Black Widow's mesmerising show captivates young audience at SIBF 2025

Dubai: Children at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025) were treated to a spellbinding visual spectacle as the award-winning Italian dance group Black Widow brought the stage alive with their performance, Echoes of the Hands.

In a dimly lit setting, a single illuminated face appeared, followed by countless shimmering silver arms moving in perfect rhythm, a stunning tribute to the endless forms found in nature. The all-women ensemble, renowned for winning the Golden Buzzer on Italia’s Got Talent, mesmerised the audience with their seamless choreography and hypnotic illusions.

Their graceful movements transformed into vivid imagery, hands blossomed into flowers, flickered like flames, and flowed like water, symbolising the natural elements in all their splendour. Schoolchildren watching the show erupted with joy and applause, their excitement filling the venue.

Speaking after the performance, creative directors Lorenzo Piantoni and Jessica Demaria said performing for children made the experience especially memorable.

“Black Widow is part of the Italian dance collective Urban Theory, known for a distinctive arm-based choreography that creates optical illusions,” explained Piantoni. “Our style blends drama and elegance, evoking a dreamlike visual experience. Today’s show reflected the beauty of nature through elements like fire and water.”

Demaria added, “It’s our first time performing in Sharjah, and the audience’s energy was simply incredible. We can’t wait to return.”

This year’s Sharjah International Book Fair, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the theme ‘Between You and a Book’, runs for 12 days and features an extensive line-up: over 300 cultural events, 158 international and Arab guests, 750+ creative workshops in Arabic and English, and 85 stage performances from 12 countries.