ZURICH TALKS DANCE

Discussion Series

From 3. September 2025 until 21. June 2026

Dates & Tickets

Zurich Talks Dance on Sunday, 6 December

A Matter of Moments
On Time, Tempo and Generations Ahead of the Premiere of "Slow Rush"

In dance, a single moment can often make all the difference – to balance, expression and taking the right step at the right time. Just a few weeks before the premiere of Zurich Ballet's "Slow Rush", this edition of "Zurich Talks Dance" explores the phenomenon of time from a variety of perspectives: What does slowness mean as an artistic device? What does it feel like to embark on a career in dance? And how does one look back on a lifetime of choreographic achievement?

The occasion is marked by two special anniversaries: the upcoming 80th birthday of master choreographer Jiří Kylián, whose slow-motion study "Last Touch First" forms part of the new ballet evening, and the 25th anniversary of the Junior Ballet.

The guests bring together perspectives spanning several generations. Michael Küster and Jason Beechey talk to Ballet Director Cathy Marston, Kylián's long-standing assistant Václav Kuneš, and Carla Reynes and Scott Millar from the Junior Ballet, who are creating their own choreography especially for this event.

Students from the Tanz Akademie Zürich will also offer vivid insights straight from the ballet studio, performing excerpts from their current repertoire – from a classical pas de deux from "The Nutcracker", perfectly suited to the Christmas season, to a contemporary choreography by Stephen Shropshire.

Abstract

Under the title "Zurich Talks Dance", Zurich Ballet, the Zurich University of the Arts, the Dance Academy Zurich and Tanzhaus Zürich joined forces in 2023 to offer audiences deeper insights into artistic, professional and educational topics in the world of ballet. Through a variety of events, audiences gain a closer understanding of the lives and work of dancers, choreographers, ballet teachers and many other creative professionals in the dance world, while also having the opportunity to meet renowned dance artists. The aim is to present the work of Zurich Ballet within a broader context and to foster dialogue with other dance professionals and dance enthusiasts. The talks are hosted by dramaturge Michael Küster together with representatives of the partner institutions.

Read more Show less