Black Widow Band mesmerises young audiences at SIBF 2025

November 12, 2025 / 12:52 PM

Sharjah24: A spectacular display of light, movement, and creativity filled the halls of the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025) as the award-winning Italian dance group Black Widow took to the stage with their mesmerising performance “Echoes of the Hands.” The show, featuring 15 dancers from the all-women troupe, transformed the stage into a shimmering canvas of motion and wonder, captivating hundreds of schoolchildren.

Set against a illuminated dark background, one glowing face and countless silver-clad arms formed dazzling shapes that paid homage to nature’s forms — from blooming flowers and glowing lamps to flickering flames. The audience erupted with cheers and laughter as the dancers seamlessly transitioned between shapes, creating a mesmerising illusion of living art.

“Our dance style focuses on arm movements that create illusions and patterns,” explained Lorenzo Piantoni, Creative Director of Black Widow. “It’s a blend of elegance and precision. Each movement represents a natural element — today we showcased motifs of fire and water as a tribute to the beauty of nature.”

An unforgettable experience for young audiences

Performing in front of an enthusiastic crowd of schoolchildren was a memorable moment for the troupe. “This is our first time in Sharjah and we hope to return again,” said Jessica Demaria, Co-Creative Director. “The children’s energy was incredible — they were so engaged, and their enthusiasm inspired us.”

The performance provided young spectators with a unique mix of art, rhythm, and storytelling without words, demonstrating how dance can be both an emotional and educational experience. Many students were seen waving, clapping, and trying to mimic the performers’ movements as the music reached a magnificent crescendo.

Black Widow, created by the Italian dance collective Urban Theory, is celebrated globally for its innovative choreography and unique visual illusions. The group’s reputation skyrocketed after winning the Golden Buzzer on Italia’s Got Talent, and they continue to tour internationally with performances blending contemporary dance and theatrical artifice.

A celebration of art and imagination at SIBF 2025

The show was part of SIBF 2025’s stage performance line-up, which this year features 85 live shows from 12 countries, showcasing diverse art forms — from dance and theatre to music and storytelling — to young audiences. The performance of “Echoes of the Hands” highlighted the fair’s commitment to fostering creativity and cross-cultural dialogue through artistic expression.

As the lights dimmed and the final sequence of gleaming hands faded into the darkness, the sound of applause filled the venue — a fitting tribute to a performance that embodied the power of imagination, rhythm, and unity.