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Nadia Kevan: A legend of body consciousness celebrates 30 years at Folkwang
In an interview, Nadia Kevan, long-time professor at Folkwang University, reflects on her 30 years of work and the relevance of body awareness.
Nadia Kevan: A legend of body consciousness celebrates 30 years at Folkwang
On May 27, 2025, Nadia Kevan reflects on her extraordinary career at the Folkwang University of the Arts in an interview with Mateusz Bogdanowicz. Kevan, who was a professor of movement theory and body awareness from 1993 to 2021, has influenced generations of students not only artistically but also personally. The conversation offers a look back at her 30 years of activity and the beginnings of the forum for body awareness, which she established together with her students. The Folkwang reports that both took part in a lively discussion about the importance of self-awareness and reflection for health and artistic development.
Nadia Kevan, born in England in 1955, has an impressive artistic and educational portfolio. Her studies included classical ballet, modern dance, dance pedagogy and voice training, which she acquired in England. From 1973 she worked as a freelance dancer and dance teacher in Hamburg, where she staged her own solo dance evenings in the tradition of Mary Wigman and Gret Palucca. your in Wikipedia documented experiences in the Alexander Technique have helped her develop and refine her teaching methods.
The Alexander Technique and its meaning
A core component of her teaching was the Alexander Technique, a method based on the connection of mental, emotional and physical processes. This technique helps identify and change bad habits and promotes better posture and mobility. Above all, it supports self-awareness and a careful approach to oneself and the environment. Students not only benefit from better stage presence, but also from an overall healthier body alignment. These principles are used by Tanja Hübner also highlighted, which emphasizes that the technique can be used both in art and in everyday life.
Over the course of her career, Kevan has, among other things, worked in Germany with director Frank Steckel as an Alexander Technique teacher at theaters and founded the Open Space Theater in Cologne as a training center. Her numerous appearances and projects - including performances at the International Dance Festival Berlin and the Munich Biennale - show her versatility and innovative strength in the world of dance.
Importance of Body Confidence Forum
The Body Consciousness Forum at Folkwang is a unique teaching offering that reflects the essence of Kevan's philosophy and methodology. Students are supported in their personal and artistic development through targeted exercises and knowledge transfer. Kevan and Bogdanowicz emphasize the relevance of self-awareness and reflection to overcome health challenges and promote creative freedom. These approaches contribute to personality development and improve the connection between body and mind.
The interview with Kevan highlights the impressive record she has achieved in her career. Her work is not only valued at Folkwang University, but has also left a lasting impression on the broader dance and art scene. Consequently, her contribution to movement theory and body awareness remains central to the training of future artists.