Company

We are a contemporary dance ensemble under the artistic directorship of Ioannis Mandafounis. We develop, present and communicate dance with the intention of bringing people together, inspiring them and increasing their enthusiasm for dance. Whether through energetic, enlivening performances or quiet, intimate moments – dance has the power to connect us all.

We combine contemporary ideas and venerable dance traditions by experimenting and by rethinking and further developing established notions of choreography. One unmistakable aspect here is the approach to dance taken by Ioannis Mandafounis: When applied, the method he has developed produces a choreographic experience onstage that is improvised while appearing rehearsed. This empowers the dancers and results in a collaborative process between the performers and the audience.

Our ensemble brings together creative individuals with a range of experiences and backgrounds. Most of the dancers have already realized a number of their own artistic projects. The performers engage in an open exchange with each other and their diversity enriches how we work together every day. We regularly invite guest choreographers to collaborate with us; during the selection process, artistic conviction, passion for new forms of dance, and fairness in dealing with others are our key considerations.

We are the company-in-residence at two performance venues: HELLERAU – European Centre for the Arts in Dresden and the Bockenheimer Depot in Frankfurt am Main. As an internationally acclaimed ensemble, we tour regularly. In addition, we cooperate with educational institutions and prestigious national and international cultural organizations, offering a range of education and outreach programs. Our goal is to facilitate cultural and aesthetic experiences regardless of background, socialization, education, age or physical ability.

In 2015, the Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company became the successor ensemble to The Forsythe Company. Ten years later, Jacopo Godani became artistic director of the ensemble, which has since performed as the Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company. Dancer and choreographer Ioannis Mandafounis was appointed the ensemble’s artistic director as of the 2023/2024 season. The company’s name is an expression and acknowledgment of the support the company receives from the State Capital of Dresden and the Free State of Saxony, and from the City of Frankfurt am Main and the State of Hessen.

The Declaration of the MANY (Erklärung der VIELEN) is a statement for tolerance, diversity, and respect, and against populist and nationalist tendencies. Professionals in the art and culture sector have joined together to send a socio-political message and commit themselves to living these values in their daily work.

The Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company is one of the first signatories of the Frankfurt as well as the Dresden Declaration, which appeared simultaneously in many cities throughout Germany.

Frankfurt Declaration (in German)

Dresden Declaration (in German)

The Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company adheres to the values-based Code of Conduct published on October 28, 2021 by the Deutsche Bühnenverein, Germany’s national theater and orchestra association. The aim of the code is to promote a culture of free and respectful interactions at artistic organizations.

Values-based Code of Conduct of the German Stage Association