ZURICH TALKS DANCE

"Next Steps" – New Horizons and the Art of Change

The world of dance thrives on constant movement, development and the courage to embrace change. Under the title "Next Steps", hosts Michael Küster and Jason Beechey invite audiences to a new edition of the talk format Zurich Talks Dance on Thursday, 17 September. The evening is dedicated to the crucial processes of transformation experienced by dance artists – from joining a new company to taking leave of the active stage.

Cathy Marston, Director of Zurich Ballet, will be a guest and will talk about the upcoming premiere of her choreography of Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream". Australian dancer Mia Heathcote, who has newly joined the ensemble this season, will speak about her own fresh start in Zurich. Alongside her is acclaimed soloist Esteban Berlanga, who is ending his active dance career and embarking on new artistic paths.

Two experts who have themselves undergone this professional transition will shed light on how it can be successfully navigated. Now an internationally successful choreographer, Ihsan Rustem will talk about his path after his own dance career. Former dancer and choreographer Oliver Dähler now heads the Swiss Foundation for the Retraining of Performing Artists (SSUDK). He will offer valuable insights into how the foundation provides artists with active, practical support as they reorient themselves professionally.

The talk will be enriched by outstanding live performances. A pas de deux from Cathy Marston’s "Ein Sommernachtstraum" will be presented. Students from the BA Contemporary Dance programme will also perform a work by the renowned Compagnie Linga, while "After Glass", an impressive work by Ihsan Rustem, will also be shown. An evening full of movement, depth and visionary perspectives.