_ Welcome of the Minister of Science, Research and Cultural Affairs of Berlin

in the catalogue of "Tanznacht Berlin".

When the Tanzfabrik Berlin and the Theater am Halleschen Ufer - both renowned promoters of contemporary dance in Berlin - join forces in order to present the current spectrum of Berlin's dance in a place such as the Akademie der K¸nste - which has made crucial contributions to the development and discovery of this art form - then this is truly going to be a special event. Thanks to this co-operation, the Tanznacht Berlin will take place this year for the first time bringing together the protagonists of dance, the experts and last but not least Berlin's dance audience meet.

Dance in Berlin is more than a local event. Within the last years the representatives of Berlin's contemporary dance have gained in attention both in the city and abroad. This is reflected both by the numerous commissions to present guest performances, invitations of Berlin's choreographers to festivals, and by the arrival of dance artists from other parts of Germany and abroad in this city. Contemporary dance belongs to one of the disciplines of art which has won the sustained interest of a large audience in Berlin.

This guide concerning the Tanznacht Berlin gives an impressive overview over the wealth of artists who define the image of Berlin's contemporary dance. In about 40 individual treatments the opportunity arises to find out more about the current protagonists of contemporary dance and their work. Although dance is one of the most fugitive art forms - this booklet is a manifest of current information, overview and reference work. It is also an invitation to the audience with an interest in dance, which stimulates and generates curiosity. It invites the public to meet the artists and experience the diversity - of which this booklet gives only a hint ‚ in content, forms of expression and movement vocabulary on the stages of this city.


Dr. Christoph St–lzl
Minister of Science, Research and Cultural Affairs of Berlin