1-9 Sept 2006. This is one of Italys most innovative and interesting dance festivals, a pioneer of cross-cultural influences since its beginnings. Its title, alluding to where east meets west, has always been a banner under which contemporary dance companies have the chance to confront and converse with each other. The heartbeat of this years event has an African rhythm, and features both traditional and avant-garde expressions of African dance. The presence of contemporary European artists helps the festival in its aim of breaking down cultural barriers.