Dance in Switzerland

From Geneva to Zurich, Locarno to Basel, and St. Gallen to Freiburg, dance can be seen in a wide variety of different forms: classical or contemporary, flamenco or hip-hop, oriental or minimalist – not only in modern theatre auditoriums or neo-classical opera houses, but also in factory halls, corn exchanges, steam plants and open-air stages. Many institutional theatres foster continuity and quality by presenting established repertoires, whereas dance artistes are repeatedly opening up new scope for experiments. Especially in the recent past, the independent Swiss dance scene and the official Swiss institutions have been moving closer together, and new structures are also emerging.

It all started on Monte Verità

Dance cannot look back on a lengthy tradition in Switzerland but even so, this art form has developed with great diversity in our country. Major impetus emanates from Monte Verità in Ticino. This was where, at the start of the 20th century, a colony of alternative artistes was formed: they wanted to free themselves from all conventions and to seek out new forms of art and ways of life. On this "Mountain of Truth", pioneers of expressive dance also gave instruction and attracted many supporters. Geneva saw the start of the rhythmic movement which impacted dance training. The new developments in dance were brought to a standstill in neighbouring countries during the two world wars. Zurich and Lausanne then became international centres of dance. Legendary summer courses attracted star dancers from all over the world to Switzerland, where they presented their work and offered instruction themselves. World-renowned virtuosos made guest appearances in Switzerland, and vocational schools were founded.

The eventful 1980s

The 1980s were a period of radical change. Prompted by the youth uprisings, the major cities saw the emergence of centres for alternative cultural activities where the independent scene could evolve. Examples include the Rote Fabrik in Zurich, the Kaserne in Basel, the Dampfzentrale in Berne and the former Roxy Cinema in Birsfelden near Basel. New faces appeared at the helm of the dance companies in the established institutions.
The Mummenschanz mime group was formed as long ago as 1972, and is still touring the world. Many other companies also came into being, and some of them are still pursuing their own particular styles – examples include Drift and Flamencos en route.
The issues of the gender debate were reflected in dance; men took on more prominent roles as solo dancers. In the post-modern era, the general population became more aware of dance and performances became a part of public life. Nowadays, dance – like all the other arts – is a highly varied art form with extensive international connections. The global mindset and digitisation have made inroads into dance. Institutional establishments and the independent scene are moving ever closer together as they exert influence on each other. Thanks to its strong ability for self-renewal and high quality, dance now appeals to a wide audience that extends well beyond the major cities and specialist circles.

Classical ballet today

Four ballet ensembles feature the classical and neo-classical repertoires in Switzerland: the Zurich Ballet, the Basel Ballet, the Ballet Béjart in Lausanne and the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève. Founded between the world wars, these companies laid the foundations for the development of dance in Switzerland. Initially, ballet interludes were used to provide a visual dimension in musical theatre. But in addition to the dance interludes in opera and operetta, the companies soon began to present performances consisting entirely of dance to their audiences. Nowadays, they are moving closer towards contemporary dance.

The name of the Zurich Ballet is closely linked to Heinz Spoerli (born at Basel in 1940). This former dancer and choreographer helped to set up Switzerland's largest professional ballet company, going on to direct the Zurich Ballet at the city's Opera House for 16 years. He chooses the name "dance-maker" for himself – a modest title, given the enormous service he has rendered to classical ballet in Switzerland. Thanks to his outstanding choreographies, this exceptional artiste succeeded in making Swiss ballet internationally competitive. Christian Spuck took over from him in the 2012/13 season. The Zurich Ballet works regularly with William Forsythe, Martin Schläpfer, Jiri Kylian, Wayne McGregor, Marco Goecke and Mats Ek.
The Béjart Ballet Lausanne is named after the dancer and choreographer Maurice Béjart (1927-2007). Béjart, a Frenchman, founded the ballet in 1987. He is one of the dominant figures in contemporary ballet. In his choreographies, he emphasises the role of the male dancer; thanks to vivid imagery and passionate productions, he has brought ballet to a wider public. His successor is Gil Roman. The Béjart Ballet Lausanne is not tied to one theatre, and it regularly performs works from its founder's repertoire, as well as choreographies by Gil Roman and guest choreographers. Like the Zurich Opera House, what is now the Basel Theatre was influenced by the Russian tradition in the early 1950s and 1960s; it achieved international standing for the first time under its ballet director, Waslaw Orlikowsky. Richard Wherlock currently directs the Basel Ballet.
The Grand Théâtre formed a ballet company of its own when it was reopened in 1962. Since then, the company has focused on staging productions that represent the variety of styles in the 20th century. To achieve this goal, it works with renowned artistes and choreographers. The company is directed by Philippe Cohen.
A dance ensemble has existed at the St. Gallen Theatre since 1939. The Zurich dancer and choreographer Philipp Egli took over as director in 2001 – the first time that a representative of the independent scene has headed an institutional ensemble. Egli spans a wide spectrum ranging from ballet classics to his own independent works. Starting from the 2014/2015 season, the Berlin dancer and choreographer Beate Vollack will take over as director of the company.

The Berne City Theatre has had a ballet ensemble since 1933. Martin Schläpfer, previously a dancer with Heinz Spoerli's Basel Ballet, raised the profile of this ensemble for the first time in 1994. Under Estefania Miranda, the new dance director, the Dance Company of the Berne Concert Theatre will focus on world and Swiss premieres and dance series.

Lucerne has had its own ensemble since 1972. After ballet directors Ricardo Duse, Ben Van Cauwenbergh and Richard Wherlock elected a classical company, Verena Weiss moved into the building for five years with a dance theatre. In the 2009/10 season, the artistic direction of the 10-member dance ensemble was entrusted to Kathleen McNurney, an American who has been living in Switzerland for over 30 years. With “Tanz Luzerner Theater” she brings both renowned choreographers as well as aspiring talents to the Lucerne theatre and offers the public the opportunity to get to know a number of contemporary dance styles. The many surprising and multi-faceted productions of the contemporary company from Lucerne are gaining recognition, both in Switzerland and abroad. With the change of the directorship during the 2016/17 season, Kathleen McNurney will continue her work with the new team of Benedikt von Peter. .

Independent scene

As well as the institutional companies and ballets, there are many "independent" or "free" companies and dancers who work in Switzerland and abroad. The Contemporary Swiss Dance Days offer an excellent insight into the activities on this dance scene. This event takes place every two years in a different Swiss city. Selected companies perform their latest productions or present their work in the "shortcuts". The Dance Days offer an ideal promotion platform for participants not only to present their work to interested audiences but also to target event organisers and journalists in the field

Houses of Contemporary Dance

Gessnerallee, Zurich

The Gessnerallee in Zurich is open to all branches of the performing arts. Keynotes of the programme here are the joy of experimentation, innovative forms of performance and effortless crossover. This has made the Gessnerallee into a central meeting place for numerous members of the public with an interest in culture. www.gessnerallee.ch

The Red Factory Theatre, Zurich

The Fabriktheater also stages dance productions and hosts companies, both regional and international. In autumn, it organises the international Yeah Yeah Yeah dance festival. As a cultural centre, the Red Factory is constantly seizing on new trends, and it offers a platform for various forms of cultural activity. The Red Factory Theatre

Kaserne Basel

The Kaserne Basel (or "Basel Barracks") is north-west Switzerland's largest centre for the independent contemporary theatre, dance and performance scene, and also for innovative popular music. The program includes productions by theatre and dance artistes as well as live concerts. Kaserne Basel

Dampfzentrale, Bern

The Dampfzentrale (or "Steam Plant") is a cultural meeting-point in a former industrial zone. Interested participants share their passion for new forms of dance, performance and music at this venue. Festivals also take place in this unique architectural ambience in a natural setting by the river Aare.
Dampfzentrale

Südpol | Musik Tanz Theater, Luzern

Südpol | Musik Tanz Theater (South Pole | Music Dance Theatre) sees itself as a platform for a (young) creative scene. Its artistic programme features the company's own productions, co-productions and guest performances of music, dance and theatre. In addition, selected groups or solo performers are invited to undertake artistic research and stage productions on site as artists in residence. Südpol

Tanzhaus Zurich

The Tanzhaus Zurich (Zurich Dance House) was founded in 1996 as the "Tanzhaus Wasserwerk" (Waterworks Dance House). It is a venue for the development and production of contemporary forms of dance. The facility also offers scope for professional training, workshops and educational courses at various levels, and provides a venue where dancers can stage events. Tanzhaus Zürich

Théâtre Sévelin 36, Lausanne

Choreographer Philippe Saire founded Théâtre Sévelin in 1995 with the aim of promoting contemporary dance at local and regional level. The programme primarily features local companies and young choreographers. The theatre also arranges two international dance festivals: Lausanne Danse since 1997, and Les Printemps de Sévelin since 2012. In 2013, this theatre was awarded the Special Dance Prize. Théâtre Sévelin 36

Dance festivals

Migros Kulturprozent Tanzfestival STEPS

STEPS is the name of the largest festival of contemporary dance in Switzerland, organised by the Federation of Migros Cooperatives. It takes place every two years in spring, with events throughout Switzerland. For a three-week period, more than ten international dance companies tour the entire country to perform on a wide variety of stages – including national theatres, alternative cultural venues and multi-purpose halls away from the major centres. Alongside more than 90 performances, the festival also stages workshops for school students and dancers, and a specialist symposium. STEPS

Dance in Olten

The Dance in Olten festival takes place in autumn every year – 2013 saw the 18th edition of this event. The festival is organised by the association with the same name, which was founded in 1996; its objective is to promote professional contemporary dance in Switzerland. Dance in Olten

Theatre Spectacle Zurich

The Theatre Spectacle on the Landiwiese in Zurich takes place at the end of August / start of September each year. It now numbers among the leading European festivals focusing on contemporary forms of the performing arts. Over the last 30 years, it has evolved into a sought-after venue for renowned and up-and-coming theatre and dance groups from all over the world. Theatre Spectacle Zurich

Musicals and dance shows

Gripping stories that blend song, dance and theatre are also hits with the Swiss public. The best known venues are the Musical Theatre in Basel and the St. Gallen Theatre as well Theatre 11 and the Maag Event Hall – both in Zurich. In summer, the open air version with views of the lake and majestic mountains is a popular alternative – venues include Lake Thun and the Walensee, see www.thunerseespiele.ch and www.walenseebuehne.ch.
For an overview of Swiss musicals, visit: www.musical.ch. For information about musicals, shows and events throughout Switzerland, consult: www.actnews.ch. A special recommendation for children's musicals is: www.balzer-produktionen.ch

Dancing for everyone

The days when doors closed at midnight are long since past. Since the laws for hospitality outlets were liberalised in the 1980s, a vivacious night-life has developed in Switzerland's major cities. Important reasons for this include night buses and good public transport connections that take clubbers and party-goers home after their weekend outings.
Salsa or hip-hop, a bar or a club, a concert or a DJ? For those seeking entertainment, www.usgang.ch is a source of information about what's going on – at weekends or on any other day of the week. Dance fever sweeps through the city of Zurich from time to time, at events such as the Caliente, the Latin Music Festival in July or the Street Parade in August, when the city rocks to the beat of technosound.