ABOUT
We are the Orient'Alp Festival, a vibrant and dynamic celebration of world dances, nestled in the heart of the majestic Swiss Alps in Château-d'Oex. Since our inception in 2015, our festival has evolved to become a must-attend event on the Swiss cultural scene. Nestled in this enchanting setting, we stand as a symbol of diversity, where boundaries between world dances blur. Each edition is the result of a shared passion for promoting intercultural dialogue and spreading joy through world dances. We take pride in being the first festival to introduce a special section for children, thus offering an unforgettable family experience. We are grateful to our loyal audience and eager to continue growing and evolving together. Welcome to our colorful and festive universe, where every movement is a celebration of diversity and human creativity, against the majestic backdrop of the Swiss Alps.
OUR HISTORY
Our Story is a tale woven by Mélanie Mahila Kirati, a Swiss woman from Château-d'Oex, whose extraordinary journey gave birth to the Orient'Alp Festival. From her first dance steps in South Africa, where Mélanie discovered her passion for oriental dance, to years of training with the greatest masters of this art, each chapter of her story enriches the fabric of our festival.
It was in South Africa that Mélanie met Marina — a meeting that marked a turning point in her journey. Marina became not only her teacher, but also a dear friend, a colleague, and an essential artist of the festival today.
Upon returning to her native Switzerland, Mélanie felt the need to share her passion with the world. Thus, in 2015, she brought her dream to life by founding the Orient'Alp Festival in Château-d'Oex. With determination and vision, she built a dedicated team to share her vision of celebrating diversity through dance.
In 2023, Roberta joined the team to take charge of the festival’s communication, bringing fresh energy and valuable expertise to increase Orientalp’s visibility and impact.
Today, the Orient'Alp Festival has become much more than a simple cultural event. It reflects Mélanie's commitment and passion — a vibrant tribute to the power of dance to transcend borders and unite people. Each edition of the festival is a new chapter in our shared story, one that celebrates diversity, creativity, and the beauty of the art of dance.
TEAM
The Orientalp team is made up of passionate individuals, professionals in culture and dance, as well as dedicated volunteers, united by the desire to make this unique art shine in Switzerland. Each member brings their energy, expertise, and love for both tradition and modernity, in order to create an unforgettable experience for all participants.
