The company
Sol Picó is a professional contemporary dance company founded in 1994 by dancer and choreographer Sol Picó (Alcoi, Alicante), after whom the company is named. From the outset, its work has followed a cross-disciplinary approach in which different genres interact. Her mature technique combines strength, precision and dynamism, supporting the organic quality of her creations. Constantly energized by humour, her works bear the stamp of a distinctive style, without compromise or instruction manual. What once seemed like a challenge has become a working method. What appeared to be a risky and unsustainable proposal has become the raw material of her artistic work.
Sol Picó builds bridges between opposing worlds by bringing together seemingly irreconcilable elements: flamenco danced on pointe, warrior-like costumes that conceal feminine archetypes, and the scale of her stage designs coexisting with the organic nature of her work. Music is another tool used in her performances to strengthen this blend of styles, whether through daring live arrangements or songs embedded in our memory.
The transformation of everyday space into an extraordinary landscape, in both her street and theatre performances, is never what we might expect and always goes beyond what we can grasp. The ever-present festive quality, which sparkles differently in each production, ultimately conveys a sense of spontaneity thanks to her mastery of an impeccable technique.
In all her creations, Sol Picó uses elements of popular culture to build a distinctive iconography in which cultural references become part of our personal history. Her work offers a clear example of the relationship between myth and memory, both individual and collective.
And Sol Picó gives us the opportunity to experience it. To experience it from within, through emotion. More lived experience than narrative. More experience than representation. A catharsis.
Catherine Amette, Pia Mazuela
Awards
- 2022 Joan Valls i Jordà Award for the Use and Promotion of Catalan
- 2022 Serra d’Or Performing Arts Critics’ Award for Best Performer for MALDITAS PLUMAS
- 2021 Special Mention – 2021 Online Call of the FESTIVAL TERRITORIO VIOLETA for the production MALDITAS PLUMAS
- 2021 Ciudad de Cazorla Award
- 2020 Creu de Sant Jordi
- 2019 Special Mention at FESTIVAL TERRITORIO VIOLETA for the production ANIMAL DE SÉQUIA
- 2019 Award for Best Choreographic Direction at the Valencian Performing Arts Awards for ANIMAL DE SÉQUIA
- 2019 Career Achievement Award at the 3rd APDCV Awards
- 2017 Llorer d’Or Award from the University of Alicante
- 2016 National Dance Award
- 2014 City of Barcelona Award in the dance category
- 2012 Award from RTVE’s Continuará programme
- 2011 MAX Performing Arts Award for Best Choreography for EL BALL
- 2011 MAX Performing Arts Award for Best Female Dance Performer for EL BALL
- 2010 Honorary Diner’s Badge from the Parlant i Menjant Gastronomic Association
- 2010 MAX Performing Arts Award for Best Choreography for EL LLAC DE LES MOSQUES
- 2009 MAX Performing Arts Award for Best Dance Production for SIRENA A LA PLANCHA
- 2009 Award for Best Dance Proposal at the 23rd Huesca International Theatre and Dance Fair for EL LLAC DE LES MOSQUES
- 2009 Best Production Award at the 15th Pula International Street Theatre Festival in Croatia for SIRENA A LA PLANCHA
- 2009 FAD Sebastià Gasch Award for EL LLAC DE LES MOSQUES
- 2008 La Peladilla de Oro Award from Alcoi
- 2007 Cartelera Turia Award
- 2006 Award at the Pula International Street Theatre Festival in Croatia for LA DIVADIVINA Y EL HOMBRE BALA
- 2005 MAX Performing Arts Award for Best Choreography for PAELLA MIXTA
- 2004 National Dance Award from the Government of Catalonia
- 2004 Two MAX Performing Arts Awards for Best Dance Production and Best Choreography for LA DONA MANCA O BARBI-SUPERESTAR
- 2004 Butaca Award for Best Dance Production for LA DONA MANCA O BARBI-SUPERESTAR
- 2004 Tarragona Audience Award for Best Dance Production for BÉSAME EL CACTUS
- 2003 MAX Performing Arts Award for Best Dance Production for BÉSAME EL CACTUS
- 2003 Three 2002 Performing Arts Awards from the Valencian Government for Best Dance Performer, Best Choreographic Direction and Best Dance Production for BÉSAME EL CACTUS
- 2002 Two MAX Performing Arts Awards for Best Choreography and Best Female Dance Performer for BÉSAME EL CACTUS
- 2002 BÉSAME EL CACTUS received the “Applause” distinction from the Sebastià Gasch Award for Paratheatrical Arts / FAD
- 2002 Valencian Critics’ Award for BÉSAME EL CACTUS
- 2002 Butaca Award for Best Dance Production for BÉSAME EL CACTUS
SOL PICÓ
“My passion for dance began when I was six years old in my beloved Alcoi. I earned diplomas in classical and Spanish dance at the same time, but I soon discovered the world of contemporary dance, which I explored and studied in Barcelona, Paris and New York—cities that were crucial to my professional and, above all, personal development. Through research and the blending of different genres and elements, such as classical dance and flamenco, I developed a form of flamenco danced on pointe that, unintentionally, became my personal hallmark—what some people call ‘a language of my own’.
I find inspiration for creating in everyday life. Everything sparks my curiosity and can become the starting point for an initial improvisation: subjects such as gender, immigration, failure and power, as well as human experiences such as fear, love and heartbreak.
Throughout my career, I have created more than 30 productions, combining theatre-based work with large-scale street performances that include highly urban elements such as excavators—easy to find almost anywhere—which have enabled me to travel around the world. Together with my outstanding team of technical professionals and dancers, I have visited more than 40 countries, bringing me many moments of artistic and personal happiness. My creative work is also nourished by teaching: workshops held at institutions such as Carlos III University, the National Academy of Dance in Rome and several higher dance conservatoires have given me valuable experience as an educator.
A steady flow of awards since 2002—including 10 MAX Performing Arts Awards, audience awards and the National Dance Awards from the Government of Catalonia and Spain’s Ministry of Culture—has represented major recognition of my work and dedication to this profession.
A life of privilege.”
Sol Picó
La Piconera
La Piconera is the headquarters of the Sol Picó Professional Contemporary Dance Company and contains three clearly differentiated areas: a storage area, two offices and two rehearsal studios. It is a unique venue that has been operating since 2007 and is located in the heart of Barcelona’s Ciutat del Teatre. It has two rehearsal studios: one measuring 120 m² with a ceiling height of 5 metres, and another measuring 70 m². Both are open-plan spaces with wooden and linoleum flooring and sound equipment. They are suitable for dance and theatre rehearsals, castings, filming and photo shoots. La Piconera also has two changing rooms, showers and a small area equipped as a kitchen and rest space.
La Piconera aims to be a welcoming place for dance professionals. The Sol Picó company manages it as a meeting point and space for artistic exchange—a creative venue whose use is not limited to the company’s own needs, but which
is also open to artists interested in working in this field. La Fura dels Baus, Sr. Serrano, La Vídua, La Intrusa and La Veronal are among the artists and companies that have used our facilities. More recently, La Piconera has shared the space with the Roseland company and La Veronal.
La Piconera also runs an ongoing programme aimed at promoting contemporary dance, with classes for adults and for children aged four and over.
Details of all activities and information about hiring the spaces are available on the La Piconera website or by writing to lapiconera@solpico.com.
La Piconera also runs an artistic residency programme for emerging creators from the city. More information here.
The Team
PIA MAZUELA
Manager & Production
solpico@solpico.com
JUDITH ESPADA
Production & Communications
spico@solpico.com