explore dance – Network Dance for Young Audiences

The cross-state network explore dance, established in 2018, has set itself the goal of providing children and young people with sustainable access to contemporary dance and thus closing the gap that still exists in the cultural program for children and young people in Germany. Through the production, touring and mediation of dance pieces, the area of dance for young audiences is established and expanded nationwide at a high artistic quality level with a co-operative, cultural-federalist concept and the visibility of dance as an art form is permanently strengthened.

Experiencing theater and dance performances is an essential artistic experience for children and young people - making this experience possible for them is a fundamental cultural policy task. explore dance aims to give all children and young people, regardless of their place of residence and social background, access to dance as an art form and participation in artistic experiences.

The network focuses on the diversity of current contemporary dance styles and innovative formats. In addition to stage productions, it primarily develops mobile pop-up pieces that also provide access to dance as an art form away from the theater stage - for example in schools, museums, cultural centres or in public spaces. Children and young people are actively involved in all phases of the artistic work processes.

Six years of explore dance show the potential that dance opens up for young audiences: 34 dance productions with over 500 performances nationwide and internationally, rehearsal visits, workshops and dialogue formats as well as collaboration with over 400 schools and 150 artists are evidence of the network's success. In addition to the 2019 Perspective Prize of the German Theater Award DER FAUST, the network received the award for outstanding development in dance as part of the German Dance Award 2024.

Kommende Veranstaltungen:

We, 18.03.2026
“Tie Break“ by Constantin Trommlitz (11+)
Closed school performance, Dresden Sports Gymnasium

In an urban dance battle, dancers compete against each other, with the audience or a jury deciding the winner. These battles originally arose from gang rivalries, which were settled through dance rather than violence. In 2024, they became an Olympic competitive discipline for the first time. Battles are unpredictable: the music, floor, space, and opponents are not fixed. The challenge lies in reacting spontaneously and giving it your all. The goal is to be in the moment and let the music, body, and skills become one. But it's about more than just winning—it's about self-image, potential, self-doubt, originality, and dealing with pressure and defeat. Can I overcome my fears and perform in front of an audience? How can I turn nervousness into energy?

With “Tie Break,” choreographer Constantin Trommlitz explores how dance battles serve as a metaphor for personal struggles. Every day, we struggle with fears, self-expectations, and acceptance. With dancers of various dance styles, he examines how the body makes emotions visible—from tension before to exhaustion after the battle. How can these challenges be overcome? When does the battle become a moment of liberation, in which you are both yourself and part of the crew?

Credits:
Choreography, Concept, Music: Constantin Trommlitz
Co-Choreography & Performance: Marino Ariza, Victor Karwath, Alanna Reimpell Bravo

For all information about explore dance, enquiries and queries about our pop-up and stage productions, educational programs and festivals, please contact us at: explore-dance.de