Saison 26/27
Dear Audience,
Dance is arguably the most ephemeral of art forms. Improvisation, perhaps, goes even one step further: immediate, always different, almost impossible to imitate or notate. And yet it is anything but arbitrary. As a company dedicated to the practice of improvisation, the Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company explores, develops and preserves this unique art form. Drawing on the method of our Artistic Director Ioannis Mandafounis, we demonstrate what improvisation can be, how it is employed, the underlying structures involved, and how this can give rise to diverse languages and styles.
This season, our programme once again presents you with different facets of improvisation. The season opens with “N.N.N.N.” (2002) by William Forsythe, a fixed choreography that nevertheless emerged from an improvisational process. Cyril Baldy takes up this practice in his new work “Body Me”. In “Undertainment” (2025), Forsythe explores the possibilities of improvisation as if in a live etude under self-imposed conditions. Thomas Hauert focuses on collective processes. In dialogue with Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto, the ensemble acts like a swarm, setting in motion a diverse interplay of movement. In his new work, Ioannis Mandafounis continues his exploration of live choreography, once again addressing the question of what enables dancers to act upon any dance situation that momentarily arises.
In improvisation, the moment is what counts. Through our performances, we invite you to be fully present. Find your own interpretation. Improvisation does not demand clear-cut answers. It opens up spaces for new experiences and encourages you to become aware of your own perceptions and feelings. Perhaps this is precisely where its special power lies: it is alive, immediate and creates a special, often surprisingly intimate connection.
Our expertise as a company is now well-established and takes us to stages across the world. This season, we will be performing in London, Milan, Brussels, Lugano and Japan, amongst other places.
Also this season, we will once again be offering programmes for children and families, as well as plenty of opportunities to learn more about our work or experience dancing yourselves.
Our heartfelt thanks go to our audience, our partners, supporters and sponsors for their trust and ongoing support. We hope you enjoy exploring the programme and we are very much looking forward to the upcoming performances with you!