Pina Bausch

Pina Bausch is a German contemporary choreographer and dancer. She was born on July 27, 1940 in Solingen, Germany which is located in the middle of Germany and is known for manufacturing blades, knives and swrods. It's name means "City of Blades."

She began choreographing pieces in 1968 and to this day her work is considered a national asset and performances are attended by the German Federal President and Prime Minster. She has won 65 awards world wide including several from the Us as well as an Order Of Merit First Class form the President of the Federal Republic of Germany.

She is the leader of the Tanztheater style of dance based in the expressionist movement, along with her peer Susanne Linke. The style incorporates small amounts of dialogue as well as elaborate sets and costumes to create an often sureealsitic picture. At age 15, she began studying at the Folkwang Academy in Essen, studying the expressionist dance movement, before moving to New York and studying at Julliard five years later. She danced with the Donya Feuer Dance Company, New American Ballet and the Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company before moving back to Germany. There she danced with the Folkwang Ballett Company, and grew to become it's Artistic Director. In 1972, she became the Artistic Director of the Wuppertal Opera Ballet which was later renamed the Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch company. Pina Bausch has ben touring the world with this company ever since.

She was married to a costume and scenic designer by the name of Rolf Borzik, who passed away in 1980 and whom designed both the set and costumes on many of her pieces. Themes in her work are repition, and the interactions between males and females. She uses contemporary, classcal and even rock music to create a unique style. Her work has influenced dance worldwide and even inspired films such as the 2002 film by Pedro Almodovar entitled "Talk To Her."

She died this year (2009).









"Vollmond"/"Full Moon" - May 11, 2006





Pina Bausch's Website

"Bausch Meets Almodovar in New Film" By Susan Yung - danceinsider.coma