Pina Bausch German dancer and choreographer Date of Birth: 27.07.1940 Country: Germany

1. Biography of Pina Bausch
2. Artistic Direction in Wuppertal
3. International Success
4. Film Career
5. Pina Bausch's Legacy

Biography of Pina Bausch

German dancer and choreographer Pina Bausch was born on July 27, 1940, in Solingen, Germany. She began her ballet training in Essen from 1954 to 1958 before continuing her studies in New York. In 1962, Bausch returned to Germany and joined the Essen Ballet Theatre as a soloist. In 1969, she became the artistic director of the company.

Artistic Direction in Wuppertal

In 1973, Pina Bausch took on a new challenge and became the artistic director of the Wuppertal dance company. Under her leadership, the troupe specialized in contemporary dance, exploring innovative movements and pushing the boundaries of traditional dance techniques.

International Success

Pina Bausch and her company went on to create performances inspired by the atmosphere and aesthetics of the cities they visited. They toured extensively, captivating audiences in Budapest, Palermo, Istanbul, Tokyo, Lisbon, Hong Kong, Madrid, Rome, Los Angeles, Seoul, Vienna, and more.

Film Career

Aside from her contributions to the world of dance, Pina Bausch also made a mark in the film industry. She appeared in two iconic films, working with acclaimed directors. In Federico Fellini's "And the Ship Sails On" (1983), she played a blind princess who tactfully plays chess. She also portrayed herself in Pedro Almodóvar's "Talk to Her" (2002).

Pina Bausch's Legacy

In July 2009, Pina Bausch was scheduled to perform her production "Seven Deadly Sins" in Moscow but tragically passed away on June 30, 2009, in Germany, after battling cancer. Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades, including the European Theatre Prize in 1999, the Legion of Honour in 2003, the Nijinsky Award in 2004, the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale and the Kyoto Prize in 2007, and the Goethe Prize in 2008.

Pina Bausch's unique approach to dance and her exploration of human emotions and motivations continue to inspire dancers and choreographers worldwide. Her quote, "I am least interested in how people move; I am interested in what moves them," encapsulates her artistic philosophy and passion for understanding the human condition through movement.