P.E.D.R.A. Dance Project with Choreographer Rui Horta in Lagos, Algarve

P.E.D.R.A. is an educational contemporary dance project for adolescents, and this Lagos edition invites young artists in the Algarve to audition to work with acclaimed Portuguese choreographer Rui Horta at the Centro Cultural de Lagos.

What is the P.E.D.R.A. project?

P.E.D.R.A. – Projeto Educativo em Dança de Reportório para Adolescentes – is an educational dance initiative that opens the doors of professional contemporary dance to young performers. Promoted by Culturgest, it connects teenagers directly with important works from the Portuguese contemporary dance repertoire.

The project is developed in partnership with the Centro Cultural de Lagos and Teatro-Cine de Torres Vedras, among other institutions. Each edition focuses on the work of a leading choreographer. This year, the spotlight is on Rui Horta, a key figure in contemporary dance in Portugal.

Across several months, young participants explore technique, interpretation and choreographic creation, guided by Rui Horta and a team of assistants and invited choreographers: Teresa Alves da Silva, Bruno Duarte and Margarida Belo Costa.

Why visitors and expats will enjoy this event

For expats, digital nomads and families living or staying in the Algarve, this project offers a rare chance to connect with Portugal’s contemporary arts scene in a very hands-on way. It is especially appealing if you have teenagers interested in dance, theatre or performance.

Lagos, on the western side of the Algarve, already has a strong cultural and artistic atmosphere. Attending or taking part in P.E.D.R.A. adds a deeper layer to your experience of the town, beyond beaches and historic streets.

Even if you are not auditioning yourself, following the project and its final collective presentation is a great way to discover emerging talent and see how young artists interpret Rui Horta’s work.

What to expect

The P.E.D.R.A. project is built around a structured creative process that runs from February to the end of May in three cities: Lisbon, Torres Vedras and Lagos. Three groups of young people will recreate excerpts from different pieces by Rui Horta, each adapting the material to their own context and territory.

Participants can expect:

• Contact with professional-level methodologies used in contemporary dance companies.
• Training in technique, interpretation and choreographic creation.
• Guidance from Rui Horta and experienced assistants and guest choreographers.
• A collaborative environment where different generations of artists meet and exchange ideas.

The process culminates in a collective creation, described as a choreographic mosaic. This final work brings together the three groups from Lisbon, Torres Vedras and Lagos in a public presentation that reflects the diversity of the participants and their cities.

Practical information

Dates and opening times

In Lagos, the selection workshops take place on 8 February at 14:00, at the Centro Cultural de Lagos. This session is used to choose which young artists will join the full project.

The broader creative process runs from February until the end of May, with rehearsals and work sessions scheduled by the organisers. Exact rehearsal timetables are not detailed here, so participants should confirm the full calendar directly with the project team when they apply.

Who can take part

The Lagos selection workshop is open to all interested young people, particularly adolescents with a passion for dance or performance. Previous experience in dance is likely to be helpful, but the project description emphasises interest and commitment rather than formal training alone.

Participation in the selection workshop does not guarantee a place in the project, as spaces are limited and a selection process is in place.

Registration and entry

To take part in the selection workshop in Lagos, registration must be made in advance by email using the contact provided by the organisers. As places are limited, it is advisable to register as early as possible.

Details about any fees or costs are not specified in the available information. Many educational cultural projects in Portugal aim to be accessible, but you should confirm conditions, possible costs and consent requirements directly with the organisers when you register.

How to get there

Lagos is a popular coastal town in the western Algarve, well connected by road to other regional hubs. It is reachable by car from many Algarve resorts via the main east–west routes.

The Centro Cultural de Lagos is located within the town, in the more central area. If you are staying in Lagos, it is usually easy to reach by foot or a short taxi ride. If you are coming from elsewhere in the Algarve, allow extra time to find parking and to arrive calmly before the 14:00 start of the selection workshop.

Public transport options to Lagos exist from other Algarve towns, but timetables and routes can vary, so it is best to check current schedules in advance and plan to arrive early.

Tips for making the most of your visit

To get the best out of the P.E.D.R.A. selection workshop and project in Lagos, consider the following:

• Arrive early: Give yourself time to find the Centro Cultural, settle in and warm up before the 14:00 session.
• Wear suitable clothing: Comfortable dance or sportswear and appropriate footwear will help you move freely during the workshop.
• Bring water and snacks: Creative sessions can be physically demanding, so staying hydrated and energised is important.
• Prepare mentally: Think about why you want to join the project and be ready to show your curiosity, openness and willingness to work in a group.
• Explore Lagos: Combine the workshop with a stroll through the historic centre or a visit to the nearby coastline to enjoy one of the Algarve’s most scenic towns.

For expat families and long-stay visitors, this project can become a meaningful part of your time in the Algarve, offering young people a chance to grow artistically while connecting with Portuguese culture and peers.