NEWS

LACE Extended Open Call: Application Deadline Extended to 15 June!

Professional artists, activists, and academics working in dance, performance, and embodied arts are invited to apply for LACE Extended (21–25 July 2025), a week of in-depth peer exchange following the LACE #3: Materialising Touch symposium. LACE Extended offers time and space for peer-to-peer, practice-based exchange around relationality, interstitiality, and collective inquiry – grounded in artistic, academic, and activist practices. Participants can choose between three unique spaces hosted by Naoto Hieda (hybrid), Yas Lamar, or Tereza Silon – each offering a deep dive into relational and practice-based exploration.

Application deadline: 15 June 2025 

The first Add-ons are online!

Due to popular demand, ImPulsTanz is offering one add-on performance each for CLUB AMOUR. Café Müller / Aatt enen tionon / herses, duo and Nelken. Ein Stück von Pina Bausch by Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch + Terrain Boris Charmatz at Burgtheater and Come Back Again by Doris Uhlich & Susanne Kirnbauer-Bundy at Akademietheater. The presale for the entire programme starts on 11 June, tickets for selected performances at Burgtheater, Volkstheater and Akademietheater, as well as for productions in cooperation with Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna are already available.

Audition for TRY Training and Research Programme in Lucca (IT)

As part of the ImPulsTanz Festival, Marta Coronado is looking for talented, young international female dancers aged 18 to 23 who have completed their dance training and are ready to take the next step towards a professional career as dancers, choreographers or performers. TRY is an intensive one-year training and research programme in contemporary dance and movement practice, held in Lucca, Italy – with the option to stay for a second year.

Audition: 26 July 2025, Volksoper Rehearsal Stage, Vienna
Application End: 22. July 2025

Obituary for Jean-Paul Montanari

We mourn the passing of Jean-Paul Montanari, founder of Montpellier Danse, who died on 25 April 2025 at the age of 77. Jean-Paul’s work was shaped by the belief that dance is not only a physical practice but also a philosophical engagement – and, alongside combative companions such as Maguy Marin, an act of resistance, championing causes such as the liberation of homosexuals and the fight against AIDS in the 1990s. Through Montpellier Danse, he created a central platform for contemporary dance and promoted the French dance scene far beyond Europe's borders. 

Jean-Paul Montanari will be remembered as a visionary artist, a courageous thinker and, above all, an ally. He reminds us that art remains a vital act of hope.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, the entire team at Montpellier Danse and all who cherished him.

Karl Regensburger und das ImPulsTanz-Team

Kickstart for emerging dancers

The Summer Academy ImPacT, part of ImPulsTanz, welcomes dance students – either in the midst of or having just completed their studies – individually and in groups for two weeks at the festival. The aim is to connect them with the professional international dance world. In addition to workshops and performances, the programme offers discussions with festival artists and networking events. Furthermore, the students are accompanied by dance researcher and Somatic Movement Educator Kerstin Kussmaul.

Application deadline: 30 April 2025

Mathilde Monnier announced Officer of the French Legion of Honour and celebrates her world premiere at Volkstheater Vienna in May

The renowned French choreographer Mathilde Monnier was awarded the Officer’s Order of the French Legion of Honour, the highest distinction in France. We congratulate the exceptional choreographer and look forward to presenting her world premiere in cooperation with Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna at Volkstheater on 10 and 12 May!

Joyful Reunions and Exciting Premieres: News from the Performance Programme

Preparations for the upcoming festival, starting on 10 July, are in full swing. We are delighted to announce more additions to the programme! Alexander Vantournhout and Emmi Väisänen transform a simple handshake into an intricate choreography in every_body. Meg Stuart and Francisco Camacho explore the ruins of Sardinia in their performance steal you for a moment. Mette Ingvartsen sets the stage for an exhilarating night of dance with Delirious Night. Damien Jalet presents Thrice, showcasing three of his latest works, while Marie Chouinard brings an impressive double bill featuring BodyremixRemix and Magnificat. Last, but not least, Akemi Takeya’s Transient Shifts celebrates its world premiere in Austria.

The Lichtburg: where Pina Bausch's work was created

In 2025, the legendary Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch will return to ImPulsTanz. The Lichtburg in Wuppertal, a former post-war cinema and the ensemble’s rehearsal space since 1977, has over the years become a magical place and a cultural landmark in the spirit of Pina Bausch. “The costumes are still hanging on the walls, her table and chair remain in the same place,” says Boris Charmatz, the current artistic director of Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch + Terrain Boris Charmatz. To this day, the Lichtburg serves as a stage for the ensemble – a vibrant space where new pieces are created and earlier works are revived. Read more about it at tanz.dance.

A utopian ball night with Liquid Loft: “Seid umschlungen, Millionen!”

As part of Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna, performance company around Chris Haring Liquid Loft, in collaboration with contemporary music ensemble PHACE, present their production Seid umschlungen, Millionen!
The premiere at the listed REAKTOR (17th district) invites audiences to a futuristic dance ball where past and future merge. Inspired by Johann Strauss’ composition of the same name, Liquid Loft and PHACE blend dance, live electronics, and classical music into an intriguing experience. Sound and movement become one as the ballroom of historic futurism comes to life: “The time is out of joint”, yesterday dances with tomorrow.

The premiere will take place on Saturday, 1 March, at 7:30 pm. Further performances can be attended on 3 and 4 March, both at 7:30 pm.

Open Call for a studio residency in Bulgaria

Life Long Burning is looking for dance artists/choreographers interested in having a studio residency and getting to know the contemporary dance scene in Bulgaria. The residency is especially designed for early stages of developing an artistic project. Mentoring by local artists and a studio showing are optional.

The seven-day residency is offered during the Antistatic Festival in Sofia, organized by Brain Store Project from 12–22 May 2025. The festival hosts performances, discussions and artist gatherings. It presents a collection of choreographic works performed by selected independent dance artists, who explore the boundaries of choreography and movement aiming at challenging aesthetics and forms. 

Application ends on 7 April 2025.

LACE #3: Materialising Touch – The symposium’s Open Calls are extended!

Applications are still possible until 14 February 2025!

LACE #3, from 14 – 18 July 2025, will provocatively explore integration as an essential creative activity. What does integration within dance and performance mean? How can we make something whole, incorporating a quality and activity of renewal and restoration, as suggested by the etymological dictionary? What happens during the process of putting things and people in touch?

LACE #3 invites artists, researchers, and educators in dance, performance, and body-based arts to contribute with examples of artistic practices that illustrate the labour of integration – its action, reflection, and duration.

OPEN CALL | danceWEB PRÉAC in Montpellier with Volmir Cordeiro

danceWEB is looking for an Austrian-based artist participating in a workshop (24–28 March 2025) on narratives by Volmir Cordeiro in Montpellier in the frame of PRÉAC. There will be the opportunity to extend the stay with a studio residency (17–21 March 2025) to develop their own research work, but also to be involved in the other activities of the venue and the local context of dancers and professionals at the ICI–CCN Montpellier.

Applications are open until 9 February 2025!

We are excited to reveal new programme highlights for 2025!

For the first time, the TAO Dance Theater, the Chinese dance company awarded the Silver Lion at the 2023 Venice Biennale, will perform in Vienna, presenting four impressive pieces. From South Korea, Unplugged Bodies will bring Homo Faber, a unique blend of contemporary dance, British street dance, and Indian Kathak. François Chaignaud, together with musician Nina Laisné and performer Nadia Larcher, will celebrate the world premiere of Último Helecho, a production combining baroque aesthetics with South American mythology. Additionally, productions featuring Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, Mette Ingvartsen, and Marie Chouinard are currently under discussion.

ImPulsTanz goes Italy again: Country Retreats 2025

In 2025, the ImPulsTanz Country Retreats enter their third edition in the breathtaking region of Umbria. From June to October, weekly workshops will be held at the picturesque Tenuta di Poggiolame in collaboration with Artis Umbria, led by ten internationally renowned artists. For the first time, each retreat will feature two instructors offering both a joint workshop (Shared Moments) and individual sessions. This year’s line-up includes Terence Lewis & Sonia Mackwani, Kerstin Kussmaul & Fabiana Pastorini, Claire Cunningham & Jose Agudo, Ariel Uziga & Florentina Hausknotz, and maRia Probst & Christian Apschner.

[8:tension] PODCAST #20 WITH NETTI NÜGANEN

Today’s guest is Netti Nüganen. Known to ImPulsTanz audiences as part of a number of Florentina Holzinger’s productions, she first presented one of her own performances at this year’s festival. Her piece The Myth: last day, a pseudo-archeological excavation turned punk concert, is an exercise in how history is constructed. With author Sean Pfeiffer, Nüganen further reflects on this intersection of fact and fiction. They also discuss how engaging with both text material and physical objects constitutes her performative practice. 

Obituary for Dada Masilo

We mourn the loss of Dada Masilo who passed away on 29 December 2024 at the age of just 39. With her unique powerful dance she impressed the ImPulsTanz audience for many years and leaves a huge gap in the dance world. It has been a pleasure to welcome and experience Dada in Vienna again and again over the years – not only as a stunning dancer and choreographer, but also as a valuable companion. Above all, we will always remember her humour, her sheer zest for life and her profound dedication to dance. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all those who mourn Dada, especially Suzette and to her wonderful ensemble.

We are grateful for everything you shared with us and the dance world. 

We will miss you and your laughter!

[8:tension] PODCAST #19 WITH CAMILLA SCHIELIN

Today’s guest is Camilla Schielin, a dancer-choreographer working in Vienna. After showing her solo piece into (quickening ground) at ImPulsTanz, she talked with author Sean Pfeiffer about the development of the piece, the music and dance styles that influenced it, and how other performers shape her work.

[8:TENSION] PODCAST #18 WITH LUCA BONAMORE

Today’s guest is Luca Bonamore, a dancer and choreographer from Vienna. His latest group piece, Silent Lovers, is concerned with cruising - a historically queer practice of public sexual encounters. In his conversation with author Sean Pfeiffer, Bonamore discusses his start as a dancer, what it means to open up the private to the public, and navigating the multitude of Viennese spaces he performs in.

[8:tension] PODCAST #17 WITH JETTE LOONA HERMANIS & ANNA ANSONE

In episode 17 our guests are choreographer-performer Jette Loona Hermanis from Estland and visual artist and stage designer Anna Ansone from Latvia. They sat down with author Sean Pfeiffer to talk about their collaborative piece FrostBite, a post-nuclear fantasy between theatre, dance and installation. They also discuss the importance of genre, fashion and improvisation in their work, and how they channelled child’s play in developing the piece.

[8:TENSION] PODCAST #16 WITH J. BOUEY & TYRONE BEVANS

This episode’s guests are j. bouey and Tyrone Bevans, both waacking dancers and choreographers based in New York. With author Sean Pfeiffer, they discuss the history of waacking and the world premiere of their duet A Message at ImPulsTanz. They also talk about finding inspiration in the 1970s and dance as a vehicle for liberation. 

Education and training programmes 2025

ImPulsTanz is looking forward to network and invite the international dance world to Vienna once again in 2025. In addition to ATLAS – create your dance trails for artists with first choreographic experience as well as mid-career artists (coaches: Guy Cools or Christopher Matthews) and danceWEB for young dancers and choreographers (mentor: Raja Feather Kelly), the further education programme ImPacT (mentor: Kerstin Kussmaul), which is dedicated to connecting dance students with experienced professionals, will also be offered. Applications are open as of right now!

Prix de la diffusion internationale: Congratulations to Dana Michel!

Warmest congratulations to Dana Michel (CA) on receiving the Prix de la Danse de Montréal in the category diffusion internationale. This prestigious prize honours a Canadian dance company that has accomplished an outstanding international tour.
The dancer and choreographer Michel was honoured with the ImPulsTanz – Director's Award for outstanding artistic achievements in 2014 for her performance Yellow Towel as part of the [8:tension] Young Choreographers’ Series. In 2024, she presented her performance MIKE at ImPulsTanz as part of the jointly curated exhibition nowhere / now here at mumok, where she explored the theme of work with sensitivity, humour, and a unique, transformative movement language. Michel’s work spans the fields of improvisation, choreography, sculpture, comedy, HipHop, film, techno, poetry, psychology, dub, and social critique.

[8:TENSION] PODCAST #15 WITH VINÍ VENTANIA & VITÓRIA JOVEM

Today’s guests are Viní Ventania and Vitória Jovem, performing together as Irmãs Brasil, the „Sisters of Brasil“. Their duet Eunuchs, a haunting and commanding piece about the historic and on-going hate and violence against gender-nonconforming bodies, was one of two winning works at this year’s ImPulsTanz – Young Choreographers’ Award. Speaking with author Sean Pfeiffer, they reflect on their time in Vienna, the discussions their performance sparked at the festival, and how Eunuchs as a piece of art is still evolving.

OPEN CALL | AFRICA MOMENT: Masterclass by Nadia Beugré

You can still register for the Open Call for the 2-hour masterclass AFRICA MOMENT with Nadia Beugré until 30 November 2024. A group of up to 22 professional dancers is invited to participate in the masterclass on 15 December from 12:00–14:00 at the Mercat de les Flors - Casa de la dansa in Barcelona.

The Ivorian dancer and choreographer Nadia Beugré has already performed at ImPulsTanz with her audience acclaimed pieces Quartiers Libres (2023) and L’Homme rare (2022). In addition to the unique masterclass AFRICA MOMENT, Beugré is also presenting her piece L’Homme rare in Barcelona, which questions typical gender-specific movement patterns and the Western, voyeuristic and eroticised view of Black bodies. In her dance practice, she generally deals with topics such as the body, gender, global injustices, the environment and the rights of oppressed communities.

[8:TENSION] PODCAST #14 WITH XENIA KOGHILAKI

This episode's guest is Xenia Koghilaki, dancer and choreographer working between Athens and Berlin. With author Sean Pfeiffer, she discusses her research into crowd dances and moshing. She talks about the resulting piece Slamming, and how anticipation and release function as structural devices in her work.

[8:TENSION] PODCAST #13 WITH ASTRID BOONS

This episode's guest is Astrid Boons, a Belgian choreographer currently working in the Netherlands. Her piece Khôra aims to find humanity in an increasingly technologized world. Her conversation with author Sean Pfeiffer touches upon the philosophical underpinnings of the work and how collaborating closely with the performers shapes her process.

OPEN CALL | Participation in Puzzle #8 in Belgrade

In the frame of the Life Long Burning project the partner association danceWEB is looking for an emerging dance and choreography artist interested in getting to know the contemporary dance scene in Belgrade and collaborating with the Brooklyn-based interdisciplinary artist André Zachary. He will facilitate a 5-day-workshop focused on collaboration. The offer includes travel, accommodation, per diem, and free participation in the workshop.
Application deadline: 21 October 2024

OPEN CALL | Take part in CommonLAB 2025

CommonLAB 2025 are looking for seven artists to take part in the next edition. This itinerant eight-week laboratory will provide opportunities to experiment with collective and individual devices for knowledge sharing and the development of artistic research, with the goal of broadening European multicultural and intercultural narratives.
Application deadline: 15 October 2024, 14:00

OPEN CALL | Internship in Zagreb at the Choreographic Convention 2024 “BODIES IN FREE FALL”

In the frame of Life Long Burning danceWEB in collaboration with the partner organization Antisezona in Zagreb is looking for young dance critics/producers/independent dance curators/artists interested in getting to know the contemporary dance scene in Croatia. This internship is dedicated to the Choreographic Convention from 19 to 23 November 2024 and especially interesting for persons with an interest in inclusive art production and in video documentation. Travel, accommodation, employment and free entrance to all events are included. Application deadline: 2 October 2024

The ImPulsTanz – Young Choreographers’ Award goes to …

Deva Schubert Glitch Choir and Viní Ventania, Vitòria Jovem / Irmãs Brasil Eunuchs! “As a jury, we have decided to honour an artistic position not only for its performance, but for the curiosity it has aroused in us. We therefore decided and were given the great opportunity to honour two choreographic positions equally. Both showed compelling explorations of pressing issues, pushed the boundaries of choreography and shook our comfort zone – in almost opposite ways,” read the jury consisting of Jette Büchsenschütz, Anne Faucheret and Raja Feather Kelly at the Award Ceremony at Odeon on Sunday, 11 August. We would like to congratulate them on their awards, which comes with a residency at ImPulsTanz 2025 and 5,000 euro in prize money!

William Forsythe receives the Kyoto Prize

The renowned choreographer and dancer William Forsythe has been honoured with the prestigious Kyoto Prize 2024. The award honours Forsythe’s outstanding contributions to contemporary dance art and his groundbreaking works that have revolutionised the understanding of dance. We look forward to opening the ImPulsTanz Festival at the MAK in 2024 together with him and his Choreographic Objects!

Obituary for Brigitte Bierlein

It is with great sadness and deepest sympathy that we bid farewell to Brigitte Bierlein, an extraordinary woman who left a lasting mark through her multifaceted commitment and tireless dedication both in politics and in the art world – including ImPulsTanz. You will be missed!

Dance Magazine: Trajal Harrell’s Rich Repertoire of Transcultural, Intersectional, and Futuristic Works by Brenda Dixon 

A reverent love for the ritual of performance infuses choreographer, director and ImPulsTanz favourite Trajal Harrell’s theatrical style. How does he seamlessly synthesize voguing and runway idioms with butoh, the dances of Greek antiquity, and modern and postmodern dance to create the intriguing works that make him an internationally admired and respected artist?  

DANZA&DANZA May/June issue now available

DANZA&DANZA INTERNATIONAL is a digital magazine in English language with news and reviews from all over the world and exclusive interviews with the stars of dance. The latest May/June issue features the artist Leïla Ka, a revelation on the French dance scene; dancers from San Carlo Theatre Ballet in Naples, Ètoile Claudia D’Antonio and Soloist Stanislao Capissi; the City Ballet San Francisco; reviews of Saburo Teshigawara, François Chaignaud/Aymeric Hainaux (who will also be part of ImPulsTanz this year), the Yorke Dance Project and the Sydney Dance Company and Neumeier’s “Lady of the camellias” at the Wiener Staatsballett.

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui honoured with the Ultima Prize

On 16 May, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui was awarded the Ultima Prize for general cultural merit by the province of Flanders for his complete works. The choreographer from Antwerp will present the Austrian premiere of his work 3S at ImPulsTanz 2024. Cherkaoui's 23-year career as a professional dancer includes more than 50 original choreographies, a Prix Benois de la Danse, two Olivier Awards, the Flemish Performing Arts Prize and three Choreographer of the Year titles from Tanz Magazine.

We are looking for support!

For this year’s festival we are still looking for support for our team – in the audience service, at the box office, in the area of external appearance and design, at our ImPulsTanz-Shop and much more. German language skills are required. We look forward to your applications!

TURBO Residencies 2024

We are happy to announce this year’s chosen artists of the TURBO Research Residencies in the frame of ImPulsTanz:  Katharina Senk & Theresa Scheinecker, Andrea Vezga Acevedo & Iris Omari Ansong & mirabella paidamwoyo* dziruni & Yours Izundu Joanna Zabielska. TURBO Research Residencies are aimed exclusively at up-and-coming artists living and working in Austria, in an effort to support young local dance and performance artists and promote the Austrian scene. 

Raja Feather Kelly and Rachel Chavkin on “Lempicka”

What happens when a theater-loving choreographer and a dance-loving director work together on a musical? Broadway recently got an answer, when Lempicka (pronounced lem-PEEK-a), the first collaboration between choreographer Raja Feather Kelly and director Rachel Chavkin, began previews at the Longacre Theatre. An article by Sylviane Gold for Dance Magazine.

[8:tension] Young Choreographers’ Series Podcast

Former artistic director of the [8:tension] Young Choreographers’ Series, Chris Standfest, and writer Sean Pfeiffer teamed up for this new podcast. Throughout their stay in Vienna and as part of ImPulsTanz 2023, Sean Pfeiffer engaged in dialogue with every artist involved in the nine [8:tension] productions presented at the 40th festival edition. The initial episodes feature discussions with Chara Kotsali and Anna Biczók and offers a glimpse into their creative processes, the genesis of their works To Be Possessed and DELICATE, respectively, as well as their impressions of Vienna. Tune in now on Spotify, Podcastaddict or Deezer for captivating insights.

TURBO Research Residencies 2024

We again invite young choreographers living and working in Austria to apply for a TURBO Research Residencies within the framework of ImPulsTanz. The aim is to support young local dance and performance creators and strengthen the Austrian scene. There are two spots available this year. Application deadline: 5 May 2024

Open Call: Participation in LACE#2 Residencies

The Open Call invites artists, activists, and academics to apply to participate in the residencies You Will Move Into My Depths hosted by Áron Birtalan, Three of Cups hosted by Stéphanie Janaina or ONISM (online) hosted by Nea Landin. The week-long residencies take place after the ImPulsTanz Symposium LACE #2: Mediating Touch from 29 July to 2 August and deal with topics such as hospitality, languages of intimacy and ecstasy, inhabiting discomfort through the prism of pleasure and much more.

ImPulsTanz Bewegungsverstärker, supported by Licht ins Dunkel

Since 2017, the Public Moves series as part of the ImPulsTanz – Vienna International Dance Festival has been organising inclusive free dance classes in public spaces every summer. The support of the Licht in Dunkel innovation fund not only enables us to continue breaking down barriers in these dance classes, but also to bring the format to Klagenfurt, Linz and Salzburg for the first time in 2024.

Announcing 5 nominees of the Salavisa European Dance Award (SEDA)

The Salavisa European Dance Award (SEDA) will be presented in Lisbon on 27 November 2024. The prize, endowed with 150,000 euro, is named after the renowned Portuguese dancer, teacher and former artistic director of Ballet Gulbenkian, Jorge Salavisa. Five finalists have now been selected from a longlist of 21 candidates put forward by the partner institutions, including ImPulsTanz. 

Obituary for Ushio Amagatsu

We mourn the loss of Ushio Amagatsu, the founder of the world-famous Japanese dance company Sankai Juku and one of the most important choreographers and dancers of his generation. Amagatsu leaves behind an unforgettable legacy in the world of contemporary dance. He was not only a master of Butoh, but also constantly expanded the boundaries of expression in dance with his ideas. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all who mourn the loss of Ushio with us. You will be missed!

Transient Shifts – Workshop & Showing with/by Akemi Takeya

Akemi Takeya invites you to the Seestadt Studios for a workshop including a final showing! Join the exhilarating exploration of performance art with renowned artist in a unique workshop experience. She will guide participants through a transformative journey, focusing on voice and body training, fundamental performance techniques, and exercises designed to enhance perceptual sensitivity and inner strength. Drawing inspiration from aikido, participants will explore stage presence, articulation, tension release, and more.

Who is teaching this summer?

The list of ImPulsTanz 2024 workshop teachers is now online! We hope you enjoy scrolling and browsing, writing your wish lists and dreaming of summer in Vienna. From 24 April, the more than 250 workshops and research projects – which will take place at Arsenal again this year – can be booked. We are looking forward to many new faces this year, including Aisha Comissiong, Dance Contest winner Farah Deen, Niall Jones, Michaela Kratky, Jr Maddripp, RubberLegz, nora chipaumire and Sophia Rodríguez. Don't worry, your all-time favorites will of course also be back. Check it out now!

The perfect gift for dance fans

A hip-hop dance class for your daughter or an exciting performance visit with your best friend? With the workshop and performance vouchers for the ImPulsTanz festival 2024, you can give the anticipation of next summer as a gift now. Extra easy: vouchers can be purchased online and conveniently printed, sent and gifted from home.Das perfekte Geschenk für Tanzlieberhaber*innen

piece of love: Film Shoot & Pyjama Party at the Seestadt Studios

For the film piece of love, the AmenoGirls are looking for volunteers to work on the scene Pyjama Party at Seestadt. You can expect an a+ abysmal and trance-like audiovisual installation in which a movie shoot is staged.

Celebrating excellence: Cristina Caprioli and Trajal Harrell honoured at Biennale di Venezia

The 18th International Festival of Contemporary Dance #WeHumans, held in Venice from 18 July to 3 August 2024, honours two extraordinary talents in the world of dance. Italian choreographer Cristina Caprioli and choreographer and dancer Trajal Harrell, both dear friends of ImPulsTanz for many years, were presented with prestigious awards, highlighting their groundbreaking contributions to the art form.

Open Call: Participation in the Bulgarian Dance Platform

In the framework of the Life Long Burning project, the partner association danceWEB is looking for young dance critics, researchers, independent dance curators and artists interested in getting to know the contemporary dance scene in Bulgaria. The 4th edition of the Bulgarian Dance Platform is taking place from 16–20 May 2024 in Sofia, hosting performances, discussions and artist gatherings. The offer includes travel, accommodation and free entrance to the performances. Application deadline: 15 March 2024

Obituary for Steve Paxton

We mourn the loss of our companion, teacher, dancer, choreographer, visionary and pioneer of contemporary dance, Steve Paxton, who has left us at the age of 85. We are grateful that he shared his passion and dedication for dance and teaching with us, and for all that he has given to the dance world!
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all who mourn Steve’s passing with us. You will be missed!

ImPulsTanz gives away 30 MellowYellow action days

No nonsense, no admin, no costs – as a partner of the inclusive art project MellowYellow, we are giving away 30 action days for the up-coming summer semester for schools of all types and ages in Vienna and the surrounding area. Teachers can write a short email with their contact details to kontakt@mellowyellow.at with the subject: ‘ImPulsTanz Schulaktion’.

Obituary for Peter Jarolin

It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we bid farewell to cultural journalist Peter Jarolin, a good friend of the festival and supporter of the dance world. His tireless commitment and passionate dedication have enriched and shaped not only ImPulsTanz, but the entire cultural scene.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all those who mourn Peter with us. You will be missed!

Biennale di Venezia: International call for the selection of young dancers and choreographers

On the occasion of the 18th International Festival of Contemporary Dance, the new international call for the third edition of the Biennale College Danza under the mentorship of the director Wayne McGregor, is now online available. Application deadline: 8 March 2024

New artistic direction of the [8:tension] Young Choreographers’ Series bei ImPulsTanz

Since 2001, the ImPulsTanz – Vienna International Dance Festival has dedicated its highly successful and internationally renowned [8:tension] Young Choreographers’ Series to a new generation of choreographers – with changing curatorial models and artistic directors. The first international prize for young choreography was also awarded as part of the series – until 2018 as the Prix Jardin d’Europe as part of the Creative Europe network Life Long Burning, since then as the ImPulsTanz – Young Choreographers’ Award, with such famous prizewinners as Ligia Lewis, Florentina Holzinger or Davi Pontes and Wallace Ferreira. In 2024 now, the [8:tension] series for emerging choreographers will take place for the first time under the artistic direction of Breanna O’Mara and Chris Haring.

ImPulsTanz Winter Special: The Music Edition

It's time to leave the winter blues behind us and invite you to a roaring party – the ImPulsTanz Winter Special: The Music Edition. On 15 February 2024 from 22:00, Viennese music producer B.Visible with his hypnotising rhythms, the energetic Viennese duo H∆NN∆ x D!ZZY and the genre-busting multimedia artist Moska will provide the beats on the turntables - from multi-layered soundscapes to HipHop and Afrobeat. The special party follows the sold-out concert performances by choreographer, performer and singer Akemi Takeya with electronic sounds by Sebastian Bauer, KERN & QUEHENBERGER and the noise rock band BULBUL.

Embodied Myoreflex Practitioner Certification

The Embodied Myoreflex Practitioner (EMP) training programme is entering its second round – a pioneering training in the field of myoreflex therapy and neurofascial movement. This specially designed training is aimed at dancers, artists, educators, social workers and physiotherapists who not only want to build an effective practice, but also develop their skills through the application of neurofascial intelligence in a variety of contexts. Led by renowned experts such as Kurt Mosetter and Kerstin Kussmaul, the programme offers an intensive learning experience. It starts in November 2024!

Symposium for Dance and Other Contemporary Practices

Following loose threads of last year’s symposium Lace#2 will be dedicated to contact-making and touching in layers and tones of its meaning. The curation 2024 turns to the value of hospitality in the current socio-political climate. Inviting and sharing practices and work of artists, academics and activists that move around receiving each other, creating hospitable spaces, processing the conditions for integration, and reflecting on the interstitial tissue. Experimenting with and questioning attentively the conditions necessary for one to join into the experience of kinship, the experience of care, the experience of touch. Applications for Deep Dive proposals are possible until 19 January.

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ImPulsTanz Country Retreats 2024

The ImPulsTanz Country Retreats return to picturesque Umbria in 2024! In May and from August to October, the dance and health retreats will take place at the Tenuta di Poggiolame estate run by ImPulsTanz instructor Kerstin Kussmaul. Internationally renowned artists such as Terence Lewis, Glenna Batson & Kerstin Kussmaul, Sri Louise, Defne Erdur and Shinichi Yova-Koga each teach a week of dance and bodywork – every level is welcome. The retreat offers four hours of movement practice every day and a day off to explore the enchanting Umbrian countryside or to simply relax under the Italian sun.

Obituary for Janet Panetta

We mourn the loss of our long-time companion, ballet teacher and good friend Janet Panetta, who died of cancer on Saturday, 2 December 2023 at the age of 74. We are so grateful that she accompanied us over 23 festivals, shared her knowledge, expertise and humour with us and the many enthusiastic dancers and that we were able to be part of her life.

Karl Regensburger receives Canadian honorary award

This year’s Prix de la Danse de Montréal 2023 in the category “Contribution Exceptionelle”, which honours the exceptional commitment of individuals to dance, was awarded to ImPulsTanz director Karl Regensburger on 28 November 2023. The Board of Directors explains its decision as follows: “His passion for the art of dance has inspired generations of artists and audiences and created a lasting legacy in the world of dance”.

We are looking for employees

We are now looking for colleagues for the upcoming festival and all year round. The list will be updated regularly – it’s worth checking back several times. We look forward to receiving numerous applications! (German language skills are required.)

Education and training programmes 2024

ImPulsTanz is looking forward to network and invite the international dance world to Vienna once again in 2024. In addition to ATLAS – create your dance trails for artists with first choreographic experience as well as mid-career artists (coaches: Angélique Willkie | Marco Berrettini) and danceWEB for young dancers and choreographers (mentor: Isabel Lewis), the further education programme ImPacT (mentor: Kerstin Kussmaul), which is dedicated to connecting dance students with experienced professionals, will also be offered. Applications are now open!

ImPulsTanz is a partner of the new European Dance Award SEDA

The newly established SEDA Salavisa European Dance Award honors emerging artists in the field of dance on a biennal basis (for the first time in 2024). In addition to prize money of 150,000 euro, the winner(s) also receive the opportunity to present their work on the stages of the partner network’s cultural institutions. In addition to ImPulsTanz, these include the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, the Dansehallerne in Copenhagen, Joint Adventures in Munich, the K.V.S. in Brussels, the Maison de la Danse/Biennale de la Danse in Lyon and Sadler’s Wells in London.

Choreographic Platform Austria 2023

From 19 to 21 October, the Choreographic Platform Austria will take place at brut, Festspielhaus Sankt Pölten and Tanzquartier Wien – the entire programme is now available!

Stars of the current flamenco scene in Vienna

Flamenco made the leap to the world’s great stages many years ago and it is time for Vienna to take its place in the process. This year, for the first time, the Círculo Divino flamenco festival will take place at the Odeon Theatre. On three evenings (05–08 October 2023), some of the great stars of this exciting art form will be on stage, with dance playing a leading role. Tradition and modernity unite here without the need to draw boundaries.

7 Mentorship Programs that Pair Early-Career Choreographers with Experienced Artists

Mentorship amongst choreographers is nothing new: Jose Limón had Doris Humphrey, and Alvin Ailey had Lester Horton. But in a career where there is often scarce training (most college programs still primarily train dancers, not choreographers, for instance) and that can be competitive and isolating, mentorship opportunities that are formalized rather than happenstance are becoming increasingly needed.

The ImPulsTanz – Young Choreographers’ Award goes to …

Marga Alfeirão with Mariana Benenge, Myriam Lucas, Shaka Lion for LOUNGE! The international jury consisting of Tamara Alegre, Anna Kozonina and Mateusz Szymanówka state their decision with the following words: “for a work that is relaxed but politically charged, for being courageous and caring, for masterfully choreographing lesbian sensuality and intimacy between two performers, establishing a strong personal connection on stage that is also welcoming for the audience”. In addition, the jury gave special mention to Batty Bwoy by Harald Beharie and To Be Possessed by Chara Kotsali. Congratulations from the bottom of our hearts!

DANZA&DANZA July/August issue 2023

DANZA&DANZA INTERNATIONAL is a digital-only magazine in English with news and reviews from all over the world and exclusive interviews with the stars of dance. The latest July/August issue features the always surprising Principal dancer Daniil Simkin as cover story, an exclusive interview with Geneva Ballet’s Artistic Director Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, as well as a focus on Maria Callas on the centenary of her birth.

Introducing Dance Magazine’s 25 to Watch

What will the dance world of tomorrow be like? An answer – or several – might be illuminated by our annual list of dancers, choreographers and companies on the brink of skyrocketing. These trailblazers and breakout stars are forging their own paths through our field. We can’t wait to see where they lead us next.

Travel tip: Special Deal at Max Brown 7th District

Max Brown 7th District is the perfect starting point for your adventures during the ImPulsTanz Festival. Our partner hotel is located in the middle of the 7^th District, right in the heart of the city’s creative centre and only a few minutes’ walk from all the highlights. The cosy rooms invite you to relax after an exciting evening at the theatre or to sleep in after a night out at the ImPulsTanz Festival Lounge at Burgtheater Vestibül.

OPEN CALL: ImPulsTanz Symposium for Dance and Other Contemporary Practices

Lace #1: Topographies of Touch brings together experts working at the intersections of art, academic research and activism. Reflecting the deprivation of touch experienced worldwide, Topographies of Touch embodies a meta/physical site where touch is explored in its context-specific capacities: Human-to-Human, Human-to-Institution, Human-to-Non-Human. In practice-based panels and other formats, Efva Lilja, Katy Dymoke, Mayfield Brooks and Deirdre Morris will engage in transmedial exchange with their guests. What if we acknowledge that every touch experience is specific and for good reason? 

Artists and researchers are invited to apply for residencies, to design Deep Dives and to be panelists.

ImPulsTanz goes Italy!

Between August and October, ImPulsTanz invites you to its unique workshops in Italy. In collaboration with Artis Umbria – the newly founded dance and health retreat by ImPulsTanz lecturer Kerstin Kussmaul – the five internationally renowned artists Glenna Batson, Sri Louise, Franca Pagliassotto, Terence Lewis and Shinichi Iova-Koga will each teach one week of dance and bodywork. The retreat includes four hours of movement daily and a day off to explore the beautiful Umbrian countryside, go swimming, taste wine or simply unwind under the Italian sun.

Teachers 2023

The overview of this year’s teachers including dates is now available online. Pull out your calendar and save the dates!
From 18 April all workshops and research projects can be booked on our website and at the Workshop Office at MuseumsQuartier. Have fun browsing!

Education Programmes

From 9 to 24 July 2023, the Summer Academy ImPacT will once again take place. It connects dance students and recent graduates with the international dance world to establish their own networks and think about possible career choices, with the aim of prompting a process of self-reflection about their future as dance artists. Mentor of the programme is Kerstin Kussmaul. From 2 July to 28 July 2023, the DanceAbility Teacher Training will take place under the direction of Alito Alessi and Connie Vandarakis. It is aimed at people who want to teach integrated groups in movement arts or learn a model for facilitating communities that foster inclusive participation. The deadline for applications for both programmes is 31 May 2023.

Studios for the independent scene

In 2024, the studios for the independent scene, funded by the City of Vienna and the district administration of Vienna’s 22nd municipal district and with the kind support of Wien 3420 aspern Development AG, will once again be available to artists in the performing arts sector on Rennweg and in Seestadt. A total of six studios measuring between 88 and 330 square metres and three co-working spaces can be rented easily and unbureaucratically. They are ideal for rehearsals, residencies and the realisation of individual artistic projects and showings.

First highlights of the 40th edition 2023

To celebrate its anniversary, the ImPulsTanz – Vienna International Dance Festival invites you to a mix of international dance icons associated with the festival, exciting new discoveries and numerous world premieres from the diverse world of contemporary dance and performance art from 6 July to 6 August 2023. With Cie. Marie Chouinard, Needcompany, Doris Uhlich, Steven Cohen, Clara Furey, Harald Beharie, Samira Elagoz, Lenio Kaklea, Ofelia Jarl Ortega, Angélique Willkie, Lau Lukkarila & Luca Bonamore, Anne Juren & Frédéric Gies and many more.

Support ImPulsTanz

With your donation you help ImPulsTanz to make important purchases and advance projects of social diversity and inclusion. You can donate for two different purposes. Donations are tax-deductible.

Open call – Huggy Bears Mentoring Programme 2023

Bears in the Park is looking for innovative Vienna-based artists and collectives who want to join the next round of the Huggy Bears Mentoring Programme. The programme is designed for upcoming artists who are either already working in the performance art scene and/or dance or are motivated to enlarge their previous practice with performance art. This way a special transdisciplinary learning atmosphere is created which enables a shared knowledge transfer.

Austrian Music Theatre Award for ImPulsTanz

On 13 September 2022 the Austrian Musical Theatre Award was awarded for the tenth time in Grafenegg – ImPulsTanz took home the special award in the category Best Production Dance. Many thanks to the jury for this exceptional honour, we are thrilled. Congratulations to all winners and thank you to our long-time companion Dirk Stermann for the great laudation.

Jury statement: ImPulsTanz – Young Choreographers’ Award 2022

This year’s ImPulsTanz Young Choreographers’ Award went to Davi Pontes and Wallace Ferreira for Repertorio N.2. Special mention was also made of the works of Boglárka Börcsök and Andreas Bolm as well as Mikko Niemistö. Read the entire jury statement here.

Cultural Fundraising Award for ImPulsTanz X Renault

We are very pleased to have been awarded with the Cultural Fundraising Award in the category "Best Corporate Partnership" for our cooperation with Renault Austria in 2019. Thank you very much! We would also like to congratulate the other two winners: the Votiv Kino and Café Liebling for their initiative to save the Bellaria Kino and the OTTO Kulturgenossenschaft for their project in Ottensheim.

Im Memoriam Ismael Ivo

On 8 April last year we had to say a painful goodbye to our co-founder, friend and companion Ismael Ivo. We always fondly remember the many beautiful moments we shared together and his inspiring enthusiasm for dance. We miss him deeply! On 1 August 2021, we commemorated this exceptional artist and dance mediator at Volkstheater Vienna.

Call for Action – United in support for Ukraine

We, as members of the Life Long Burning network - working all over Europe, with a longtime connection and Eastern European partner members, collaborating and facilitating artists’ and cultural workers’ mobility for more than 20 years - are highly concerned about the current situation in Ukraine and neighboring regions and the impact on the population in the period to come.

We urge national and European governments, as well as the local administrations, to set up immediate emergency funds and support measures available so that cultural and other civil society organizations can continue to actively support Ukrainian and Russians colleagues in threat. The next weeks and months will be worse than the first days of war as the number of refugees will increase. The civic reactions and solidarity of our citizens require a strong response of involvement from our governments and from the EU.