The waltz is a dance with a wild past. Criticised and sometimes banned by the upper classes and clergy, it became popular due to its ecstatic effect and intimacy with the body of the opposite sex. It was also criticised for unleashing immoral urges. However, it is not so much the loss of control as the power of the movements themselves that give the waltz its effect. The turns put the dancers in an intoxicated state. The floating movement, the closeness between the two bodies and the music evoke a kind of trance.
With four dancers and three musicians, Johanna Heusser explores the ambivalence of waltz dancing today, a time in which dance tends to be associated with wealth and a privileged upper class. Together, they ask themselves what a contemporary rewriting of the waltz could look like that would uncover the historical potential for disorder and intoxication.
by Johanna Heusser
Cast
Choreography, artistic direction* Johanna Heusser
Dance Neil Hoehener, Simea Cavelti, Momo Tanner, David Speiser
Music Marie Jeger, Joachim Flüeler, Sebastian Loetscher
Musical direction Xenia Wiener
Scenography, lights Marc Vilanova
Dramaturgy Fiona Schreier
Costumes Diana Ammann
Outside eyes Katharina Germo, Stephan Stock
Production and diffusion Maxine Devaud / oh la la - performing arts production
Administration Angie Mennillo / oh la la - performing arts production
Assistance Arina Fröhlich
Technical assistance Chiara Leonhardt
Coproductions ROXY Birsfelden, DSCHUNGEL Wien, Strauss Festival Wien, Theater im Pumpenhaus, Bühne Aarau
Supports Fachausschuss Tanz & Theater BS/BL, Pro Helvetia, SSA, Schweizerische Interpretenstiftung SIS, Landis & Gyr Stiftung