Metamorphosis is a passion project that’s been recurring annually since 2014, led and choreographed by dancers Iratxe Ansa and Igor Bacovich. This is the 4th time the pair has done a workshop like this, with past events in San Sebastian, Mexico City, and Beijing. The Shanghai edition will feature 25 dances of 11 nationalities, including local dancers from The Shanghai Dance Center. Metamorphosis is a 4 week workshop, with dancers practicing in the studio about 6-8 hours a day, focusing on process and exploring their artistic impulses. Ahead of their two performances, SmSh was invited to photograph a practice.

Metamorphosis is not sponsored and ends in a free performance. All of the dancers are there to learn, they actually pay their own way.

Iratxe Ansa (left) is the creator of the metamorphosis method which is heavily focused on the artistic process of creating new choreography. Originally from Spain, Ansa has danced all over the world and now works to inspire the next generation of dancers.

Iratxe Ansa and Igor Bacovich chose Shanghai for this year’s Metamorphosis after a short stay during Fashion Week.