Vertical'Été

Vertical Dance at the Heart of a Vauban Fortress

Created in 2006 by the association Ascen-Danse, founded in 1996 in Mont-Dauphin, the Vertical'Été festival is one of the few events in France entirely dedicated to vertical dance and aerial contemporary dance. Every August, the Vauban fortress of Mont-Dauphin, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, transforms into an open-air stage where dancers defy gravity on the ramparts, in the moats, and along the alleys of this 17th-century military citadel.

An Aerial Art in All Its Forms

The Vertical'Été program explores all facets of vertical dance: choreographies on ropes, trapeze, elastic, Chinese pole, dance on climbing walls, and suspended creations in the open air. The performances unfold in historic locations—the citadel's moats, the Rochambeau barracks courtyard, the esplanades—creating a striking dialogue between architectural heritage and contemporary choreographic art. Choreographed strolls traverse the fortress from 4 PM to 9 PM, inviting the public on a poetic and spectacular journey.

Three Days of Performances and Workshops

Each year, the festival offers about a dozen performances for all audiences, two choreographed strolls, and parent-child dance workshops. The artistic direction, managed by Isabelle Bazin Mazuel, prioritizes diversity among invited companies and the discovery of new choreographic forms. Companies such as Romain Fantin, Cie Fées d'Hiver, Cie La Tournoyante, and B-Side Company have marked recent editions with their original creations blending technical prowess and artistic emotion.

A Friendly Festival in the Mountains

Nestled at 1,050 meters above sea level, at the confluence of the Durance and Guil rivers, Mont-Dauphin offers an exceptional natural setting between the Écrins and Queyras massifs. The festival is committed to proximity and sharing, with an intimate capacity that allows for a special relationship between artists and spectators. The event contributes to the summer animation of this remarkable heritage site and to the cultural influence of the Hautes-Alpes region.