tanzschreiber Review Day 1 by Veronica Posth

The Tanzplattform Deutschland 2026 has officially opened. Upon arriving at the HELLERAU – European Centre for the Arts, I encountered staff and hosts dressed in colourful outfits, their smiles bright and inviting. I immediately felt I had come to a welcoming place, one filled with openness, acceptance, friendliness, and care.

Before the first show on the programme, I had some enjoyable conversations with Hellerau members and hosts who, like me, were genuinely interested in connecting with others. This cheerful spirit is something I love about contemporary dance festivals; there’s a unique ease and pleasure that comes from interacting with strangers. It's like being part of a community that shares a deep appreciation for dance and connection.

The inaugural performance by Elsa Artmann/SANFTE ARBEIT focused on the relational aspects of being a freelancer in the dance scene. On stage, four performers -including Artmann herself- explored the relational nuances of their work. I have thought of relational psychotherapist Esther Perel’s theory who notes, the quality of our lives and work hinges on the quality of our relationships. Artmann’s performance is both tender, witty and provocative, making it an excellent choice to set a welcoming tone for the festival.

At the outset, the performers made it clear that they would approach and touch the audience only with consent. Surprisingly, none of the audience members declined; it felt like a natural progression given the dynamic interplay of movements unfolding before us. This engagement reminded me of the often precarious conditions that dancers navigate.

The aesthetic evoked the late 1970s, both in costumes and in the strongly contact-based performative style, with select segments showcasing Paxton’s contact dance techniques. Elements of lap dancing served as sensual and symbolic representations, bringing the theme to life as a personified romantic relationship.

The second performance, "UNTIL THE BEGINNING", choreographed by Stephanie Thiersch/MOUVOIR and Alesandra Seutin/École des Sables, was the highlight of the evening. This collaboration featured eight dancers from Senegal, Germany, and France, accompanied by musicians from the realms of percussion and rap/hip-hop. The performance tackled the pressing issue of hospitality, while also calling for brotherhood and empathy.

The piece acts as a denunciation of the xenophobic trends sweeping through many European countries and beyond. Inspired by philosophers Jacques Derrida and Anne Dufourmantelle, the work draws from a shared reality, becoming audacious and visceral thanks to the dancers’ intoxicating energy and vibrant movements. While it radiates joy, it also carries a sense of underlying tension—an embodied sorrow that resonates deeply with the audience.

Shelly Quest, the queen-rapper, captured attention with her magnetic stage presence and captivating voice. As she rapped, she stimulated challenging questions about the mental constructs of ‘stranger’ and what it means hospitality. As Derrida argues, true hospitality requires us to welcome the stranger without conditions, yet respecting practical realities like laws and safety and therefore recognising boundaries.

In a world that often feels tensed and disconnected, and where boundaries are often trespassed and dysfunctionally set, Quest invites us to look at this necessary aspect of our lives and yet courageously embrace diversity, alleviate mistrust, and establish boundaries rooted in kindness and respect. Her words and the fiery dances lingered in my mind long after the performance ended, challenging me to reflect on my own encounters and relationships.

As a synthesis of the performances seen I can say that both, though in very different ways, explored the concept of boundaries, whether emotional, relational, conceptual, legal and social. They confidently and successfully highlighted the fundamental importance of the quality of interpersonal connection, which is crucial for our individual and collective well-being and consequently, for creating a more just, respectful, peaceful and free world.

The evening concluded in the foyer of the Staatsoperette, a stunning location where the Tanzplattform community gathered to celebrate the festival's beginning. I felt a palpable sense of joy as people cheered and acknowledged the connections fostered throughout the evening. The festival promised a wealth of possibilities, reminding me once again of the profound impact dance can have on our lives, relationships and at large in the social sphere. It definitely was an invigorating start to what I anticipate will be a remarkable festival experience.