Participants, organizers and international guests of 'Festival 321' gathered for a family photo. Launched yesterday at the Cité des Cultures Antaninarenina, the seventh edition of Festival 321 mobilizes a new generation of contemporary dance and pioneers for seven days of performances, workshops and debates at the heart of Antananarivo's arts scene. The Festival 321, now in its seventh edition, began yesterday with seven days of varied activities. This year's theme is 'Dihy sy tantara' or 'Tale – real story,' explains Ariry Andriamoratsiresy, a continental figure in contemporary dance or 'dance of creation,' as he prefers to call it, and the event's initiator. Judging by the attendance at yesterday morning's press conference at the Cité des Cultures in Antaninarenina, a new wave in this discipline is already well established. Take choreographer Mireille Andriamihaja: 'Youth has always moved, but what we lacked were platforms to express ourselves. Moreover, today's youth seems more awakened,' she affirms. It is true that over the past ten years or so, contemporary dance has somewhat faded from Antananarivo's artistic landscape. However, choreographers continued creating and expanding their horizons. As for this rising generation of contemporary dancers, their stance on engagement remains to be seen, as in other disciplines. 'I believe it's a choice, each person pursues according to their motivations. Engagement comes naturally when you put your will into dance,' explains Ange Ralaiherlinarivony, an established choreographer. The choreography 'SOS' by duo Tantely Rajaobelina and Mireille Andriamihaja would confirm this. 'It's a small adventure: though we come from very different places, we share a common vision,' says Tantely Rajaobelina. Festival 321 will offer over 30 performances, workshops, conferences and two art exhibitions: 'Dihy soratra soradihy' and 'Fa'Style.' International guests include Gwen Rakotovao from Sweden, where she is preparing her thesis on Malagasy traditions, particularly southern dance; Farid Abdoul El Fatah from Comoros; and others. The Mauritian delegation withdrew. Workshops and conferences will be well-animated. Several venues will host the event: Tahala Rarihasina, Tranompokonolona Analakely, the municipal library, the Cité des Cultures and more. Notable highlights include the conference 'Your artistic and organizational life in your country,' a country called Madagascar, among the world's poorest, on August 14 at Tahala Rarihasina at 9am. Festival 321 asks the right questions to better prepare the future.