The Embraces project is a choreographic research with focus on the need of physical communication, empathy and tenderness expressed through the embracing. That physical act is absent in a pandemic that puts focus on social distance and lack of physical contact.

The idea for the Embraces arose a month before the escalation of COVID-19. It refers to the real experience of the author and her friends regarding the illness and death of her life partner. The inability to hug a person connected to machines and to search for body parts that are accessible to physical contact present an intimate individual experience. Implementation of isolation measures makes it grow into collective reflection. Collaborators in the Embraces witnessed this event and the consequences of isolation measures that prevented human touch in dramatic aspects of life. Both intimate and ritual embraces heal so the question arises as to how the lack of physical contact affects the growth of fears, anxiety and phantasms.

Arts organization 21:21 creates and promotes new ideas and forms in accordance with contemporary trends in performing arts through artistic practices, multimedia, pedagogical practice, international cooperation and community work. It was founded in 2012 by choreographer and dancer Petra Hrašćanec and director and choreographer Ksenija Zec after many years of joint collaboration on numerous art projects. 21:21 helps its founders create and produce their own works, connect different forms and branches of art, expand their skills and knowledge by applying the latest artistic and scientific concepts, develop partnerships with international institutions and artists, and connect top authors and performers with young artists. The organization’s mission is to contribute to cultural and social life of Zagreb and the region through artistic and educational projects, and to be an active contributor to the development of new media art, dance and theater in Croatia and Europe.