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Looking back at the past years leading into the European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica–Gorizia 2025, I often find myself reflecting on how profoundly the Borderless Body project has shaped us as artists, as a company, and as a community. What began as an exploration of technology, robotics, and the human body gradually transformed into something much larger—a journey of connection, collaboration, and artistic identity. One of the meaningful aspects of this journey has undoubtedly been our collaboration with the Japanese dancer Eri Nishibara, whose presence has left a deep imprint on our ensemble and our creative process.

Eri joined MN Dance Company in 2021 for our production Icarus. From the very beginning, her virtuosity, openness, and artistic discipline stood out. She entered our creative world with curiosity and an almost instinctive sensitivity for movement quality, which made it clear that her contribution would be long-lasting. In 2022, she continued working with us on the project Perpetuum Mobile, and when we officially became a stable contemporary dance company in 2023, Eri naturally grew into one of the essential pillars of our ensemble. She is not only a performer of exceptional depth but also an important contributor to our daily training, teaching ballet classes as part of our warm-up and supporting the artistic development of the entire company.

The year 2025 began with the premiere of our performance Prometheus. For several years, in preparation for the ECoC Nova Gorica – Gorizia 2025, we had been researching themes surrounding technology, robotics, and the evolving nature of the human body. Each work created during this period carried fragments of these themes and gradually led us toward the core of the Borderless Body project. Our dancers spent years developing a movement language that reflected the tension between organic human expression and mechanical precision—a blend that became the signature of our ECoC productions.

One of the memorable milestones of the year was performing at the Opening Ceremony of the ECoC Nova Gorica – Gorizia 2025, directed by Neda Rusjan Bric. Standing on stage in front of thousands of people, we felt both the weight and privilege of representing Nova Gorica and its artistic vision. The energy in the air that evening is something I will never forget; it felt like a celebration of everything we had built over many challenging years.

In May we collaborated in performance Inferno at Europe Square in Nova Gorica, created together with artists Bill Vorn and Louise P. Demers. It was a completely unique experience: for once, our movements were guided by robots interacting directly with our bodies.

In July we premiered Borderless Body, our biggest production, at the Monument of Peace on Cerje, an extraordinary location overlooking Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, and, on clear days, even Austria. The landscape itself seemed to breathe with history and memory. The road leading to Cerje bears the scars of the largest fire in Slovenia’s history, yet the summit radiates calm and beauty. Presenting the performance in this setting felt symbolic—an affirmation of resilience and the possibility of renewal. Accompanied by live musicians Boris Benko and Primož Hladnik, the work explored the place of the human body in a rapidly evolving technological world. We started the performance at the sunset, so it was a really magical experience. Each performance was sold out and followed by a standing ovation. Audiences spoke about feeling deeply moved and inspired, making it one of the artistic highlights of ECoC 2025.

In August, we held our annual MN Summer Intensive Program, welcoming 34 young dancers from across the globe. Eri played an important role here as well—teaching ballet classes, assisting with rehearsals, and helping to transmit the company’s repertoire to the next generation. Watching her work with students, with the same patience and passion she brings to the stage, reminded me how important cultural exchange is in shaping future artists.

In autumn, we began creating our new performance Poetical Body, an evening of three choreographies. We invited guest choreographers Luca Signoretti and Maša Kagao Knez to join us, and together with Michal Rynia and myself, we created new works for our ensemble. The performance was on 30th of November with the following performances at SNG Nova Gorica in January. We also had the honor to perform at the Closing Ceremony of the European Capital of Culture.

As founders, choreographers, and artistic directors of MN Dance Company, Michal and I often think back to the early days—when we dreamed of building a stable contemporary dance ensemble in Nova Gorica, despite the many obstacles. Being a border city, Nova Gorica always felt like the right place for a company that believes dance has no language barriers. Today, thanks to the European Capital of Culture, that dream has come true.

We are deeply grateful to EU-Japan Fest for supporting our work and especially for enabling our continued collaboration with Eri Nishibara. She has not only contributed artistically but has also touched the hearts of people in Nova Gorica.

Looking ahead, our hope is to continue as a stable contemporary dance company, creating work that crosses borders and inspires people. We wish to carry forward the cultural legacy of the European Capital of Culture—keeping the body, the movement, and the spirit of Borderless Body alive for many years to come.