
The rest of the winners
The competition featured 18 categories, with prizes distributed among many nominated companies and professionals. Jacob Gomez received best dance show as part of a dramatic season for My Mehadim. La Fam Productions was honored for best circus show, while Chroma from L’Horta Theatre earned the award for best show for children and youth. Christine Cloux, director and notable nominee for best stage direction, won best dancer with Corps Seoul. Edu Migro took home best dancer for his work with Nard.
Juan Carlos Garés, awarded best actor for Perfume of Time, was joined by Laura Romero who earned best actress for Insomnia. Summer Nights was recognized in the best circus artist category as Elena Donzel, with Anna Legrand and Llum receiving related accolades for their related performances. The Perfume of Time team was celebrated as the most awarded work with three awards, highlighting the show’s enduring influence and artistic footprint. [CITATION: Valencian Institute of Culture]
Mafalda Bellido won the best text award for Those Who Eat Dirt, while the best version or adaptation recognized Iñaki Moral for Coriola. The music component of the awards highlighted the beginning of slowness led by Anna Sanahuja and Roqui Albero, who received the best musical composition prize. In lighting, Judith from Taiat Dance was distinguished for excellence, while Blanca Anó earned the best view award for Danes. Maria Poquet received recognition for wardrobe with Flower Caravan.
The gala drew a large crowd of Valencian professionals from the performing arts sector. A total of 98 shows participated in the awards as the Valencian Institute of Culture sought to honor the region’s creative output from the previous year, reflecting a vibrant and diverse ecosystem of dance, theatre, circus and multimedia performances. [CITATION: Valencian Institute of Culture]