Pina Bausch
German dance performer, choreographer, and ballet director, Philippina “Pina” Bausch, was born on July 27, 1940 in Solingen, Germany. Pina began performing at a young age for her parents’ guests in the family restaurant and hotel. The dancer was accepted into the Folkwang Academy school directed by Kurt Jooss, one of the primary figures of Tanztheatre—an expressionist and theatrical dance form. Upon graduating, Pina studied at the Juilliard School in New York which led to performances at the Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company and more. It was not until 1973 when Bausch became artistic director at the renown Wuppertal Opera ballet, later named the Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch Company.
““Your fragility is also your strength!””
Pina’s most famous works include Café Müller (1978) and Frühlingsopfer (The Rite of Spring) (1975). Repetition, aggressive, yet intimate interaction and reaction with the immediate surrounding environment and its players are often found in her choreography. The legendary performer’s pieces give way to emotion and life, completely uninhibited and all too personal. Pina’s performances are unhinged memories pushed up to the front, sung aloud, and leaves one with with a lingering sense of nostalgia for life as we’ve always dreamt it.
Images courtesy of PINA BAUSCH
words PERWANA NAZIF
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