Hrvatski institut za pokret i ples

Hrvatski institut za pokret i ples (Croatian Institute for Movement and Dance “HIPP”) is dedicated to the promotion of contemporary dance and its role in society today and with the notion that dance is an art form that can be enjoyed and of benefit for all. It does so through supporting the professional dance community through a range of initiatives such as programs for professional development and programs. These programs encourage participation of the public with dance as a vehicle for social justice and asserting the power of dance in society today, encouraging professional development of choreography and contemporary dance through connecting to internationally relevant practices and platforms. HIPP does so through an annual Festival and also by engaging the public through outreach activity and ensuring inclusion with the art form itself.

Croatian Institute for Movement and Dance was formed in 1992 to provide the umbrella organization for projects crucial to the development of the independent dance scene in Croatia, ranging from support to independent dance artists to international festival of contemporary dance. In the 2000, the Insititute proposed to the City of Zagreb the development of a choreographic, dance centre on the location of abandoned cinema. The city redeveloped the site and the Zagreb Dance Centre was opened in 2009, operated by Croatian Institute for Movement and Dance a non-profit organization.

HIPP managed the spaces, ensuring 50% of the funds required to operate and support the independent dance sector in the use of the available resources. On average over 150 events took place annually, and the Centre supported an average of 30 productions annually. A dynamic outreach program invited participation of different publics . International residencies and exchange programs contributed to the overall increase in the profile of contemporary dance in Croatia.

For over a decade HIPP spearheaded the development of a home for dance in Zagreb. These efforts resulted in the investment of the City of Zagreb into the retrofit of an abandoned cinema complex in the heart of the city which became known as Zagreb Dance Centre as it opened in October 2009. The space comprised of 3 studios including a black box theatre seating 145, a gallery which offers space for meetings, exhibitions, and a small studio ideal for research as well as film/video screenings, lectures. It was managed by HIPP until October 2016 when it was taken over by a repertory theatre company.