A spectacular dance evening: Experience Lunar Cycle” in the Folkwang Museum!

A spectacular dance evening: Experience Lunar Cycle” in the Folkwang Museum!

Richard Siegal, an important American dancer and choreographer, described his time at the Folkwang University of the Arts as enriching and inspiring. His choreography “Lunar Cycle” can currently be seen at the Museum Folkwang from March 14th to April 13th, 2025. This impressive performance combines numerous talents, including dancers from the Folkwang Dance Studio and students from the master's program in dance composition, as well as international dancers from his company “Ballet of Difference”.

“Lunar Cycle” looks at human movement in response to climate change. Geodata from melting polar ice caps are incorporated into the production. Viewers can look forward to a multi-sensory experience that combines performance, light, projections, sound and live music. The production is accompanied by live concerts by the Ensemble Musikfabrik from Cologne and a quadrophonic sound installation by Kurt “Pyrolator” Dahlke.

An unforgettable 24-hour opening

The 24-hour opening of “Lunar Cycle” begins on March 14th at 6:00 p.m. and ends on March 15th at 6:00 p.m. This is not only a celebration of art, but also an opportunity to experience live the dance and musical diversity that Siegal and his partners show here.

Richard Siegal has had an impressive career. Between 1997 and 2004 he was part of the Ballet Frankfurt ensemble under the direction of William Forsythe. In 2006 he founded the interdisciplinary platform “The Bakery” and later, in 2016, the company “Ballet of Difference”. His successes have been recognized by numerous awards, including the New York Dance and Performance “Bessie Award” and the German Theater Prize “Der Faust”.

Innovative training approaches in dance

At Folkwang University, contemporary dance is taught in a dynamic environment. The visiting professorship “Contemporary Dance” at the Institute for Contemporary Dance (IZT) was established in the winter semester 2019/2020. This institution promotes holistic training in dance and reacts flexibly to current developments in the dance scene. The Folkwang Dance Studio (FTS) employs ten professional dancers and maintains international collaborations with well-known choreographers.

Also notable is an upcoming IZT dance evening on Wednesday, June 20th at 7:30 p.m. This evening includes two premieres by Sita Ostheimer and Urs Dietrich, as well as new productions by well-known choreographers such as Daniel Goldin and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. It will continue with further performances until June 23rd.

The context of contemporary dance in Germany

Contemporary dance has become increasingly important in Germany, particularly in academic institutions such as the Inter-University Center for Dance Berlin (HZT). A wide range of courses are offered here that closely combine academic training and professional practice. HZT offers, among other things, a bachelor’s degree program “Dance, Context, Choreography” as well as two master’s degree programs: “Solo/Dance/Authorship” and “Choreography”. These programs are characterized by an experimental orientation and close contacts with the professional dance scene, which promotes the creative development of the students.

In summary, the upcoming production by Richard Siegal and the lively program at the Folkwang University of the Arts shows how contemporary dance is anchored in the cultural landscape in an innovative way and is constantly receiving new impulses. Because not only the productions, but also the training of young dancers and choreographers play a crucial role in the further development of this art form.