KOR'SIA

Since its inception in 1989, Tanz im August at HAU Hebbel am Ufer has firmly established itself as a leading platform for innovative choreographers from across the globe, continuously redefining the boundaries of contemporary dance. This year, under the visionary direction of Ricardo Carmona, the festival weaves together 18 productions and 46 related events, exploring themes of migration, humanism, ecology, and the passage of time—issues that resonate deeply in today's world. A standout of the program was Mont Ventoux by KOR'SIA, the trailblazing Madrid-based collective. Their electrifying performance was a perfect embodiment of Carmona's curatorial vision, blending bold choreography with an exploration of human resilience and the natural world—capturing the very essence of Tanz im August as a dynamic crossroads for global artistic dialogue.

The work, directed and choreographed by Antoni0 de Rosa and Mattia Russo, captivated the audience with its striking fusion of physical intensity and intellectual depth. The dancers—Benoît Couchot, Angela Dematte, Samuel Dilkes, Emilie Leriche, Helena Olmedo, Andrew Scott, Dovydas Strimaitis, Ana Van Tendeloo, and Edoardo Brovardi—commanded the stage with a precision that was both visceral and expressive, seamlessly intertwining body and emotion in every gesture.

The performance itself was a masterclass in synthesis, where the raw energy of the dancers was expertly counterbalanced by the minimalist yet evocative set design by Amber Vandenhoeck and the hauntingly atmospheric score by Alejandro Da Rocha. The set, with its austere and angular elements, underscored the sense of confinement and urgency that permeated the piece, while the music—alternating between sparse, rhythmic pulses and sweeping soundscapes—mirrored the emotional turbulence of the dancers' movements. The syncopation between sound and body was near flawless, creating an all-encompassing experience that held the audience in rapt attention from start to finish.

At its core, *MONT VENTOUX* probes existential tension—an urgent metaphor for the fast-paced, fragmented nature of contemporary existence—while simultaneously invoking a yearning for simplicity and a return to nature. The title, referencing the iconic mountain in Provence, serves not only as a geographical symbol but also as a profound exploration of human endurance, resilience, and the search for clarity amidst the chaos of modern life.

The choreography was a striking blend of fluidity and precision, with the dancers embodying an almost elemental force as they navigated the stage. Each movement resonated with the pulse of time itself, pushing against the constraints of an ever-accelerating world while yearning for the grounding simplicity of the natural world. There was a palpable tension between the urgency of contemporary life and the primal desire for connection—to both the earth and to one another. This duality made the performance feel both immediate and timeless, reflecting a universal struggle that is as old as humanity itself.

In conversation with the directors following their visit to Berlin, Antoni0 de Rosa and Mattia Russo shared that *MONT VENTOUX* was conceived as an introspective inquiry into the human condition, examining not only the external pressures imposed by society but also the internal forces that shape individual experience. The choreography itself became a powerful language through which both physical and emotional states were articulated, creating a multi-sensory experience that was both intellectually stimulating and viscerally compelling.

*Mont Ventoux* is a striking testament to the power of contemporary dance as a medium capable of conveying complex, urgent themes with both elegance and rigor. In the context of Tanz im August, the piece further solidifies the festival's reputation as a premier platform for innovative, thought-provoking work—transcending traditional boundaries to engage with the most pressing issues of our time. The festival, under the curation of Ricardo Carmona, continues to push the limits of artistic expression, presenting performances that are as intellectually rich as they are emotionally stirring.

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Tell us about your journey and process of creation of this incredible performance named MONT VENTOUX

For us at KOR'SIA, the creation of this show has been a deeply engaging and introspective journey. Our creative process often begins with an exploration of human emotions and social tensions, blending classical references and contemporary themes. For this show, we focused on the delicate balance between memory, identity and the overwhelming speed of the modern world. We let these themes guide our choreographic choices, using movement to express the human desire to recover a sense of self, to recover the relationship that humans have with nature. Every element, from the staging to the soundtrack, was designed to invite the audience to this reflection. It was a journey that pushed boundaries, both our own and those of the traditional language of dance.

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How was your overall experience presenting MONT VENTOUX in Berlin and participating in Tanz im August, one of the oldest festivals of contemporary dance in Berlin?

Presenting our work in Berlin, particularly at Tanz im August, was a significant milestone for us. Berlin is a city known for its rich cultural diversity and openness to experimentation, making it the perfect stage for this performance. The energy and curiosity of the Berlin audience, coupled with the prestige of the festival, created a powerful atmosphere. We felt an immense connection with the crowd, and it was incredibly rewarding to witness how our work resonated with such a diverse audience. Participating in a festival as renowned as Tanz im August reaffirmed our belief in the universality of dance as a form of communication, transcending language and borders. We are truly honored to have been part of such an influential platform for contemporary dance.

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What should we expect next from KOR'SIA?

At KOR'SIA, we are always evolving, continuously seeking new creative landscapes to explore. Dance, as the purest expression of the human world—embracing tradition, society, and culture—captures the essence of our shared existence in a way no other art form can. Through experimental narratives, we challenge the boundaries of contemporary dance, pushing it into new and thought-provoking directions. Currently, we are preparing an exciting new production set to premiere in June 2025 in Madrid, and we can't wait to share it with you! Meanwhile, Mont Ventoux will continue its successful tour. Stay tuned—there's much more ahead!