#tanzimaugust

VIRVE: Contemporary dance is all about the dance as it appears in the presence. It often deals with such the contemporary issues as globalisation,  or identity politics. When we talk about contemporary dance, it is like huge umbrella, that covers different aesthetics, styles and practices. Historical forms are relevant for understanding the culture of dance, and we can still see references and traces of Tanztheater and Ausdruckstanz in the contemporary context. There is also choreographers like Marcos Morales of La Veronal, or Trajal Harrel who are working with theatrical format. The expressive trace is very much alive in the work of Eduardo Fukushima, or Tania Carvalho. 

HELMUT: What is special about Tanz im August?

VIRVE: It is a well-loved and well-visited festival, one of the biggest in Europe. It has a long history in Berlin, and it has also presented dance from all over the world. It has a good vibe too, relaxed and savvy. It has also always been an art festival, and has not slipped into the realm of entertainment. I think this year it is really about Theatre as a meeting place of peoples, and as such a place of hope, and engagement.

HELMUT: What are the challenges to make such a huge festival happen?

VIRVE: Tanz im August is full of potential and possibilities, and it has lots to do in terms of reaching out for different communities. The challenge is to find a balance between the resources and the ambitions that are running high. When it comes to ideas, only the sky is the limit, but the trick is to find a way to make even the wildest things come true.

HELMUT: The dance scene in Berlin is big and really vibrant, though there is a lack of performing opportunities and spaces. Should contemporary dance move more into new territories like clubs, music shows or into film or do you think this could weaken its apprehention as an independent art form?

VIRVE: I think it has already moved into different spaces, and  has everything to win by mingling and adventuring new territories. No contemporary art form is independent in that way, more or less, contemporary artists choose the means according to their subject matter. Dance has always been in the forefront of inter-diciplinary art, and since theatre is always group work, it calls for collaboration. Choreographic thinking has also fertilized other art forms, even the word is used in many different contexts.     

HELMUT: Where do you see dance in 5 years?

VIRVE: No way knowing that. I have been totally suprised how televisions are full of different dance formats, or how Youtube is full of dance. Dance has never been this visible in the culture.  What it does to the art form? Well, that is a difficult question!

HELMUT: Your favorite dance move:

VIRVE: I think everyone should make their own. Check this link and do your own version of Rosas danst Rosas. There is over 200 different version from all over the world. That tells something about dance!

Look at the http://www.rosasdanstrosas.be/en-home/

30 years ago, dance company Rosas put itself on the map with the production Rosas danst Rosas. This choreography has since been staged all over the world. And now it’s your turn. Dance your own Rosas danst Rosas, make a video film of it and post it on this site. In the following videos choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker and dancer Samantha van Wissen will teach you the moves, step by step, from the second part of the performance. After that it becomes your dance: you dance Rosas. In a different setting, with a huge number of dancers… any way you like!

HELMUT: What do you love about Berlin?

VIRVE: Berlin.

HELMUT: Any wishes for HELMUT?

VIRVE: None.

HELMUT: Finally: what are the three performances during this festival you are especially excited about and looking forward to?