Visiting professorship "Contemporary Dance"

 

At the beginning of the winter semester 2019 | 2020, the guest professorship "Contemporary Dance" was established at the IZT.

 

The concept of a guest professorship is in the tradition of Folkwang dance education, which from the very beginning has focused on the equal coexistence of different dance techniques and aesthetics and which also cultivates the connection to contemporary dance practices in its current education. A dancer's body trained holistically at the height of the times and the greatest possible aesthetic diversity not only shaped Kurt Jooss' work, they were also decisive for subsequent generations at Folkwang.

 

Contemporary dance practice is characterized by its diversity in terms of dance techniques, production processes and aesthetic positions. Dance techniques such as floorwork, release, gaga, partnering etc. are changing the understanding of contemporary dance training, while production processes and stage aesthetics are constantly evolving. It is a central concern of the IZT to open up access to different aesthetic positions in addition to a well-founded practical training in movement. Thanks to the changing guest professorship, the IZT is flexible in its teaching and artistic work and reacts to current developments in the dance scene.

 

The encounter with the dance techniques, creative work processes and production methods of the respective guest professors not only strengthens the IZT's diversity of methods, it is also of central importance for the students to develop their own individual artistic personality and a practical approach to their future job market. Working with guest professors anchored in the dance scene favors the development of professional networks during the course of study and promotes entry into the profession.

 

The previous guest professors at the IZT:

  • Summer semester 2025 Stephanie Thiersch
  • Winter semester 2024 | 2025 Richard Siegal
  • Summer semester 2024 Juan Kruz Diaz de Garaio Esnaola
  • Winter semester 2023 | 2024 Christina Mertzani, Michael Langeneckert
  • Summer semester 2023 Heidi Weiss, Heidi Vierthaler
  • Winter semester 2022 | 2023 Michael Langeneckert, Juan Kruz Diaz de Garaio Esnaola
  • Summer semester 2022 Tilman O'Donnell
  • Winter semester 2021 | 2022 deufert&plischke, Evangelos Poulinas
  • Summer semester 2021 David Hernandez
  • Winter semester 2020 | 2021 David Hernandez
  • Summer semester 2020 canceled due to the corona pandemic
  • Winter semester 2019 | 2020 Heidi Weiss