Ten Duets on a Theme of Rescue / Minus 16 / Bedtime Story (Nederlands Dans Theater)

In the organizer's words:

Dance guest performance by the Nederlands Dans Theater & Tanz Köln

As part of the long-standing partnership between the Nederlands Dans Theater and Tanz Köln, the renowned company returns to Cologne for a guest performance. Two pieces by renowned choreographers who are important for the company will be shown. A third ballet will complement the program.

"Ten Duets on a Theme of Rescue" by Canadian Crystal Pite begins with a highly dynamic duet between two men, laced with humor and self-questioning. Each of the intimate duets illustrates different facets of relationships: Support and caring, misunderstanding and despair, but also rescue.

The classic "Minus 16" was created by Ohad Naharin for the Nederlands Dans Theater in 1999. As in a kaleidoscope, different episodes, musical styles and moods are each rearranged and varied: from an unleashed circle of chairs with powerful oriental-influenced chants to a rapturous pas de deux to Vivaldi's "Stabat Mater".

Crystal Pite, a member of Ballet British Columbia and Ballett Frankfurt until 2001, has choreographed for Nederlands Dans Theater, Ballett Frankfurt, Cullberg Ballet and Cedar Lake, among others. In 2001, she founded her own company, Kidd Pivot, which received the Alcan Performing Arts Award in 2006. Pite is an Associate Choreographer with Nederlands Dans Theater and the National Arts Centre in Canada. In 2008, she is the recipient of the Governor General's Mentorship Award.

Ohad Naharin, born in Israel, began his dance training at age 22 with the Batsheva Dance Company, where he also took his first engagement. At the invitation of Martha Graham, he travels
to the USA. He later studied there at the Juilliard School and became a member of Béjart's Ballet du XXe siècle. His choreographic debut in 1980 receives worldwide acclaim. In 1990 he becomes artistic director and chief choreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company. Many companies now have his works in their repertoire. In addition to his choreographic work, Naharin develops "Gaga," an innovative movement language that focuses on a conscious approach to sensation and its approach to movement.