Choose ONE international choreographer from the prescribed list above - NSC Dance Studies - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1

The programme note will be structured as follows:

1. Title: Pina Bausch: A Programme Note
2. Introduction: An overview of Pina Bausch's significance in contemporary dance.
3. Body: Detailed exploration of her training, movement vocabulary, influences, and contributions.
4. Conclusion: Summary of her impact on the dance community.

Pina Bausch trained at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany, and later worked with renowned choreographers such as Kurt Jooss. She founded the Tanztheater Wuppertal in 1973, where she developed her unique style that blends dance and theater.

Bausch's movement vocabulary is characterized by:

• Expressive gestures and bodily movements that convey emotion.
• Use of everyday actions integrated with dance techniques.
• Strong emphasis on the physicality and presence of performers.

Pina Bausch's style was influenced by various elements:

• Personal experiences and emotional narratives inform her choreography.
• Social and political themes often explored in her works.
• Collaborative processes with dancers, fostering a unique approach to storytelling through movement.

Pina Bausch significantly contributed to the art of dance by:

• Introducing the concept of Tanztheater, which merges dance with dramatic narrative.
• Pioneering works such as 'Café Müller' and 'The Rite of Spring' that challenge traditional forms of dance.
• Inspiring a new generation of choreographers to explore the emotional depths of performance.