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.