Aging, as a universal phenomenon, encompasses multiple dimensions—physical, psychological, social, and cultural. The narrative associated with the aging process, often linked to a loss of abilities, contrasts with the reality of individuals who, throughout this process, continue to play an active and meaningful role in society. This dichotomy challenges stereotypes and encourages reflection on the potential and contributions of senior individuals in a wide range of contexts.

This project seeks to explore the poetics and ferocity inherent in the aging process, considering its implications across various spheres of human life. Recognizing the unique ability of human beings to perceive the passage of time and distinguish its dimensions—past, present, and future—Simone de Beauvoir highlights that, generally, we often reflect insightfully on the future, yet we are more guarded when revisiting the past, especially when it involves extracting a constructive critical sense from it, thereby underestimating wisdom and experience.

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São Castro and Teresa Alves da Silva, both professional dancer-performers nearing the age of 50, take into account that, according to Decree-Law No. 482/99, professional classical or contemporary dancers can access a special old-age pension scheme from the age of 45. In this context, they propose a reflection that extends to the present awareness of a transition that unfolds significantly in the body. A transition that not only values the past but also paves the way for the creation of new narratives and the development of new modes of expression in the future.

"hOLD" represents an attempt to hold time, to understand how best to move forward. Holding onto the essence of the present moment for an instant, extracting from it what truly emerges from having arrived here.

 

Arriving here may involve a new and different way of moving and thinking, stemming from profound perspectives and an interpretative depth that only accumulated experience allows. As Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve states, “Aging is still the only way that has been found to live a long time.”

The creative process of this piece will be accompanied by works related to the theme, from authors such as Cicero, Hermann Hesse, Yvonne Rainer, Manuel Curado, and Simone de Beauvoir, serving as inspiration for a deep reflection on this mature stage of existence—not only as a biological phenomenon but also as a social construct with ethical and existential implications.