Join us for an unforgettable exploration of movement, creativity, and the uncharted territories where martial arts meet contemporary dance! In this workshop we investigate the principles of Swiss wrestling through a warm up and learning how to fall and grab. We ask ourselves what is the performative potential of martial arts and fight in contemporary dance and hope to unveil the rules and parameters that make it a wrestling sport. What kind of images does this proximity from two bodies create? And how can we be playful with it. The workshop aims to unravel the symbiotic relationship between seemingly distinct disciplines, inviting contemporary dancers and martial arts practitioners to delve into a two-hour journey filled with discovery, expression, and artistry.

Key Workshop Highlights:

Led by a distinguished trio of accomplished instructors - Johanna Sofia Heusser, David Speiser, and Dennis Freischlad - participants will:

● Master the Art of Falling and Grasping: Through specialized warm-ups and technical explorations, attendees will delve into the fundamental principles of Swiss wrestling, discovering its intrinsic artistry.

● Convergence of Fight and Dance: This workshop will unveil the performative potential within martial arts when integrated into the realm of contemporary dance, emphasizing the unique imagery created by the fusion of two bodies in motion.

● Playful Inquiry: Embracing a playful approach, participants will delve into the rules and parameters that transform martial arts into a compelling form of wrestling sport within the context of contemporary dance.

This Workshop is targetted towards contemporary dancers and/or martial arts enthusiasts hungry for new movement perspectives. And for those who seek to explore the fusion of diverse disciplines in a creative, welcoming environment with a passion for pushing boundaries and expanding artistic expression.

About the Artists:

Johanna Heusser, a graduate of HF für zeitgenössischen und urbanen Bühnentanz in Zürich, has been creating compelling works across Europe since 2016. Recognized for her excellence, she is a winner of Atelier Mondial and Double Tanz 2020. Nominated for best emerging artist in the Theater Heute Kritiker:innen Umfrage 2022, Johanna continues to push boundaries with her explorations of tradition and performance.

David Speiser, a dancer and performer since 2012, has made his mark with rufio, challenging conventions through productions like "Im Ernst." His contributions extend to teaching dance and theater to children and young people, exemplifying his commitment to artistic education.

Dennis Freischlad, a globetrotter born in Hesse, dedicates himself to the nomadic dream, reporting on his adventures worldwide. Since the age of 20, he has moved between his homes in India and Cologne, embodying the spirit of a true autodictator and wanderer.

Together, Heusser, Speiser, and Freischlad promise a dynamic collaboration that transcends borders and conventional artistic boundaries, bringing forth a unique and thought-provoking artistic experience.