Friday, May 1, 2009

Choreographer Pina Bausch

She is regarded one of the most influential avant-garde artists on the European dance scene. Her dance theater, the union of genuine dance and theatrical methods of stage performance, creates a new dance form that has won her a cult following the world over despite the longtime controversy it's caused. On our List today, we introduce German choreographer Pina Bausch.







The stage is filled with empty tables and chairs. Backed by the weeping melody written by Henry Purcell of the 17th century, two white-clad female dancers unburden their angst by scraping themselves along walls and floors on stage, again and again.


This is the opening scene of Spanish director Pedro Almodova's 2002 movie "Talk to Her". The dance is taken from German choreographer Pina Bausch's "Cafe Muller". Bausch herself performed the piece in the movie.


Pina Bausch is regarded one of the most influential artists on the European dance scene. Two years ago, Bausch and her Tanztheater Wuppertal visited Beijing with a show at the Tianqiao Theater featuring "Cafe Muller", one of her signature works.


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