MOPS_DanceSyndrome is an independent Swiss artistic, cultural, and social organisation, a contemporary dance school and company the only one of its kind in Europe. The association aims at developing and promoting choreography and cinematography projects, using a specific methodology to offer continuing education in contemporary dance, develops life autonomy and contributes to insertion into the world of work. MOPS has its own home La Casa dell’Arte MOPS - Multidisciplinary center for research, training, and artistic creation in the heart of Locarno, 200m2: a space open to visits which brings together under one roof the dance studio, set and costume atelier, offices, and storage facilities. MOPS is an example of inclusive culture in the European artistic context.  History of the name MOPS.
Constitution MOPS
Executive board MOPS
Reportage RTS

Created by the choreographer and multidisciplinary Swiss artist Ela Franscella n 2005, MOPS_DanceSyndrome is made up entirely of dancers with Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) and it’s recognised for its quality and professionalism by Pro Helvetia – the Swiss Foundation for Culture, Danse Suisse, the  British Council and others. Has received, among others, the  Pro Ticino Award 2018 and from the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) as part of the Swiss Culture Awards the acknowledgement Performing Arts Heritage 2021. MOPS pursues the objective of safeguarding individuals and maximising the recognition of their value through diversity, becoming the first dance company to act as an ambassador of a universal message of respect, equality and coevolution, for a more inclusive, caring, and aware society promoting activities and exchanges worldwide.
Ela Franscella
Open Talk about MOPS
Press Extract MOPS
Federal Office of Culture

The dance company has 16 original choreographic productions to its credit - Choreosophies - takes part with its productions to international dance festivals and partners with renowned Swiss and foreign professional dance companies. The association has realised 6 short films directed by Ela Franscella with the participation of MOPS’ dancers. In co-production with RSI - Radiotelevisione Svizzera, MAH-Musée d’Art et d’Histoire de la Ville de Genève and independent filmmakers, documentaries and films have been produced and screened at international film festivals. In addition to museums, libraries and theatres (MOPS_Cultural Dance), MOPS takes its dance into retirement homes, clinics, and care homes (MOPS_Relational Dance) and into middle and high schools (MOPS_in public school).
Productions MOPS 2008-2024
Event index MOPS 2008-2024
Dancers MOPS 2005-2024
La danza dei MOPS RSI-2012