Dance inspires: Folkwang Tanzstudio presents creative news!

Dance inspires: Folkwang Tanzstudio presents creative news!

The Folkwang Tanzstudio (FTS) will present the premiere of its new event “Folkwang Tanzstudio Unplugged” on October 17, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pina Bausch Theater on the Essen-Werden campus. The focus is on unfinished and raw dance compositions that focus on playing together instead of perfection. Dancers will perform in loose clothing to emphasize the immediacy and creative process of dancing. For artistic director Rodolpho Leoni, maintaining this lively process in front of an audience is a challenge. “There are beautiful moments during rehearsals that I would like to share with each other,” says Leoni, who also announces the premiere of the choreography under the working title “For the love and laughter” on December 13, 2025 in the New Aula.

The further performances of “Folkwang Tanzstudio Unplugged” will take place at the same time on October 18, 2025. The ticket prices are set at 15 euros, reduced costs 8 euros and can be purchased via the Folkwang ticket hotline, by email and at the box office. Students have free entry with a valid school ID.

The history of the Folkwang dance studio

The Folkwang Dance Studio has a long and important history. Originally founded in 1928 by Kurt Jooss as a Folkwang dance theater experimental studio, it is considered the “cradle” of German expressive dance. Jooss, who became ballet director of the Essen Opera in 1930, led the studio to create the opera's permanent dance ensemble. Particularly noteworthy is the success of Jooss, who won first prize at the international choreography competition in Paris in 1932 with the piece “The Green Table”. After turbulent years and Jooss's flight from Germany due to his refusal to fire Jewish colleagues, the Folkwang Dance Studio continued under various directors and gave numerous important impulses to dance.

Over the decades, the FTS developed into an internationally renowned graduate company that still works closely with well-known choreographers today. Among the artists who shaped the studio were greats like Pina Bausch, who directed the Folkwang Ballet from 1968 to 1973 and later played a key role in shaping the studio.

The Institute for Contemporary Dance

In 2011, dance training at the Folkwang University of the Arts received a new structure with the founding of the Institute for Contemporary Dance (IZT). Bachelor's and master's programs in dance and dance composition are offered here. These courses place particular emphasis on practical applications in dance and choreography and offer comprehensive training for aspiring dancers.

The FTS, the IZT graduate company, is known for hosting talented dancers from all over the world. Master's students in dance composition/choreography carry out their final projects in collaboration with these dancers, developing a creative synergy that is of great importance for the further development of contemporary dance.

In addition, the artistic development of the FTS is enriched by collaborations with international guest choreographers. The committed teachers and accompanists at the IZT help to maintain the education at the Folkwang University of the Arts at a high level and to offer students the best possible basis for their artistic careers. Further information about the events and training is available on the Folkwang University of the Arts available.