BIOGRAPHY
I changed from the martial art Wushu Kung-Fu to dance at the age of nine years old.
My heart belongs to dancing ever since, even though I also practise Kung-Fu again, along other forms of like Yoga.
Now I am dancing in the freelance scene and teach different styles since my graduation as a professional dancer from Iwanson in 2018.
For my graduation project I chose to combine my knowledge that I gained from other artforms and use it to strengthen people physically and mentally.
DIPLOMAPROJECT
How can we use the teachings of the five elements from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) through exercise?
How does it affect the body and mind?
What new movement qualities can we discover and explore with their help?
Maybe something about that experience ourselves?
According to TCM, each element has different physical and mental/emotional attributes. We will each take one attribute and explore the element through various methods such as improvisation, partnering and movement material.
We use color, music and individually for each element - specific meridian stretches, Qigong movements and movement qualities from contemporary dance. This not only trains strength/flexibility, musicality, mindfulness and coordination, but also balances the elements in our own body,which has a positive effect on our mental and physical health.
BIOGRAPHY
In 2001 I started my professional dance career in Israel Ballet. From 2002 until 2015 I worked in Zurich Ballet and in 2015-2016 I joined Staatsballett Berlin.
During my dance career I’ve performed various classical and modern pieces from current repertoire and achieved multiple awards.
From 2018 on, I started working as a ballet teacher/rehearsal director at BA Contemporary Dance in the Zurich University of Arts.
In 2018 and 2023 I worked in La Scala and Vienna State Ballet staging Goldberg Variations choreographed by Heinz Spoerli.
In 2022 I was a jury member in Prix de Lausanne.
DIPLOMAPROJECT
With this project my goal was to create a structure for a ballet improvisation class.
For decades ballet has had defined and very structured rules, and I wanted to find a concept that complements the needs of participants with their own knowledge of ballet through improvisational tasks, enhance their intrinsic motivation through the process of making choices and developing greater levels of confidence.
This class is based on 3 levels, each level having 7 exercises.
The progress of each exercise is supported through a specific music concept created by Mladen Dabizljevic.
BIOGRAPHY
My journey in the world of ballet is a tale of passion, discipline, and continuous learning that has taken me from the vibrant classrooms of Taz to the grand stages of Zurich and Geneva, and finally into the reflective halls of academia. From a young age, I was captivated by the grace and power of ballet, a fascination that propelled me to pursue a rigorous training regimen at Taz, a place where my foundational skills were honed and my dreams began to take shape. The transition from student to professional dancer was a leap into a world where artistry and perfection met. My tenure at the Opera House Zurich was not just a job; it was an embodiment of my lifelong dream, allowing me to express stories through movement, alongside incredibly talented peers. The stage was where I felt most alive, under the spotlight where every pirouette and plié carried the weight of years of practice and dedication. Moving on to the Opera House Geneva, my journey continued to unfold in new and exciting ways. Each performance was an opportunity to connect with audiences, to share the beauty of ballet, and to push my physical and artistic limits. It was during this period that I also began to feel a strong inclination towards nurturing the next generation of dancers. The idea of passing on the knowledge and passion for ballet to young, aspiring dancers became increasingly appealing. This desire led me to pursue a master's in teaching and coaching dance professionals. Diving into the academic aspect of dance, I embarked on a quest to deepen my understanding of pedagogy, anatomy, and the psychological aspects of coaching. This phase of my career was about synthesizing my years of experience on stage with theoretical knowledge, to equip myself with the tools necessary to guide and inspire future dancers. Now, as I stand at the intersection of performance and education, I see my journey as a ballet dancer not just as a personal achievement, but as a foundation from which I can elevate others. My goal is to foster an environment of growth, resilience, and creativity for dance professionals, guiding them through the challenges and triumphs of a career in ballet. My story is still being written, each chapter a blend of teaching, learning, and dancing, all driven by an undying love for the art of ballet.
DIPLOMAPROJECT
In creating my master’s thesis, I’ve crafted a professional guidebook from the ground up, designed for ballet teachers stepping into guest roles at professional ballet companies. This project is born from my deep dive into countless conversations with seasoned ballet educators and an extensive analysis of what it really takes to make a mark in the ballet teaching world. I aimed to unravel the complex dynamics of adapting one’s teaching style to fit the nuanced environments of different ballet companies, all while ensuring the enrichment and growth of dancers under their tutelage. This guide book is more than just a collection of strategies; it’s a reflection of my journey to understand the symbiotic relationship between guest teachers and the companies they visit. I’ve distilled insights on how to navigate the professional ballet landscape, ensuring that every lesson, correction, and piece of advice enriches both the teacher’s and the dancers’ experiences. Through this thesis, I’m sharing a roadmap for guest ballet teachers to not only excel in their craft but also to forge meaningful, impactful engagements in the ever-evolving world of professional ballet.
BIOGRAPHY
Rebeka Mondovics, born 1997 in Hungary. I am a performer, dancer and now as such, a choreographer. I approach this new phase with a lot of excitement and with a great reservoir of energy and creativity.
I graduated as a Bachelor of classical and contemporary dance at the Music and Arts of University of the City of Vienna. Later on I received my first engagement with Zfinmalta National Dance Ensemble. Afterwards I joined the Dance Ensemble of Volkstheater Rostock. Throughout my recent professional experience I could work with artist such as Georg Reischl, Mavin Khoo, Paolo Mangiola, Esther Balfe, Dimitri Chamblas, Jose Agudo.
DIPLOMAPROJECT
„A body that is sensitive and subtle, and above all susceptible to the movements and gestures of bodies placed around it. An overwhelming sense of alienation and isolation disappears, making way for a performance imperative to connect with, and respond to, the world around the individual.“
Pleats of matter, and folds of the soul allows images of self-indulgent and rebellious bodies to appear. The movement aims to please through repetition, softness and enjoyment. The performers invite the audience on a ritualistic journey.
MITWIRKENDE
Choreografie und Konzept: Rebeka Mondovics
Tänzer:innen: Julien Guibourg, Giorgia Scisciola, Zoé Afan Strasser, Vito Vidovic Bintchende
Musikalische Komposition: Paul Taro Schmidt, Nuno Fernandez Ezquerra
Kostümdesign: Valentin Szarvas
Lichtdesign: Frederik Thiele
Video und Fotografie: Arthur Heck, Maria Cheilopoulou, Arman Grigoryan
BIOGRAPHY
Born in 1992, with a penchant for creativity, my journey led me through varied experiences
before discovering my passion for dance. Prior to my immersion in movement, I found fulfillment
as a chocolatier, relishing the hands-on process of crafting tangible delights. However, an
underlying desire to mold movement and emotion eventually drew me into the world of dance.
After studying dance in the US and transitioning from chocolatier to dancer-choreographer, I
found my rhythm choreographing and dancing with Metamorphic Dance, exploring the interplay
between movement and storytelling. This journey continued as I assumed roles as both dancer
and rehearsal director for Moving Spirits in Charlotte, NC, refining my skills and artistic vision.
Motivated by a desire to deepen my understanding of choreography and the tools used in its
creation, I pursued a Master's degree at the ZHDK. Here I have had the opportunity to uncover
the nuances of my creative voice and learn ways to share my approach to creation with future
generations of dancers and choreographers.
In each endeavor, whether crafting chocolates or choreographing a dance, I find fulfillment in
the act of sculpting something intricate out of raw materials. With hands that have shaped both
chocolate and movement, I continue to carve my path, guided by a steadfast passion for
expression and a commitment to passing on the joy found in the act of creation.
DIPLOMAPROJECT
Rituals, rites, and ceremonies serve as integral cultural markers, shaping societies and
subgroups across the globe. While often deeply rooted in tradition and symbolism, the
essence of movement within these practices raises intriguing questions about the
nature of purpose and meaning. In this project, I embark on a journey to investigate the
possibility of movement devoid of inherent significance, aiming to challenge
conventional notions surrounding ritualistic behavior.
My research delves into the universal presence of rituals and ceremonies, transcending
boundaries of culture and religion. I seek to unravel the communal purpose underlying
these practices and explore the ways in which movement shapes our collective identity.
By examining the mating dances of birds and drawing parallels with human rituals, I aim
to shed light on the fundamental essence of movement, stripped of cultural context and
symbolism.
Central to this exploration is the creation of a rite void of explicit purpose—a
choreographic endeavor aimed at celebrating movement for movement's sake. Through
meticulous study and analysis of avian mating rituals and human ceremonial practices, I
seek to transcribe the innate movements of birds onto the human form. This process
involves decoding the recurring pathways and shapes inherent in both natural and
man-made rituals, drawing inspiration from the seamless integration of movement and
instinct observed in the animal kingdom.
By juxtaposing the purposeful movements of animals with the spectacle of human
performance, I aim to provoke thought and challenge preconceived notions about the
significance of ritualistic behavior. Through this interdisciplinary exploration, I seek to
engage with broader questions surrounding the nature of meaning, identity, and
expression in both human and non-human realms.
BIOGRAPHY
I am Soraya Leila a Swiss-Moroccan performer choreographer based in Zürich.
I completed my studies in contemporary dance at CFPArts Geneva (2014), at SEAD Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance (2017) and a master's degree in choreography at ZHdK (2024). My dance career includes engagements and collaborations with renowned choreographers and companies such as Archipelago, Cie 7273, Humanhood, Theater Pforzheim, Compagnie Mafalda, Horizon Vertical and many more. I am also the rehearsal director and choreographic assistant of Cie O. and guest choreographer for the next production of the up-and-coming company Cie WILD LIFE. Since 2023 I have been exploring the theme of female pleasure in my choreographic work and in 2023/24 I am a TanzPlan Ost Associated Artist with my full length piece TURN ON.
DIPLOMAPROJECT
Vanilla Baby! - a bold and witty exploration of pleasure and intimacy between bodies and grappling dummies. By questioning the dichotomy of human and non-human and a play of embodiment and disembodiment, the lines get blurred between subjects and objects, reality and performance, organic and artificial, public and private, play and fight. It’s journey into the unpredictable and a fluid search of the in-between spaces in which one can exist, express and be. Vanilla Baby! – it's time to feel alive.
BIOGRAPHY
In the world of art, I see my movement as a blend of diverse styles in a seamless creative flow. Eager to push boundaries alongside my team, I thrive on crafting bold, experimental visuals for audiences. My passion for improvisation took root with Code#9, igniting my artistic voice. Recognition with the 3rd jury prize at MASDANZA fueled my exploration, leading to performances across Berlin, Zurich, and beyond. Honoured to receive the Excellence Scholarship at ZHdK in 2022, I've expanded my artistic journey by integrating insights from mentors and peers.
DIPLOMAPROJECT
"Remembering the Future" is a dance piece that delves into the intricacies of memory, time, and the collective experiences that shape our identities.
Through the fusion of physical and mental memories, the performance challenges the conventional understanding of time, suggesting a non-linear and even non-existent perspective. It explores the interplay between individual and collective memories, questioning the very nature of memory and its influence on our perception of the future.
BIOGRAPHY
My name is Ricardo Vasquez, and I am a current member of Dantzaz, a junior company in San Sebastian, Spain. As of April 1st I will join the ick cast in Amsterdam as a dancer and In July of 2024, I will also complete my studies at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), receiving my Bachelor's Degree in Contemporary Dance. I've always been a person that is constantly moving so dance has always been a safe place for me. I am interested in continuing to discover new movements and experimenting with dance and my body in different ways.
DIPLOMAPROJECT
In this project, I will delve into the body's movement, investigating the past of each dancer and what have been the impulses and how it aids to form a quality of movement. I would like to know a little of how and where this movement is born and how it is reflected in the aspects of their life. I would like to interview a select group of dancers of different ethnicities who have gone through various dance styles or movement practices and ended up in the same profession. I have chosen 5 people from different backgrounds in order to discover all of this.
You will see in the project how each person may move differently but when they are in a group they connect with each other.
I aim to show how different bodies react to the same piece of music when they are separated and when they are together.
BIOGRAPHY
For as long as I can remember, I have always been a creative child. The moment I saw the musical Billy Elliot, a world opened up for me. “This will be my job later!”. From one amateur group to becoming a bit more professional, singing lessons were added and I was eventually accepted to the musical education the Dutch Academy of Performing Arts in The Hague. Here I developed the three disciplines of singing, acting and dancing. I do play Piano, Guitar, write my own lyrics. I dance Contemporary, Classical Ballet, Horton, Jazz, Bob Fosse Style and Show dance and I am not scared about playing scenes.
In 2021 I graduated with a foundation in Musical Theatre. That same year, I was accepted into the Zurich University of The Arts, Bachelor of contemporary dance.
I am Bastiaan Louis, 23 years old. Art is my big inspiration in life, I love the combination of dance, physical theater, theater, literature and music, but also film and photography. It enables me to connect with others and myself. I love the challenge and do enjoy the diverse range, going as wide as possible and searching for interesting possibilities. It attracts me to use space, faces, costumes and a playground and curious atmosphere.
DIPLOMAPROJECT
Have you ever found yourself staring into space, lost in thoughts, images and memories, within your own mind? That moment when you feel detached from this world, slipping into another realm? It’s something I experience often, drifting away and becoming lost in my own thoughts, entangled in memories, images, judgments and confrontations. I get lost in the chaos within my own mind. Yet, when I Improvise, those thoughts, judgements and confrontations momentarily fade into silence… not always…. but occasionally. And when that happens, it is magical.
In my project, I aim to reveal a glimpse of my chaos and thoughts, showcasing beautiful spots in Zürich where I’ve felt a connection, where all that chaos could momentarily subside. I invite you on a journey, perhaps one of recognition and resonance with your own chaos, into my silent chaos “Perdu dans mes pensées.”
BIOGRAPHY
I’m Gioia Tartaglia, I was born in Pesaro, Italy. My journey into the world of movement began with rhythmic gymnastics, a passion I pursued until the age of 14 when I decided to start to ballet.
At 17, I moved to Milan to pursue my studies, enrolling at the AIDA dance school.
In 2021, I joined ZHdK, where I explored the expressive realm of contemporary dance, discovering new ways to communicate and connect through movement.
For my last year of university, I embraced the opportunity to be an intern at Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern for the 2023/24 season, gaining valuable insights and experiences along the way.
DIPLOMAPROJECT
The "Natural Dance" project focuses on exploring the intimate relationship between human movement and the natural environment. Through a series of choreographic performances immersed in the wild beauty of nature, we will engage in spontaneous and organic dance that evolves in harmony with the surrounding landscape. With videos capturing artistic expression in natural settings, I aim to convey the beauty and power of the connection between humans and the natural world through the universal language of dance.
BIOGRAPHY
I am Sara Pigatto and I was born in Italy in 2000. I’ve been dancing since I was 3, following the steps of my sister. Once I graduated from a Scientific High School I moved to New York City to deepen my training. I attended the International student program at Broadway Dance Center and Gibney. After my time there, I started the Bachelor in Contemporary Dance at Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (ZHdK). I spent my third year internship at the company DeStile in The Netherlands.
DIPLOMAPROJECT
“Anita” is a short dance film where my poetry and my body meet each other. The video is about what we don’t say, what we swallow and lock up in our stomachs, what makes our voices tremble and our hearts hide. Through six poems, this project is a celebration of fragility with all that living sensitively entails. There’s anxiety on one side and acceptance on the other. Simultaneously, there are no sides: there is stillness in the anxiety and fear in the acceptance. This film is about how, after all, it is still worth it to feel it all.
BIOGRAPHY
My name is Angelina, and I grew up in Geneva. My journey into the world of movement began in my father's garage, where the rhythmic hum of engines and machinery inspired me to explore movement in all its forms.
My fascination with the art of movement first led me to rhythmic gymnastics. However, it is through dance that I found my way. Starting with ballet, I quickly turned to the raw expressivity of contemporary dance.
It was during this exploration that I discovered improvisation - a concept that at first seemed intimidating. Yet as I delved deeper, I felt an intense connection between myself and the art of spontaneous movement. What began as a challenge quickly became a liberating necessity.
DIPLOMAPROJECT
This diploma project explores the complex relationship between dance and my physical well-being, emphasizing both its positive and negative aspects.
Throughout this work I have been captivated by the duality of dance. With scoliosis as a backdrop, dance proves to be not only as a passion, but also an indispensable therapeutic tool. Analysis of the effects of dance on my body reveals a subtle balance between physical exertion, pain management, emotional release and dependence. Dance has thus become a powerful addictive force, essential to my wellbeing.