The Ibiza-based company premieres its latest production at Teatro Pereyra on November 8, combining contemporary dance, singing and acting to explore the journey from childhood to adolescence.
Who are we, really? How much of our personality comes from within, and how much is shaped by other people’s expectations? These are some of the questions at the heart of Identity, the new production by IDA Company, which premieres at Ibiza’s Teatro Pereyra on Sunday, November 8. Combining contemporary dance, singing and acting, the performance explores the emotions, insecurities and discoveries that accompany personal growth.
Under the artistic direction of dancer and choreographer Yaima Arias, Ibiza’s pre-professional contemporary dance company takes audiences on a journey from the freedom and innocence of childhood to the contradictions, fears and search for an individual voice that characterise adolescence.
The production invites audiences to see themselves in the experiences of its young performers, who use movement, music and physical expression to communicate feelings that can often be difficult to put into words.
“I am not looking to tell a perfect story, but a human one in which every audience member can recognise themselves,” Arias explains. She sees the production as an invitation to let go of fears and other people’s expectations and learn to embrace one’s own identity.
A journey from innocence to self-acceptance
The performance unfolds through a series of choreographic pieces representing different stages in the formation of identity. It begins with El origen (The Beginning), a symbolic space of freedom where labels and comparisons have yet to emerge.
The second part delves into inner conflicts and contradictions through pieces including Entre sombras (Among Shadows), ¿Quién soy? (Who Am I?), El reflejo (The Reflection), Doble identidad (Double Identity) and Mi propia voz (My Own Voice). Together, they explore insecurity, self-acceptance and the search for authenticity.
“Creating the show has also encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones,” Arias says. Incorporating singing and acting has challenged the performers to explore new forms of expression, learn to convey complex emotions and build greater confidence in themselves.
A company championing Ibiza’s young artistic talent
Founded in 2022 by Yaima Arias, IDA Company was established to give young dancers in Ibiza access to pre-professional training and opportunities to develop their talent on stage. The company works with performers aged between seven and 17, combining technical training with the development of creativity, emotional expression and teamwork.
Identity follows the positive reception of La voz desde el silencio (The Voice from Silence), the company’s second production, which attracted more than 500 audience members to Teatro Pereyra in November 2024. That performance featured 22 dancers and 15 choreographic pieces.
The company’s ambitions extend beyond Ibiza. Its team hopes to take Identity to venues elsewhere in Spain, giving its young performers the opportunity to gain professional experience beyond the islands.
“We are firmly committed to taking this production to other venues across Spain, so that IDA Company’s young dancers can continue their professional development and experience travelling beyond the islands with their art,” Arias says.
The artistic director trained in classical ballet and contemporary dance and has built an international career that includes performances at venues such as Lío Ibiza, Zurich’s Ohlala Circus and Circo Salto Natale. Her experience also includes collaborations on events and productions connected with artists such as Shakira, Chenoa, David de María and Luis Fonsi.
