Dancing in the Hidden Valley of Soller and beyond

Our square is perfect for this as the parade starts in the Carrer de Luna (the main shopping street in town) which then snakes round the square before climbing on to the stage in front of the town hall. We watched as groups from Soller, Panama, Brazil, Ciudad Real, Poland and Italy - dressed in their national costumes - danced into town and onto that overcrowded stage. The square was packed with locals and visitors alike, who gave them a very enthusiastic welcome.

It’s hot for the dancers and the audience, so all the events this week start at either 21.30 or 22.00. The sun has gone by then but the ladies of Soller still have their fans to cool them – this is the hottest time of the year after all. The purchase of a fan is a good investment for Mallorcan nights sitting out in the square or on the beach. 

The programme of events for Sa Mostra provides opportunities for you to join in with the groups as they practise, and share their knowledge at the daily workshops. These are to be found every morning from 10.30 to 13.30 at the Es Puig School in Carrer Argeles. Follow the signs to Lluc and Pollenca on the main road from Soller to the Port. The school is near the town swimming pool and tennis courts. The workshops are open to all who want to join in and they run daily from Monday 19th July to Thursday 22nd July 2010.

Tuesday 20th July there are performances in Soller at 21.30, Port of Soller (Repic Beach) at 22.00, and in the square of Fornalutx at 22.00. Dances by Panama and Ciudad Real in Soller. The Port of Soller is home to a dance parade by Italy and the group from Poland will be dancing in Fornalutx.

Wednesday 21st July at 21.30 Brazil will bring the Soller square alive while Italy and Ciudad Real leave the Soller valley for the town square of Algaida where their performance starts at 22.00.

Thursday 22nd July the whole of Sa Mostra relocates to Palma with a performance by all participating groups in the Llar dels Ancians (General Riera) at 20.45.  They just about get their breath back before they move to Palma’s favourite park by the sea – the Parc de la Mar. All countries will be dancing there at 22.00.

Friday 23rd July Brazil will make the Port of Soller come alive to the sights and sounds of the Latin beat at 22.00. Poland will be dancing in Deia square at 22.00 and Panama travels to Sa Pobla to give their performance at 22.00.

Saturday 24th July, from 11 am in Soller square, while the market bustles, music will be provided by all the dance groups as they attempt to get every one there on their feet! Sa Mostra was formed for a love of dance and sharing of skills and culture and this is really seen on the last day when it is their ambition to make everyone a participant.

The grand finale to a fantastic week takes place on Saturday 24th July at 22.00 in Soller square. The closing ceremony takes place with dances from all the groups until the early hours. Then with friendships formed, new skills learned and a little more understanding of each other Sa Mostra finishes for 2010.  A week to remember.